If you spent any time watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills during the mid-2010s, you probably remember Eileen Davidson as the voice of reason. Amidst the wine-tossing and "Beast!"-shouting, Eileen was the one usually keeping it together. But while we saw her iconic husband, Vince Van Patten, popping up to offer poker advice or a quick joke, their only biological child together often stayed just on the periphery of the frame.
The name you’re looking for is Jesse Thomas Van Patten.
Honestly, it’s kinda funny how celebrity kids can be so present in the news without actually being "in" the news. Jesse isn't exactly chasing the paparazzi or trying to launch a reality show of his own. He’s essentially grown up right under our noses while his mom dominated the daytime soap world as Ashley Abbott on The Young and the Restless.
Who is Jesse Thomas Van Patten?
Jesse was born in May 2003. If you’re doing the math, yeah, he’s officially in his early 20s now. Eileen has been super open about the fact that she had him when she was 41, a detail she’s shared to encourage other women who are navigating motherhood later in life.
He isn't just "Eileen's son," though. He’s part of a massive Hollywood dynasty. His dad is Vincent Van Patten—the former tennis pro and current World Poker Tour commentator—and his grandfather was the legendary Dick Van Patten from Eight Is Enough. When you grow up with that kind of lineage, "normal" is a relative term.
The Blended Family Dynamic
While Jesse is Eileen’s only biological child, he grew up in a very full house. He has two older half-brothers, Duke and Vinny (Vincent Jr.), from his father’s previous marriage to actress Betsy Russell.
Eileen has often joked that she used a bit of "bribery" to win over her stepsons when she first joined the family, but the bond between the three brothers seems pretty solid. You’ll often see the whole crew together at red carpet events like movie premieres or charity galas. They look like a "normal" family, or at least as normal as you can look while standing in front of a wall of photographers at the Beverly Hilton.
Growing Up in the Spotlight (Sort Of)
Unlike some "Bravolebrities" who push their kids into every scene to secure a storyline, Eileen and Vince seemed to keep Jesse's childhood relatively grounded. We saw glimpses of him on RHOBH, usually just being a teenager, dealing with high school stuff, or hanging out in their notoriously "messy" (by Beverly Hills standards) garage.
- Birth Date: May 20, 2003
- Education: Graduated high school in 2021; reportedly attended CSU Northridge.
- Interests: Athletics and music (he’s been spotted at plenty of events supporting the arts).
There was a pretty emotional moment Eileen shared on social media a few years back when Jesse headed off to college. It’s that classic "empty nest" syndrome that hits every parent, regardless of whether they have an Emmy on their mantelpiece. She posted about the "bittersweet" feeling of watching her "baby" move out, which resonated with a lot of her long-time fans.
The Confusion with "Jesse Thomas"
If you Google the name "Jesse Thomas," things get a bit muddy. There is a very successful singer-songwriter and producer in Los Angeles named Jesse Thomas. That Jesse Thomas has billions of streams and has written for stars like Kelly Clarkson and Martin Garrix.
To be clear: That is not Eileen Davidson's son.
Eileen’s son is Jesse Thomas Van Patten. While the younger Jesse has grown up surrounded by creativity, he hasn't (yet) stepped into the professional music industry in the same way the professional songwriter has. It's a common mix-up in search results, but it's important to keep the two separate.
Why People Still Search for Him
People are naturally curious about "legacy" kids. We want to see if they look like their famous parents (Jesse is a pretty even split between Eileen and Vince, honestly) or if they’re going into the family business.
So far, Jesse seems to be carving out his own path away from the cameras. While his brother Duke Van Patten has pursued acting (appearing in 7 Days to Vegas), Jesse has kept a much lower profile. He’s active on social media, but he isn't thirsty for the spotlight. He seems more focused on his studies and his friends than trying to become the next big influencer.
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What’s He Doing Now?
As of 2026, Jesse is navigating his early twenties. Based on recent updates and sightings, he’s been focusing on his education. He’s been linked to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), which is a great school right in the heart of the Valley, not far from where the family resides.
It’s refreshing, really. In an era where every celebrity kid has a skincare line by age 15, Jesse Van Patten just seems to be a guy living his life.
Lessons from the Van Patten Household
Eileen Davidson has often spoken about the "complexities" of a blended family. She’s been honest that it wasn’t always easy, but her approach was always "kids first."
If you're looking for insights into how she raised such a seemingly well-adjusted kid in the middle of the Hollywood chaos, it basically comes down to these points:
- Prioritize Stability: Even during her busiest years on Days of Our Lives or Y&R, Eileen made it a point to be present for the "mundane" parts of Jesse's life.
- Maintain Boundaries: Notice how little we actually know about his private life? That’s intentional.
- Embrace the Blend: Treating step-siblings as full siblings creates a support system that lasts into adulthood.
If you’re following the family's journey, the best way to keep up with Jesse is actually through Eileen’s Instagram. She’s a proud "boy mom" and frequently shares "then and now" photos that show just how much he’s grown.
To stay updated on what the rest of the Van Patten clan is up to, you might want to check out Vince’s poker projects or Duke’s latest acting credits. But for Jesse, expect him to keep playing it cool and staying out of the tabloids. It seems to be working out pretty well for him so far.
Actionable Insight: If you're interested in celebrity family dynamics, follow Eileen Davidson on verified social media platforms like Instagram. She frequently shares authentic, non-curated glimpses into their family life that offer a more realistic look at "Hollywood parenting" than what you'll see on a scripted reality show.