Jim Gaffigan's Wife of 20 Years and Mother of His 5 Kids Is Producer Jeannie Gaffigan

Jim Gaffigan's wife, Jeannie Gaffigan, has persevered through trying times, but she wasn't alone. When the mother of five learned she had a tumor in her brain, a long recovery journey lay ahead, but it only strengthened her marriage and brought her family closer.

On July 26, 2023, Jeannie Gaffigan celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband, actor Jim Gaffigan. Her husband posted a short thread of photos on Instagram, showing how he and his wife celebrated the milestone.

In the first picture, the couple posed in coordinated outfits outside their home. Jeannie Gaffigan wore a silky royal blue dress that flowed above her knees with white strapped wedge heels. She smiled happily, embracing her husband, whose arm rested on her waist as he held her close.

Jim sported a similar-colored button-down with cream-white trousers and black-and-white sneakers. The 57-year-old modestly smiled as he held Jeannie's hand. The second picture showed Jeannie holding a chilled champagne-filled glass to toast with her husband.

Alongside the lovely photos, Jim wrote, "20 years. 5 kids. Surprisingly, 0 divorces." The comedian has been in the entertainment industry for decades, as has his wife, whose work began in theater. Like Jim, Jeannie is a star in her own right.

Jim Gaffigan's Wife, Jeannie Gaffigan, Is a Producer, Writer, and Part-Time Actress

Born Jeanne Louise Noth, Jeannie drew her first breath in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on March 9, 1970. Her father was a film critic, and she grew up studying theater. She eventually became a stage actress.

She is also one of nine siblings, two of whom ventured into entertainment. It's unknown when she left the theater, but she dabbled in onscreen acting between the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Her first TV appearance was a minor role in the fantasy series, "Ghost Stories," playing Annie Coats. In 1998, she played a Call Girl in a film titled "The Killing." Four years later, she starred in the comedies "Hacks" and "Maybe It's Me."

Another hiatus followed before returning as A in 2006's "Be My Oswald." Jeannie eventually transitioned to working behind the scenes in film and television. Among her chiefly recognized work are her husband's comedy specials, which the couple co-writes and produces.

Their most critically acclaimed work is the comedy series "The Jim Gaffigan Show." The series aired for two seasons between 2015 and 2016. The show featured a star-studded cast, including Macaulay Culkin, Alec Baldwin, John Mulaney, Will Ferrell, and Steve Buscemi.

Jim Gaffigan Met His Wife at a Bodega

The first time Jeannie saw Jim, he was performing with a sketch group, and she was immediately impressed. "I was like, 'He's really good,'" she recalled. They crossed paths once more at a local Korean market and became friends.

Additionally, they formed a long-lasting professional relationship and began working together. Their first collaboration involved Jim facilitating a workshop for Jeannie's non-profit, Shakespeare on the Playground.

In return, Jeannie helped him polish his acting skills. Jim was to star in the 2000 CBS series "Welcome to New York." She helped him prepare for his role during that time, and their chemistry developed beyond their initially platonic relationship.

Eventually, they fell in love and decided to be life partners. The lovebirds married on July 26, 2003, and began expanding their family two years later. Today, they are a family of seven with five children.

Jeannie Gaffigan and Jim Gaffigan Are Parents to Two Daughters and Three Sons

Jeannie and Jim welcomed their first daughter, Marre, in 2005. Their eldest son, Jack, was born the following year. In 2009, the couple had their second daughter, Katie Louise. Michael followed in 2011, with Patrick completing the family in 2012.

The five siblings, who have already had minor appearances on TV, have frequently appeared on their parents' socials. In 2020, the family of seven celebrated New Year's with a dance party that included donuts and face paint.

The following year, Jeannie shared how they honored Palm Sunday, posting a photo of her kids, each holding a palm leaf. In June 2021, the mom of five wished Jim a Happy Father's Day, sharing a family photo from the previous Halloween.

The Gaffigans happily celebrated Easter in April 2022 and again in April 2023. Although Jim has joked that his now-teenage and pre-teen kids are executing the "karmic revenge of our own parents," the doting dad has marveled at how much they've grown.

His oldest son, Jack, is already following in his footsteps as a stand-up comedian. Each of his kids is finding their passions, and Jim couldn't be more proud. However, given the detrimental effects of social media culture, he's also aware of the pressures they're exposed to.

Jeannie Gaffigan on Her Brain Tumor: 'I Was a Ticking Time Bomb'

In the mid-2010s, Jeannie began experiencing headaches, dizziness, and coughing fits that she initially attributed to the exhaustion of parenting five children. But when her hearing began to diminish, she sought medical attention.

It wasn't long before she learned she had a tumor, the size of an apple, that compressed her brain stem, which was crucial for nearly all her bodily functions. "I was a ticking time bomb, waiting to be paralyzed," Jeannie said.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Joshua Bederson said the tumor was benign and had likely grown for over a year. She underwent surgery to remove the mass in April 2017. Before leaving, she and Jim explained the situation to their kids.

Their older children received a "very scientific" explanation but were assured their mom would live. The younger ones received a lighter analogy (removing bad tonsils) to help them understand. The couple avoided using the term "brain tumor" with the little ones.

Jeannie's procedure was successful, but she developed aspiration pneumonia days later, which required a tracheotomy. She could only receive nourishment via a feeding tube, which continued for months.

Their family dynamic completely changed, with Jim taking full responsibility for the kids and caring for Jeannie, but he wasn't alone. Friends and family became the couple's support system, including aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, coming to their home to offer assistance.

Jeannie and Jim felt their faith was tested, but their bond and love only solidified. Jim frequently celebrates his love for his wife, who looks healthy, and whom he once called "the most important woman in the world," in his posts. On their 18th anniversary, he shared a throwback photo from one of their first few dates.

"This pic is from after one of our first dates, where I introduced her to my upstairs neighbors and close friends. One of those neighbors, @sheckybeagleman, told me, 'She's the one.' I'll never forgive Shecky for that," Jim wrote alongside the happy picture of the couple playing with a cat.