Anne Heche’s Son Atlas Tupper Breaks Silence About His Mother’s Death

Anne Heche stands with a content look, while Thomas Jane holds her face in his hands in The Vanished.
(Image credit: Saban Films/Ingenious)

The public was shocked this summer when actress Anne Heche tragically passed away, following a fiery car crash and a few days in the hospital. Since then fans and co-stars alike have reminisced about her talents, as the matter of her estate was worked out in court. Heche left behind two children: Homer Laffoon and Atlas Tupper. The latter son is 13 years old, and recently broke his silence about his mother’s death. 

Anne Heche died on August 12th, due to smoke inhalation and injuries from her car crash. Given to the surprising nature of this incident, she didn’t have a will prepared at the time of her death. As such, the family has since made headlines due to a legal battle over her estate, as well as custody of Atlas Tupper. While it seems that’s been settled for the time being, both Atlas and his father James Tupper recently participated in the Los Angeles Inquisitor’s tribute to the late actress. In this story Atlas is quoted, saying:

My mom was the brightest person I've ever known. She always knew how to solve a problem, or help a friend. She always knew the right thing to do. I cannot put into words how grateful I am or how much I miss her.

Pretty powerful stuff. Hearing Atlas’ words further highlights the tragedy of Anne Heche’s unexpected passing. And as glowing words about her character are published by those who knew the late actress, it makes the nature of her death all the more harrowing. Hopefully Heche’s loved ones are able to have a healing journey, despite this new trauma.

Given how quiet Atlas Tupper has been since Anne Heche’s passing, these comments are sure to quickly go viral. It helps to paint a picture of their relationship, and shows the very real people who are affected by this celebrity death. Heche’s ex James Tupper (aka Atlas’ father and her Men in Trees co-star) also penned his own statement about her for the tribute, which reads:

Anne and I were together for more than a decade, we have a beautiful son together and in that time, he was the very definition of light in our lives, always bringing fun, love and energy. She will always be remembered in our hearts and minds.

Another fitting tribute for Anne Heche, coming from someone who knew her very well. This story by the Los Angeles Inquisitor celebrates who she was as a person and artist. Indeed, countless folks out there have tried to get to know her better after her death, resulting in her 2001 book Call Me Crazy being sold online. A second book was released posthumously, titled simply Call Me Anne. The sophomore memoir includes plenty of explosive details, including allegations against Harvey Weinstein, as well as her experience after coming out/her public relationship with Ellen Degeneres

Regarding the legal battle surrounding her estate, Anne Heche’s older son Homer Laffoon recently got some good news, and got access to her things. But there were stipulations placed by the judge, so the situation could change sometime in the future. Regardless, those she left behind truly miss her, especially her two sons.

Anne Heche has a few posthumous projects coming down the line still, which were filmed before her death over the summer. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie experience. 

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Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.