Deacon Phillippe, the 22-year-old son of actors Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon, is garnering significant attention for a recent shirtless photoshoot for the California-based clothing brand ERL. The images, posted on Instagram by designer Eli Russell Linnetz, showcase Phillippe's sculpted physique and have quickly amassed thousands of likes.
In the professional studio shots taken in Venice Beach, Phillippe is seen in various states of undress, highlighting his toned torso and biceps. One notable image features him leaning against a chest of drawers, with his blond hair styled in a beach wave. Another shows him in a purple hoodie and matching jeans, sans shirt, revealing his abs. He humorously commented on his attire, noting "the purps btw they stayed on since."
The public reaction has been swift, with many followers commenting on his resemblance to his father and praising his genes. Some also pointed to his status as a "nepo baby," a term referring to individuals with a famous parent, but with a tone of admiration for his appearance.
Phillippe, who recently graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, is primarily focused on a music career in production and songwriting, though he has occasionally ventured into modeling and acting. He recently made a public appearance at the premiere of the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle on June 23, where his fashion choice mirrored his father's ensemble from the original Legally Blonde premiere in 2001. He wore a suit with a wide pink tie and dark sunglasses, a replica of his father's look.
Ryan Phillippe himself has previously commented on his son's looks, modestly stating in a 2021 interview with E! News that Deacon inherited more of Reese Witherspoon's side of the family's features and was "way better looking than I am."
Phillippe and Witherspoon, who were married from 1999 to 2006, have maintained a friendly co-parenting relationship. Witherspoon has since been in a relationship with Oliver Haarmann, a founding partner at Searchlight Capital, since 2024. She also has a son, Tennessee, with her ex-husband Jim Toth, from whom she divorced in 2023.