On July 10, 2025, Alexandra Hedison, the acclaimed photographer, director, and wife of Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster, celebrated her 56th birthday in a way that left fans teary-eyed and social media buzzing. Known for their fiercely private relationship, Hedison and Foster rarely share glimpses of their personal lives, but this milestone birthday brought an unexpected twist: a surprise celebration orchestrated by Foster’s son, Christopher “Kit” Foster, featuring a deeply meaningful gift that revealed the tight-knit bond of their family. The emotional moment, shared sparingly online, sent fans into a frenzy, with many calling it one of the most touching celebrity stories of the year. Here’s how it all unfolded, and why this gift has everyone talking.
A Quiet Morning in Los Angeles
The day began like any other in the Foster-Hedison household, nestled in the lush hills of Los Angeles. Hedison, born on July 10, 1969, to actor David Hedison and Bridget Hedison, is no stranger to the entertainment world but prefers the quiet artistry of her photography studio to the Hollywood spotlight. According to a close friend who spoke to People, Hedison had planned a low-key birthday, expecting a simple dinner with Foster and perhaps a few close friends. “Alex loves her work and her family, but she’s not one for big celebrations,” the friend said. “She thought it’d be just another day.”
Foster, 62, was away in New York for a promotional event for her latest project, a Netflix series, and had told Hedison she might not make it back in time due to a tight schedule. Hedison, understanding of her wife’s demanding career, was prepared to spend the morning alone, perhaps editing photos from her recent exhibit or working on her next film project. Little did she know, a surprise was brewing, masterminded by Kit, Foster’s 23-year-old son from her previous relationship with Cydney Bernard.
The Surprise Unfolds
Around noon, Hedison was in her home studio when Kit, a recent college graduate with a knack for creative surprises, knocked on the door. According to an Instagram Story Hedison later shared, she was “completely caught off guard” when Kit walked in with a grin, carrying a small, elegantly wrapped box and a bouquet of her favorite peonies. “I thought he was just dropping by to say hi,” Hedison captioned the post, which showed a candid shot of Kit setting up a small birthday banner in their living room. The banner, handwritten and slightly crooked, read, “Happy Birthday, Alex—You Make Our Family Shine.”
But the real shock came when Kit revealed he wasn’t alone. He’d coordinated with Foster’s older son, Charles “Charlie” Foster, 26, and a handful of Hedison’s closest friends to gather in the backyard for a surprise party. The group, kept secret until the moment Hedison stepped outside, included fellow photographers, a few The L Word castmates from her acting days, and even her mother, Bridget, who flew in from San Francisco. A small table was set with a homemade cake—chocolate, Hedison’s favorite, baked by Charlie—and a playlist of her favorite jazz tunes filled the air.
“I was floored,” Hedison later told Variety in a rare interview. “Kit and Charlie went all out, and I had no idea Jodie was in on it, too.” Unbeknownst to Hedison, Foster had secretly flown back from New York that morning, landing just in time to join the celebration. When Foster emerged from the house, arms outstretched, Hedison burst into tears, a moment captured in a blurry but heartfelt photo shared on Foster’s private Instagram, visible only to close followers. “Best surprise ever,” Foster captioned it, tagging Kit with a heart emoji.
The Gift That Stole Hearts
The highlight of the celebration, however, was the gift Kit presented to Hedison—a custom-made photo album that left everyone, including the usually composed photographer, speechless. The album, titled Moments That Matter, was a labor of love Kit had spent months creating. Each page featured photographs from Hedison’s own work—her abstract landscapes, her Ithaka series shot in North America’s rainforests, and candid shots from family trips—paired with handwritten notes from Kit, Charlie, and Foster.
One page stood out, shared by a friend on X with Hedison’s permission: a photo of Hedison and Foster watching the Northern Lights in Iceland during Foster’s 2022 birthday trip, accompanied by Kit’s note: “Alex, you’ve taught me to see the world through a lens of love and art. Thank you for being my mom, too.” Another page included a childhood photo of Kit and Charlie with Hedison at a family picnic, with Foster’s handwriting: “You make every moment brighter, Alex. Forever grateful for you.”
The album’s final page was a blank one, labeled “For the Years Ahead,” with a note from Kit encouraging Hedison to fill it with new memories. “We’re just getting started,” it read. Hedison, visibly moved, hugged Kit tightly, whispering something that onlookers said brought tears to his eyes. “It’s the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received,” Hedison told Variety. “Kit put his heart into it, and it means the world to know I’m part of their lives like this.”
Fan Reactions: Shock and Awe
While Hedison and Foster are notoriously private, the snippets shared on social media—Hedison’s Instagram Story, Foster’s post, and a friend’s X thread—quickly went viral. Fans, already enamored with the couple’s low-key romance, were stunned by the emotional depth of Kit’s gift. “This is why Jodie and Alex are couple goals,” one X user wrote, sharing the photo of the album’s Northern Lights page. “Kit calling Alex ‘mom’ broke me 😭.” Another commented, “A photo album with personal notes? That’s next-level love. I’m sobbing.” The hashtag #AlexsBirthday trended briefly, with fans praising the family’s bond.
Celebrities chimed in, too. Jamie Lee Curtis, a friend who attended Hedison’s TCL Chinese Theatre ceremony in 2024, commented on Hedison’s post: “Kit, you’re a gem! Happy birthday, Alex! ❤️” Chelsea Handler, who often celebrates Foster’s milestones, wrote, “This family is pure heart. Love you, Alex!” The outpouring of support reflected the public’s admiration for Hedison and Foster’s private yet profound love story, which has captivated fans since their 2014 marriage.
The gift’s sentimentality resonated because it mirrored Hedison’s own artistry. As a photographer whose work explores memory and emotion, the album felt like an extension of her creative soul. “Alex’s photos tell stories,” Foster said in a 2024 People interview about Hedison’s short film ALOK. “Kit took that and made it personal. It’s like he gave her back her own heart.”
A Family Bond in the Spotlight
The surprise also shed light on the close relationship between Hedison and Foster’s sons, Charlie and Kit. Foster, who co-parents with ex-partner Cydney Bernard, has always prioritized her children’s privacy, but Kit’s gesture revealed how seamlessly Hedison has integrated into their family. “Alex is family,” a source close to the couple told Us Weekly. “She’s not just Jodie’s wife—she’s a second mom to the boys, and they adore her.”
For Hedison, who stepped away from acting to focus on photography and directing, the birthday celebration was a reminder of what matters most. “I’ve spent my life capturing moments,” she told Variety. “But this one, with Kit, Charlie, Jodie, and our friends—it’s one I’ll carry forever.” The party ended with the group gathered around a fire pit, sharing stories and laughing late into the night, a rare moment of openness for a couple known for their discretion.
Why This Moment Matters
In a world of flashy celebrity parties, Kit’s heartfelt surprise for Hedison stands out as a testament to love, family, and the power of small, meaningful gestures. The photo album, with its blend of Hedison’s art and personal tributes, struck a chord with fans who saw it as a reflection of the couple’s enduring bond. “Jodie and Alex keep it real,” one X user summed up. “This is what love looks like.”
As The Voice Season 28 looms and Foster’s career continues to soar, this birthday story offers a rare glimpse into the private world of one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples. Fans are already clamoring for more, with some jokingly asking Kit to plan their birthdays next. For now, Hedison’s 56th will go down as a day of love, tears, and a gift that proved family is the greatest masterpiece of all. Happy birthday, Alex—here’s to many more moments that matter.
