Taye Diggs has found the percept recipe for a healthy coparenting relationship with ex Idina Menzel.
“It’s fairly simple with us. We’ve always tried to put [our son] first,” Diggs, 54, exclusively told Us Weekly before celebrating Chili’s National Margarita Day on Saturday, February 22. “Because we do that, it doesn’t really leave room for us to speak negatively about each other. We want him to have as smooth and loving relationship as possible with all of us involved.”
Menzel, 53, and Diggs first met in 1995 while starring in the original Broadway cast of Rent. The pair went on to wed in January 2003 and welcomed their son, Walker, in September 2009.
While the two announced their split four years later, both parties remain focused on being the best parent to their now 15-year-old son.
Idina Menzel, Ex Taye Diggs’ Rare Quotes About Raising Their Son Walker
“The more we all can get along, the better it is for him and the more love and positive energy he gets,” Diggs explained to Us. “We’re pretty proud about the way that we handled our relationship. Hopefully, it will continue.”
As Walker continues his high school experience, Diggs said his son is less interested in following in his parent’s acting footsteps and more focused on athletics.
“It’s all about basketball and weight training,” he said. “It’s been really fun just watching him take athletics so seriously and at the same time focusing on his academics. I give all that credit to his mother. His mother is making sure that his academics stay up to [par]. I was terrible at school, but he seems to be acing it. I’m happy. I’m happy for him and relieved for myself.”
When he’s not on homework duty or taking his son to the basketball court, Diggs can likely be found figuring out his next meal — after reading a script, of course.
In celebration of National Margarita Day, Diggs teamed up with Chili’s to star in Lifetime’s new holiday classic titled I’ll be Home for National Margarita Day.
The feel-good television event tells the story of former love interests Liz (Maria Menounos) and Sam (Diggs) who reunite at the local Chili’s to raise a glass to friendship with margaritas.
While things start off on the right note, a big-city developer’s plans to build condos threaten to ruin the town’s National Margarita Day traditions. Liz and Sam must work together to stop the developer and save National Margarita Day, rekindling their relationship in the process.
Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs’ Relationship: The Way They Were
While the storyline first grabbed the attention of Diggs, it was Chili’s food that sealed the deal.
“Me and my son brought a bunch of grub back to the crib — we tore it up,” Diggs told Us with a laugh. “Me and his mother split his time so anytime I have with him … we eat and we watch TV and we play sports. The fact that he loved all the Chili’s food that we got and didn’t interrupt our time together was huge for me. That was a big deal.”
Chili’s I’ll be Home for National Margarita Day premieres on Lifetime Wednesday, February 19, at 10 p.m. ET.
