For years, NCIS fans have adored Emily Wickersham for her smart, charming, and unflappable portrayal of Ellie Bishop, the beloved special agent who brought heart and wit to the long-running CBS series. But behind her confident on-screen presence lies a tender, deeply personal chapter of her life — motherhood. At the center of that story is Blake Anderson Hanley, Emily’s adorable son, whose arrival brought new meaning and joy into her world.
This article explores Emily Wickersham’s journey into motherhood, her evolving career, and how life with Blake has reshaped her perspective on family, fame, and fulfillment. Through authentic insight and a biographical lens, we’ll dive into who Blake is, what makes his story so special, and how Emily balances the spotlight with the quiet joys of parenting.
Quick Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Blake Anderson Hanley |
| Mother | Emily Wickersham |
| Father | Blake Anderson Hanley |
| Birth Date | December 30, 2021 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Mother’s Profession | Actress (NCIS, Gone, I Am Number Four) |
| Father’s Profession | Musician and producer |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Known For | Being the son of actress Emily Wickersham |
| Public Appearances | Limited — seen occasionally on Emily’s social media |
| Distinct Feature | Bright blue eyes and charming smile |
| Fun Fact | Emily calls him her “little sunshine” in interviews |
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A New Chapter Begins for Emily Wickersham
When Emily Wickersham welcomed her son Blake Anderson Hanley in December 2021, she stepped into one of life’s most transformative roles. Known for years as the calm yet confident Ellie Bishop on NCIS, Emily had spent nearly a decade building her television legacy. But Blake’s arrival redefined what “success” meant to her — trading red carpets for baby giggles, and scripts for storybooks.
Her decision to step away from NCIS shortly before Blake’s birth wasn’t just a career move; it was a deeply personal choice. In interviews and social posts, Emily expressed that motherhood gave her a new sense of purpose. She described the experience as “humbling, grounding, and full of love I didn’t know existed.”
For fans, this transition revealed a softer, more personal side of the actress — one that resonated deeply with anyone balancing ambition and parenthood.
The Meaning Behind His Name
Names often tell stories, and Blake Anderson Hanley carries a name rich with symbolism. The first name “Blake” evokes calmness, reflection, and nature’s quiet beauty — qualities Emily has said she values deeply. The middle name “Anderson” honors both family tradition and his father’s lineage.
Choosing a name that blends serenity and legacy feels fitting for a child born into two creative worlds — one shaped by Hollywood storytelling and the other by musical artistry. This thoughtful naming shows how Emily and Blake infused their personal values into their son’s identity from the very beginning.
Growing Up in a Creative Home
Blake’s upbringing reflects the best of both his parents’ worlds — Emily’s grounded artistry and Blake’s musical energy. Although his parents are no longer together, both share a commitment to providing a nurturing, creative, and balanced environment.
Emily has often mentioned her love for reading and nature, two passions she’s eager to share with Blake. Their days often include long stroller walks, time outdoors, and quiet evenings spent in cozy domestic routines. On the other hand, Blake, a musician and composer, introduces Blake to rhythm and sound — creating a household filled with music, laughter, and warmth.
This combination of influences gives Blake a unique start in life: one that blends artistic curiosity with emotional depth.
Emily Wickersham’s Approach to Motherhood

Since becoming a mother, Emily has embraced a philosophy rooted in patience, presence, and perspective. She’s candid about the joys and challenges of raising a child while maintaining her identity as an artist. Her approach can be understood in three key ways:
First, mindful parenting — Emily prioritizes being truly present with Blake, even in the simplest moments. She often emphasizes that “childhood goes by fast,” encouraging parents to slow down and savor it.
Second, work-life balance — she consciously chooses projects that allow her to stay close to her son, focusing on quality over quantity in her acting career.
Third, emotional authenticity — Emily doesn’t shy away from sharing the tough days, reminding fans that motherhood isn’t always glamorous but always worthwhile.
Her honesty has earned her a loyal following of parents who admire her grounded and relatable take on fame and family.
Life Beyond NCIS: A Shift in Priorities
Leaving NCIS after eight seasons was a significant move for Emily Wickersham. Fans were shocked when she announced her departure in 2021, but in hindsight, it became clear that she was making space for something more meaningful — her growing family.
Blake’s birth soon after marked a symbolic transition from the demands of a high-profile TV role to the deeply personal adventure of motherhood. While Emily hasn’t ruled out returning to acting full-time, she’s been selective about her next steps, choosing roles that align with her values and lifestyle as a mom.
This recalibration illustrates how life events often shift our sense of purpose. For Emily, the trade-off between fame and family feels like an evolution — one that highlights her maturity both as an artist and as a person.
How Blake Changed Emily’s Worldview
Every parent knows that having a child changes everything. For Emily, Blake became a mirror reflecting her truest self — teaching her lessons in patience, resilience, and unconditional love.
She’s described motherhood as “a daily reminder to find joy in the little things.” Whether it’s Blake’s first words, his fascination with books, or his spontaneous laughter, each moment offers new perspective.
In interviews, Emily has hinted that Blake has made her a better actor, too. Understanding human emotion through the lens of motherhood has given her performances more depth and empathy — proof that personal growth often translates to artistic growth.
The Role of Privacy in Parenting

Unlike many celebrities, Emily Wickersham is intentional about maintaining her son’s privacy. While she occasionally shares glimpses of blake on Instagram, she avoids oversharing or exploiting his image for publicity.
This decision stems from her belief that children deserve to grow up away from constant media scrutiny. By keeping Blake’s world private, Emily ensures he enjoys a normal childhood — filled with discovery and love rather than spotlight and pressure.
Her approach has been widely respected, showing that modern celebrity parenting can blend openness with healthy boundaries.
Family Support and Co-Parenting
Though Emily and musician Blake Anderson Hanley are no longer together, they’ve maintained an amicable relationship centered on co-parenting. Their mutual respect ensures that Blake grows up surrounded by positivity and stability.
Emily has spoken about the importance of shared responsibility, emphasizing that both parents play vital roles in their child’s development. This partnership — built on kindness and communication — stands as a testament to their shared commitment to Blake’s well-being.
It’s a reminder that family can thrive in many forms, and what matters most is the love that surrounds a child.
A Glimpse into Blake’s Personality
Even at a young age, Blake Anderson Hanley’s personality shines through. Emily has described him as curious, cheerful, and full of energy. Whether it’s his fascination with nature or his infectious laugh, Blake seems to bring light to everyone around him.
Those who know Emily say Blake’s presence has softened her, making her more introspective and appreciative of simple joys. His bright blue eyes and playful grin have already won hearts, and it’s easy to see why Emily calls him her “greatest adventure.”
Lessons Emily Hopes to Pass Down
Every parent dreams of the values they’ll instill in their children. For Emily Wickersham, those values include kindness, curiosity, and gratitude. She hopes to raise Blake with a strong sense of empathy and respect for others — qualities she believes are essential in today’s world.
She often speaks about teaching through example — demonstrating resilience in her career, humility in success, and integrity in daily life. For Blake, growing up with a mother who embodies these traits will no doubt leave a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts: A Bright Future Ahead
As Blake Anderson Hanley grows, his story continues to unfold — one marked by love, creativity, and quiet strength. For Emily Wickersham, motherhood isn’t a pause from her career; it’s a deepening of her identity. Blake may be young, but his impact on his mother’s life is already profound.
From late-night feedings to shared laughter under California skies, every moment adds a new layer to their bond. Fans who once admired Emily for her sharp wit on NCIS now admire her even more for her authenticity and devotion as a mother.
In the end, Blake Anderson Hanley represents more than just Emily’s son — he symbolizes growth, renewal, and the beautiful unpredictability of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is blake Anderson Hanley?
Blake Anderson Hanley is the son of American actress Emily Wickersham, best known for her role as Ellie Bishop on NCIS.
2. When was Blake Anderson Hanley born?
He was born on December 30, 2021, in Los Angeles, California.
3. Who are Blake’s parents?
His mother is actress Emily Wickersham, and his father is musician Blake Anderson Hanley.
4. Does Emily Wickersham share photos of her son?
She occasionally posts glimpses of him on social media but maintains his privacy to protect his childhood.
5. What is Emily Wickersham doing after NCIS?
Emily has taken a step back from major roles to focus on motherhood while exploring new creative opportunities.
6. What inspired Emily to name her son “Blake”?
The name “Blake” reflects her love for nature and symbolizes calmness and balance — values important to her.
7. Will Blake Anderson Hanley follow in his parents’ footsteps?
It’s too early to tell, but with artistic parents, Blake certainly has creativity in his DNA and a nurturing environment to explore it.
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