WATCH: Man Dressed As 'Buddy' The Elf Meets Biological Father In-Person
By Jason Hall
December 2, 2020
A man's first meeting with his biological father at Logan Airport in Boston included a unique twist.
Doug Henning told Boston 25 News that he was adopted and connected with his biological father after using Ancestory.com to find out his nationality. He said his father was unaware he even existed prior to the two connecting.
The two men connected virtually during the past few months of the coronavirus pandemic, but finally met in person on Thanksgiving (November 26) after taking COVID-19 tests, which included Henning picking his father up from the airport dressed as 'Buddy' the Elf from the film Elf.
“It was awesome, it was awesome to have that first physical embrace. I think he probably felt it more than I did,” Henning said.
Douglas Henning was adopted and went to Ancestry to learn about his nationality. He was quickly connected to his birth father who didn't know he had a son. After months of speaking virtually, the two met at Logan Airport to spend Thanksgiving together. Realizing his story was similar to Buddy the Elf's he dressed up as the character for the life-changing encounter. boston25.com/39zehis
Posted by Boston 25 News on Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Henning told Boston 25 that his "story is almost exactly like Buddy the Elf's," which inspired him to wear a costume version of Will Ferrell's famous character's outfit from the Christmas classic.
“I mean my Dad didn’t know about me and then we found each other and it’s happening this time of year. I said I should totally dress up as Buddy the Elf when he comes in,” Henning said.
Henning shared his video of the meeting captured by his 11-year-old daughter with Boston 25 News, who his father also met for the first time, along with another daughter, and added that his father was unfamiliar with the movie before their meetup. Additionally, the two men share common careers, with both working in the television industry.
Henning said he also learned he had two sisters through Ancestory.com.
Photo: Getty Images