Career Highlights of Penn Badgley

Penn Badgley, an American actor and producer, has carved a notable path in the entertainment industry with a diverse array of roles across television and film. His career trajectory is marked by significant contributions to both television drama series and feature films.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Penn Dayton Badgley was born on November 1, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Duff and Lynne (Murphy) Badgley. His foray into acting began at a young age when he and his mother relocated to California to pursue his ambitions. His earliest professional work involved voiceovers for children's radio stations in Hollywood, and he provided his voice for the video games Mario Golf 64 and Mario Tennis 64.

Penn gained initial recognition for his role as Phillip Chancellor IV on the soap opera The Young and the Restless (2000–2001). His portrayal of this character set the stage for future opportunities in both television and film.

Television Success

Badgley achieved widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Dan Humphrey in the CW teen drama series Gossip Girl (2007–2012). The role cemented his status as a prominent figure in teen dramas and earned him a devoted fan base. Following this success, Badgley took on the dark and psychologically complex role of Joe Goldberg in the Netflix psychological thriller series You (2018–2025). His performance as the enigmatic and obsessive character garnered critical acclaim and reinforced his versatility as an actor.

Film Career

In addition to his television work, Penn Badgley has made significant contributions to the film industry. Some of his notable film credits include:

John Tucker Must Die (2006) - A comedy film where Badgley played a supporting role.
Drive-Thru (2007) - A horror-comedy movie that showcased his ability to handle diverse genres.
Easy A (2010) - A teen comedy where he appeared alongside Emma Stone.
The Stepfather (2009) - A thriller film that explored Badgley's range as an actor.
Margin Call (2011) - A financial thriller film featuring an ensemble cast, including Kevin Spacey and Zachary Quinto.
Greetings from Tim Buckley (2012) - A biographical film where Badgley portrayed musician Jeff Buckley.
The Paper Store (2016) - A drama film that further showcased his depth as an actor.

Penn Badgley

Penn Dayton Badgley, born November 1, 1986, is an acclaimed American actor known for his diverse range of roles in television and film. Badgley has gained widespread recognition for his performances in series like Gossip Girl and You.

Early Life and Education

Penn Badgley was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Lynne Murphy Badgley and Duff Badgley, who worked as a newspaper reporter and carpenter. He spent his childhood years in Richmond, Virginia and Seattle, Washington. During his time in Seattle, he was involved in the Seattle Children's Theater and did voice-overs for a children's radio station.

At the age of 14, Penn completed his California High School Proficiency Exam and began attending Santa Monica College. He later attended the University of Southern California and Lewis & Clark College.

Career

Early Roles

Badgley's acting career began with guest-starring roles on television. One of his earliest appearances was on Will & Grace. After relocating with his mother to Los Angeles, California, he secured several recurring roles on shows such as Daddio and The Young and the Restless.

Breakthrough: Gossip Girl

Penn Badgley gained significant fame for his portrayal of Dan Humphrey in the CW teen drama series Gossip Girl. The series, based on the novel series by Cecily von Ziegesar, ran from 2007 to 2012 and became a cultural phenomenon.

You

In 2018, Badgley took on the role of Joe Goldberg in the psychological thriller series You, based on the books by Caroline Kepnes. The show, developed by Greg Berlanti and Sera Gamble, initially aired on Lifetime before moving to Netflix. His portrayal of Joe, a bookstore manager who develops an extreme obsession with his romantic interests, received critical acclaim and further solidified his status as a versatile actor.

Personal Life

Penn Badgley married Domino Kirke in 2017. Kirke is a musician and doula, and the couple welcomed their first child together in 2020. Badgley is also known for his musical talents, enjoying singing, writing, and playing the guitar.