Penn Badgley
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.
Related Topics
Penn Badgley's journey from child actor to a leading man in both teen dramas and psychological thrillers showcases his dynamic range and dedication to his craft. His contributions to television have left a lasting impact and continue to captivate audiences around the world.