Early Life and Education of Penn Badgley
Penn Dayton Badgley was born on November 1, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland. His early life was characterized by a series of relocations that were dictated by his parents' careers and personal choices. His mother, Lynne Murphy, was a newspaper reporter, and his father, Duff Badgley, was a builder and a former Green Party candidate for governor of Washington.
The frequent moves during his childhood included living in Richmond, Virginia and Woodland Park, Washington, among other places. These relocations allowed Penn to be exposed to diverse environments and cultures, which may have contributed to his adaptability as an actor.
His academic journey began with a blend of public and private schooling experiences, ultimately leading him to the Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, Washington, where he completed his education through ninth grade. During his time at Charles Wright Academy, he developed an interest in acting, which was a precursor to his later career.
Penn then moved to California, where he pursued a high school equivalency degree through a home school program, allowing him greater flexibility to focus on his burgeoning acting career. He later enrolled at the Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California, taking advantage of the proximity to the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.
His education continued at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he balanced his studies with his acting commitments. The liberal arts education he received there provided a well-rounded foundation that complemented his creative pursuits.
Throughout his early life and education, Penn Badgley demonstrated a strong commitment to his craft, leveraging both traditional and non-traditional educational opportunities to enhance his skills and prepare for a successful acting career.