Penn Badgley
Penn Dayton Badgley, an acclaimed American actor, is recognized widely for his portrayal of Dan Humphrey in the television series "Gossip Girl" and Joe Goldberg in the psychological thriller series "You." Beyond his professional achievements, Badgley's personal life has drawn attention, particularly his relationships and spiritual pursuits.
In his earlier years, Badgley was romantically linked to his "Gossip Girl" co-star, Blake Lively. Their relationship lasted from 2007 to 2010, during the height of the show's popularity. This relationship was well-publicized, considering both actors played significant roles in the series.
Later, Badgley found a significant partner in Domino Kirke, a singer and doula. The couple's relationship saw its fair share of challenges, particularly around the time they experienced two miscarriages. Badgley has candidly spoken about how these personal trials affected their relationship, even bringing them close to separation. Despite these challenges, the couple emerged stronger, and their bond solidified further through shared spiritual beliefs.
Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke have both embraced the Baha'i Faith, a religion that emphasizes the spiritual unity of all humankind. Badgley has credited his spiritual journey with the Baha'i Faith as instrumental in preparing him for marriage. The couple's shared faith has been a cornerstone of their relationship, offering guidance and stability during difficult periods.
Badgley married Domino Kirke in a private ceremony in 2017. Their union came as somewhat of a surprise to the public, coinciding with a busy period in both their personal and professional lives. Since their marriage, Badgley has discussed how fidelity and his role as a husband have influenced his career choices, particularly in roles requiring intimate scenes.
The couple welcomed their first child together in August 2020. This new chapter in Badgley's life as a father has further enriched his personal narrative, adding depth to the roles he chooses and the life he leads off-screen.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.