Star of hit TV shows and movies, including Gossip Girl and You, playing complex and often dark characters that captivate audiences.
Penn Badgley is a household name, synonymous with two iconic characters that have left an indelible mark on modern television – Dan Humphrey from the hit CW series Gossip Girl and Joe Goldberg from the psychological thriller You on Netflix. With a career spanning over two decades, Badgley has proven his versatility as an actor, effortlessly switching between genres and characters that are both intriguing and complex.
Born on November 1, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, Badgley grew up in a family that valued creativity and the arts. His father, Duff Badgley, was a newspaper reporter, carpenter, and home builder, who later became the Green Party candidate for governor of Washington in 2008. Badgley's mother, Lynne Murphy Badgley, supported his early foray into acting, and he began performing in local theater productions and community theater groups in Monroe, Washington.
Badgley's breakthrough role came in 2000 when he portrayed Phillip Chancellor IV on the soap opera The Young and the Restless. His performance earned him a Young Artist Award nomination, setting the stage for his future success. He went on to appear in several films, including John Tucker Must Die (2006) and DriveThru (2007), before landing the role of Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl (2007-2012). The show's massive popularity catapulted Badgley to international stardom, earning him six Teen Choice Award nominations.
After Gossip Girl, Badgley continued to diversify his filmography, taking on roles in a range of genres. He appeared in the thriller The Stepfather (2009), the teen comedy-drama Easy A (2010), and the financial thriller Margin Call (2011), for which he won an Independent Spirit Award. In 2012, he starred in the biographical film Greetings from Tim Buckley, showcasing his ability to tackle complex, real-life characters.
In 2018, Badgley's portrayal of Joe Goldberg in the Netflix thriller series You earned him critical acclaim and a new wave of fans. His performance as the charismatic, yet disturbed, stalker has garnered MTV Movie & TV Award and Saturn Award nominations. With You, Badgley has cemented his status as a master of playing complex, multifaceted characters.
Badgley is an advocate for social justice and has been vocal about his support for women's rights, racial equality, and environmental issues. He has used his platform to raise awareness about the significance of representation in media and the importance of diverse storytelling.
Badgley has faced criticism for his portrayal of Joe Goldberg in You, with some arguing that the character romanticizes toxic masculinity and stalking. However, Badgley has maintained that the show's intention is to critique these harmful behaviors and spark important conversations.
Badgley is married to Domino Kirke, a doula and birth worker. The couple has two children together and has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including supporting organizations that promote reproductive rights and environmental conservation.
Penn Badgley's impact on modern television is undeniable. With his ability to embody complex characters and navigate a range of genres, he has solidified his position as one of the most versatile actors of his generation. As he continues to take on new roles and projects, it is clear that Badgley will remain a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry for years to come.
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