Danny Lloyd

Biography

Danny Lloyd (born October 6, 1972) is an American former child actor best known for his role as Danny Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror film The Shining (1980). Though he appeared in only a few screen projects, his performance in one of cinema’s most iconic horror films secured him a lasting place in film history.

Early Life

Danny Lloyd was born in Chicago, Illinois. He was just six years old when he was cast in The Shining. With no prior professional acting experience, Lloyd was chosen after an extensive casting search for a child capable of portraying innocence, sensitivity, and subtle emotional depth.

Kubrick reportedly selected Lloyd because of his natural presence and ability to concentrate during long and demanding shoots.

Breakthrough Role: The Shining (1980)

In The Shining, Lloyd portrayed Danny Torrance, the young son of Jack and Wendy Torrance, who possesses psychic abilities referred to as “the shining.” As the Overlook Hotel’s sinister forces begin to affect his father’s sanity, Danny becomes increasingly aware of the supernatural dangers surrounding his family.

One of the most memorable aspects of Lloyd’s performance is his quiet intensity, particularly in scenes involving his imaginary friend “Tony” and his eerie encounters with the hotel’s ghosts. The tricycle hallway sequences and the haunting “redrum” moment remain among the film’s most iconic scenes.

Notably, Kubrick shielded Lloyd from the film’s horror elements during production. Lloyd was reportedly unaware that he was acting in a horror film and believed he was participating in a family drama, helping to preserve the authenticity of his performance.

Later Appearances

Following The Shining, Lloyd appeared in the 1982 television film Will: The Autobiography of G. Gordon Liddy, portraying the young version of the title character. However, he did not pursue a long-term acting career.

Unlike many child actors, Lloyd chose a private life away from Hollywood and did not continue working regularly in film or television.

Life After Acting

As an adult, Danny Lloyd pursued a career in education. He became a biology teacher and has taught at community colleges in the United States. Over the years, he has occasionally participated in interviews and reunions related to The Shining, reflecting on his experience working with Stanley Kubrick and the film’s enduring legacy.

Despite stepping away from the entertainment industry, Lloyd remains closely associated with his role in The Shining, which continues to introduce him to new generations of audiences.