Personal info
Known for
Actor
Gender
Male
Birthday
01 November
Location
Maryland, United States
Edit pagePenn Badgley
Biography
Penn Badgley was born on 1 November 1986 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. He is an American actor, producer, and director who began his career as a child performer, appearing in television shows and providing voice work before gaining major recognition.
Badgley rose to fame as Dan Humphrey in the teen drama Gossip Girl (2007–2012). He later appeared in films such as John Tucker Must Die (2006), The Stepfather (2009), Easy A (2010), Margin Call (2011), and Greetings from Tim Buckley (2012).
His biggest international success came with Netflix's psychological thriller You (2018–2025), in which he portrayed Joe Goldberg, a charming but deeply obsessive bookstore manager whose romantic fixations lead him into manipulation and murder. The role became his most recognizable performance.
Badgley has also worked as a producer and director and is involved in music. His career has made him particularly known for portraying complex characters who initially appear charming but conceal darker sides.
