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Jeff Daniels

Birth Place: Chelsea, MI, USA

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BIO

Jeff Daniels is an American actor, musician, and playwright whose career includes roles in films, stage productions, and television, for which he has won two Primetime Emmy Awards and received several Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, and Tony Award nominations. He made his film debut in Ragtime (1981), and amassed such additional credits as Terms of Endearment (1983), Arachnophobia (1990), Gettysburg (1993), Speed (1994), Dumb and Dumber (1994), The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985), 101 Dalmatians (1996), Fly Away Home (1996), Pleasantville (1998), The Hours (2002), Gods and Generals (2003), The Squid and the Whale (2005), Good Night, and Good Luck (2005), Infamous (2006), The Lookout (2007), Looper (2012), Steve Jobs (2015), and The Martian (2015).



From 2012 to 2014, Daniels starred as Will McAvoy in the HBO political drama series The Newsroom, for which he won the 2013 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. He won a second Primetime Emmy Award in 2018 for his supporting performance in the Netflix miniseries Godless (2017) and an additional nomination that year for his leading performance as John P. O'Neill in the Hulu miniseries The Looming Tower (2018). Daniels has also received a number of award nominations for his work on stage, including Tony Award nominations for Best Actor for his roles in the plays God of Carnage, Blackbird and To Kill a Mockingbird. He is the founder and current executive director of the Chelsea, Michigan–based Purple Rose Theatre Company.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

To Kill A Mockingbird To Kill A Mockingbird
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2021
Atticus Finch
Blackbird Blackbird
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Ray
God of Carnage God of Carnage
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Michael [Replacement]
Alan
Michael [Replacement]
Alan
Blackbird
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2007
Ray
Redwood Curtain
[Broadway]
1993
Lyman
Lemon Sky
[Off-Broadway]
1985
Performer
The Golden Age
[Broadway]
1984
Tom
Three Sisters
[Off-Broadway]
1982
Andrei Sergeevich Prozorov
Johnny Got His Gun
[Off-Broadway]
1982
Joe Bonham
Fifth of July
[Broadway]
1980
Jed Jenkins
Fifth of July
[Off-Broadway]
1978
Jed
Two from the Late Show
[Off-Broadway]
1978
Nephew (Brontosaurus)
Lulu
[Off-Broadway]
1978
Schwarz/ Mr. Hunidei
Gemini
[Broadway]
1977
Herschel Weinberger (Understudy)
Randy Hastings (Understudy)
Francis Geminiani (Understudy)
Herschel Weinberger (Unknown)
Francis Geminiani (Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Herschel Weinberger (Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Randy Hastings (Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Francis Geminiani (Unknown)
My Life
[Off-Broadway]
1977
Young Eddie
The Farm
[Off-Broadway]
1976
Arthur

Productions

FlintFlint
 
[Regional (US), 2018]
Playwright
Gemini
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Assistant Stage Manager

Writing

Time
Composer

Movies

Ragtime
[ 1981 ] P.C. O Donnell
Terms of Endearment
[ 1983 ] Flap Horton
Marie
[ 1985 ] Eddie Sisk
The Purple Rose of Cairo
[ 1985 ] Tom Baxter, Gil Shepherd
Something Wild
[ 1986 ] Charles Driggs
Heartburn
[ 1986 ] Richard
Radio Days
[ 1987 ] Biff Baxter
The House on Carroll Street
[ 1988 ] Cochran
Checking Out
[ 1988 ] Ray Macklin
Sweet Hearts Dance
[ 1988 ] Sam Manners
Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael
[ 1990 ] Denton Webb
Love Hurts
[ 1990 ] Paul Weaver
Arachnophobia
[ 1990 ] Ross Jennings
Grand Tour: Disaster in Time
[ 1991 ] Ben Wilson
The Butcher's Wife
[ 1991 ] Dr. Alex Tremor
Rain Without Thunder
[ 1992 ] Jonathan Garson
There Goes the Neighborhood
[ 1992 ] Willis Embry
Gettysburg
[ 1993 ] Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Dumb and Dumber
[ 1994 ] Harry
Speed
[ 1994 ] Harry
2 Days in the Valley
[ 1996 ] Alvin Strayer
101 Dalmatians
[ 1996 ] Roger
Fly Away Home
[ 1996 ] Thom Alden
Trial and Error
[ 1997 ] Charles Tuttle
Pleasantville
[ 1998 ] Mr. Johnson
My Favorite Martian
[ 1999 ] Tim O Hara
All the Rage
[ 1999 ] Warren Harding
Chasing Sleep
[ 2000 ] Ed Saxon
Escanaba in da Moonlight
[ 2001 ] Rueben Soady
Super Sucker
[ 2002 ] Fred Barlow
Blood Work
[ 2002 ] Jasper Buddy Noone
The Hours
[ 2002 ] Louis Waters
I Witness
[ 2003 ] James Rhodes
Gods and Generals
[ 2003 ] Lt. Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Imaginary Heroes
[ 2004 ] Ben Travis
The Squid and the Whale
[ 2005 ] Bernard Berkman
Because of Winn-Dixie
[ 2005 ] Preacher
Good Night, and Good Luck.
[ 2005 ] Sig Mickelson
Infamous
[ 2006 ] Alvin Dewey
RV
[ 2006 ] Travis Gornicke
The Lookout
[ 2007 ] Lewis
Mama's Boy
[ 2007 ] Mert Rosenbloom
A Plumm Summer
[ 2007 ] Narrator
Traitor
[ 2008 ] Carter
Space Chimps
[ 2008 ] Zartog
The Answer Man
[ 2009 ] Arlen Faber
State of Play
[ 2009 ] George Fergus
Away We Go
[ 2009 ] Jerry
Paper Man
[ 2009 ] Richard Dunn
Howl
[ 2010 ] David Kirk
Looper
[ 2012 ] Abe
Dumb and Dumber To
[ 2014 ] Harry
Steve Jobs
[ 2015 ] John Sculley
The Martian
[ 2015 ] Teddy Sanders
Allegiant
[ 2016 ] David
The Catcher Was a Spy
[ 2018 ] Bill Donovan
Guest Artist
[ 2019 ] Joseph Harris
Adam
[ 2020 ] Mickey

TV Shows

The Newsroom
Will McAvoy
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
[ 2018-2024 ] BeaverCasting Reject
A Man in Full
Charlie Croker
American Rust
[ 2021-2024 ] Del Harris
Shrinking
[ 2023-2025 ] Jimmy's Father

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2019 - Distinguished Performance Award

Jeff Daniels, To Kill a Mockingbird

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Jeff Daniels, To Kill a Mockingbird

Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award

Jeff Daniels, Blackbird

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Jeff Daniels, Blackbird

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Jeff Daniels, God of Carnage

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Jeff Daniels, God of Carnage

The Lortels - 2008 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Jeff Daniels, Blackbird

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Jeff Daniels, Johnny Got His Gun

Drama Desk Awards - 1981 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Jeff Daniels, 5th of July

Videos

More Videos

News


A Complete History of RAGTIME Photo
A Complete History of RAGTIME
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 8, 2026

The Broadway production of Ragtime was a glorious accomplishment, a riveting testament to the original American musical and to all that America itself could be. The show ran for 834 performances at the Ford Center, closing in the final year of the 20th century. It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, taking home four.
Video: Michael Urie Celebrates Major Milestone in SHRINKING Sneak Peek Clip Photo
Video: Michael Urie Celebrates Major Milestone in SHRINKING Sneak Peek Clip
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 6, 2026

Apple TV has shared a sneak peek clip from the third episode of Season 3 of the Apple comedy Shrinking, which sees Derek step in to help Brian celebrate an important milestone. Check it out now.
Jeff Daniels to Direct World Premiere of THE CLASSIC KING At Purple Rose Theatre Photo
Jeff Daniels to Direct World Premiere of THE CLASSIC KING At Purple Rose Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026

The Purple Rose Theatre Company will present the world premiere of THE CLASSIC KING, a new comedy by Richard Johnson, directed by Jeff Daniels. The play follows veteran car salesmen navigating a changing industry and generational divide.
Video: Watch a Sneak Peek Clip From Episode 2 of SHRINKING Season 3 Photo
Video: Watch a Sneak Peek Clip From Episode 2 of SHRINKING Season 3
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 29, 2026

Apple TV has shared a sneak peek clip from Season 3 of the hit Apple comedy Shrinking. In Episode 2, the gang unites to support Paul during a health setback. Watch the clip, where Liz does her part by making him a healthy, green smoothie, much to Paul's dismay.
SHRINKING Renewed for Fourth Season at Apple Ahead of Season 3 Premiere Photo
SHRINKING Renewed for Fourth Season at Apple Ahead of Season 3 Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2026

Ahead of its Season 3 debut, Apple TV has renewed the comedy series Shrinking for a fourth season. Led by Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, the new season will see the return of cast members Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, and Broadway alum Michael Urie.
Video: Jason Segel Returns in Sneak Peek Clip From SHRINKING Season 3 Premiere Photo
Video: Jason Segel Returns in Sneak Peek Clip From SHRINKING Season 3 Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 23, 2026

Apple TV has shared a sneak-peek clip from the highly anticipated season-three debut of the Emmy Award-nominated comedy series Shrinking, debuting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Check it out now.
THE CLASSIC KING Comes to The Purple Rose Theatre Company Photo
THE CLASSIC KING Comes to The Purple Rose Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Jan 5, 2026

The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) has announced the winter production of their 35th season, “The Classic King” a world-premiere comedy by Richard Johnson. Tickets are on sale now.
Video: Michael Urie, Harrison Ford, & More in SHRINKING Season 3 Trailer Photo
Video: Michael Urie, Harrison Ford, & More in SHRINKING Season 3 Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 30, 2025

Apple TV has debuted the trailer for the upcoming third season of the comedy series Shrinking, starring Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Michael Urie, and more. Check it out now.
MSTW Reveals 2026 Summer Season Photo
MSTW Reveals 2026 Summer Season
by Stephi Wild - Dec 9, 2025

Main Street Theatre Works has announced its 22nd Summer Season at the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre in Jackson. Learn more about the two shows in the lineup here!
BLACKBIRD to Play a Limited Off-Broadway Engagement at Theatre Row Photo
BLACKBIRD to Play a Limited Off-Broadway Engagement at Theatre Row
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025

Diaspora House will present a limited engagement of Blackbird, David Harrower’s searing psychological drama, running for eight performances only at Theater Row.
Photos: First Look at SHRINKING Season 3; New Season Coming in January Photo
Photos: First Look at SHRINKING Season 3; New Season Coming in January
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025

Apple TV has revealed the premiere date and first look at the third season of the comedy series Shrinking, starring Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Michael Urie, and more. Check out new photos here.
Aya Cash, Rachael Stirling & Elliot Levey Join John Lithgow in GIANT on Broadway Photo
Aya Cash, Rachael Stirling & Elliot Levey Join John Lithgow in GIANT on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 15, 2025

John Lithgow leads an exciting cast, including Aya Cash, in GIANT on Broadway, starting March 11, 2026. Get your tickets now!
Stephen King’s MISERY to Open at The Public Theatre in October Photo
Stephen King’s MISERY to Open at The Public Theatre in October
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 13, 2025

Just in time for Halloween, The Public Theatre, will open its 35th season with a stage adaptation of Stephen King’s MISERY. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Comes to Theater J Photo
AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE Comes to Theater J
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2025

Theater J will bring Amy Herzog's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People to the stage. Learn more about the upcoming production and how to get tickets here!
A Look Back at the RAGTIME Movie with Elizabeth McGovern & Mandy Patinkin Photo
A Look Back at the RAGTIME Movie with Elizabeth McGovern & Mandy Patinkin
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 26, 2025

With Ragtime back on Broadway, we are taking a look back at the 1981 film adaptation of E.L. Doctorow's novel, which features a cast full of theater actors and a memorable score from composer Randy Newman.
NORMA & WANDA Comes to The Purple Rose Theatre Company Photo
NORMA & WANDA Comes to The Purple Rose Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2025

​​​​​​​The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) has announced the first production of their 35th season, “Norma & Wanda” a 20th Anniversary production of the comedy by Jeff Daniels, which originally premiered at The Purple Rose in 2005.
PICKLEBALL Comes To Placer Community Theater Photo
PICKLEBALL Comes To Placer Community Theater
by Stephi Wild - Aug 20, 2025

Placer Community Theater will present “PICKLEBALL,” the laugh-out-loud comedy by Jeff Daniels, opening in September at the General Gomez Arts Center for a three-weekend run
Review: JEFF DANIELS A Revelation at 54 Below Photo
Review: JEFF DANIELS A Revelation at 54 Below
by Stephen Mosher - Jul 7, 2025

What happens when a great American actor has a special gift for songwriting and singing solo.
AN EVENING WITH JEFF DANIELS is Coming to Wharton Center Photo
AN EVENING WITH JEFF DANIELS is Coming to Wharton Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 25, 2025

Back by demand, Michigan native and award-winning actor and musician Jeff Daniels is coming to Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Purple Rose Theatre to Partner With Cascades Humane Society For Adoption Nights Photo
Purple Rose Theatre to Partner With Cascades Humane Society For Adoption Nights
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 17, 2025

Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan has partnered with Cascades Humane Society of Jackson, Michigan for six Adoption Nights, in which the public can adopt animals at the theatre. Learn how to attend.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jeff Daniels been in?

Jeff Daniels has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.

How many West End shows has Jeff Daniels been in?

Jeff Daniels has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jeff Daniels been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for To Kill a Mockingbird, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for To Kill a Mockingbird, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Blackbird, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Blackbird, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for God of Carnage, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for God of Carnage, Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Blackbird, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Johnny Got His Gun and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for 5th of July.

How many shows has Jeff Daniels written?

Jeff Daniels has written 1 shows including Time (Composer).

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