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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

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2021
Atticus Finch

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Ray

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Alan

Michael [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2007
Ray

[Broadway]
1993
Lyman

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Performer

[Broadway]
1984
Tom

[Off-Broadway]
1982
Andrei Sergeevich Prozorov

[Off-Broadway]
1982
Joe Bonham

[Broadway]
1980
Jed Jenkins

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Jed

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Nephew (Brontosaurus)

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Schwarz/ Mr. Hunidei

[Broadway]
1977
Francis Geminiani (Understudy)

Randy Hastings (Understudy)

Herschel Weinberger (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Young Eddie

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Arthur

Productions

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

Writing

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

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

News


GOD OF CARNAGE Play Reading to be Presented by Tangent Theatre & The Moviehouse

Tangent Theatre and The Moviehouse announced a special reading of GOD OF CARNAGE by Yasmina Reza, exploring themes of conflict and civility. Join the event for an engaging theatrical experience.
Arena Stage Announces Cast And Creative Team For New Thriller DATA

Arena Stage announced the cast and creative team for the new thriller DATA.
Purple Rose Opens 34th Season With OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY GRINCH IN FIGHT WITH RUDOLPH POLICE CALLED

The Purple Rose Theatre Company announced the World Premiere of OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY GRINCH IN FIGHT WITH RUDOLPH POLICE CALLED, written and directed by Jeff Daniels, to open its 34th season.
Meet the Cast of OUR TOWN, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will begin previews on Tuesday, September 17 ahead of an opening on Thursday, October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre for a strictly limited engagement. Meet the cast of Our Town here!
Video: Exclusive Look at Trailer for THE ARRIVAL, Starring Peter Bradbury and Pooya Mohseni

Peter Bradbury and Pooya Mohseni star in the new film THE ARRIVAL. Watch the exclusive trailer and learn more about the digital release here!
Review: PICKLEBALL Is A Hard Hitter At B St. Theatre

Pickleball is the fastest growing game in the country, and you can experience it now, out of the heat and inside the B St. Theatre, with the aptly titled Pickleball. Jeff Daniels’s play is an amusing farce about the dangers of middle-aged competition and a reminder to not take life too seriously – just pickleball.
Chain Theatre Announces Their Twelfth Annual International Film Festival

CHAIN THEATRE has announced its Twelfth Annual International Film Festival, showcasing diverse films from around the world.
Chain Theatre Details 2024 Chain NYC Film Festival

Chain Theatre has detailed the 2024 Chain NYC Film Festival, which is set to captivate audiences with a diverse and compelling lineup of independent films, starring actors such as Anthony Michael Hall, Bill Nighy and Jeff Daniels.
THE COTTAGE Comes to Citadel Theatre in September

 Citadel Theatre will lead off its 2024-25 season with the comedy THE COTTAGE, less than a year after its Broadway production, which was directed by Jason Alexander and starred Eric McCormick, played its last performance.
BLIND LOGIC: THE RALPH R. TEETOR STORY To Screen At Automotive Hall Of Fame

The Detroit Premiere of the documentary film BLIND LOGIC: THE RALPH R. TEETOR STORY will take place on June 13, 2024, at the Automotive Hall of Fame, celebrating automotive innovators and pioneers.
Purple Rose Culminates 33rd Season With World Premiere WHAT SPRINGS FORTH

The Purple Rose Theatre Company concludes its 33rd season with the world premiere of the comedy WHAT SPRINGS FORTH by Carey Crim.
Broadway Streaming Guide: May 2024 - Where to Watch BRIDGERTON & More

This May, Broadway fans can spring into action with new albums, concerts, and television shows to binge. From the new version of Doctor Who starring Ncuti Gatwa to the recording of Stephen Sondheim's final musical, check out what's coming to streaming services this month!
El Capitan Theatre Presents ONE NIGHT ONLY Featuring SISTER ACT, MRS. DOUBTFIRE, And More

Join the El Capitan Theatre for 'One Night Only' from April 27-30, as it brings back four cherished favorites to the big screen. Don't miss this unique cinematic experience.
Speakers & Sessions Announced For Broadway Stage Management Symposium

The 10th annual Broadway Stage Management Symposium has announced the Broadway stage managers and session topics for the 10th annual conference for stage managers.
Meet the Cast of PATRIOTS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

The Almeida Theatre production of Patriots officially begins previews on Broadway tonight, April 1. Meet the cast of Patriots here!
CHristine Lavin and Julie Gold Come to Birdland Theater in APRIL FOOLS

BIRDLAND THEATER will present beloved singer/songwriters Christine Lavin and Julie Gold in the show “April Fools” on Tuesday, April 2 at 5:30 PM.
Full Broadway Cast Set For PATRIOTS, Starring Michael Stuhlbarg, Will Keen, and More

The full Broadway cast has been announced for the Almeida Theatre production of Patriots, the new play by Peter Morgan. Learn more about the show and find out who is starring here!
Joseph Fioretti Will Present Fioretti•Family, Friends & Flowers To Raise Money for Ukraine

Oscar award-winning movie producer Joseph Fioretti, who is best known for Down and Out in America and Baghdad ER, will present a new art exhibition entitled Fioretti•Family, Friends & Flowers, devoted to supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine from March 15th – March 29th at the Ukrainian Institute of America.
Review: SPIDER, Riverside Studios

The cruel world of drama schools is examined at close range in Spider, written and directed by Jude Benning and currently playing at Riverside Studios as part of their Bitesize Festival.
Fountain Theatre Co-Founding Artistic Director Stephen Sachs Will Retire

After 34 years as artistic director, Fountain Theatre co-founder Stephen Sachs has announced his retirement at the end of 2024.

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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