Paul Dano is an American actor. His work includes both independent film and blockbusters, and his accolades include nominations for a British Academy Film Award, a Golden Globe Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Dano made his acting debut in L.I.E. and gained wider recognition for playing Dwayne Hoover in Little Miss Sunshine. He was nominated for the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for playing Paul & Eli Sunday in Paul Thomas Anderson’s period drama There Will Be Blood. After supporting roles in mainstream films such as Knight and Day, Cowboys & Aliens, and Looper, Dano had critically acclaimed roles in 12 Years a Slave and Prisoners.
In 2018, he starred as a convicted murderer in the Showtime miniseries Escape at Dannemora, for which he received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor. In 2022, he played The Riddler in The Batman and a fictionalized version of Arnold Spielberg in The Fabelmans, receiving a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for the latter. Dano made his directorial debut with the drama film Wildlife, which he also co-wrote with his partner, Zoe Kazan. He has also written the comic book The Riddler: Year One. On Broadway theatre, Dano has starred in productions of A Free Man of Color and True West.
Personal Life
Birthday / Date of Birth
He was born on the 19th of June 1984, in New York City, New York, United States.
| Birth Name | Paul Franklin Dano |
| Nickname | Paul |
| Date of Birth | 19th of June 1984 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, United States |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Sun Sign | Gemini |
| Profession | Actor, Director |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Religion | Christianity |
Education
Dano initially attended the Browning School. He continued his education at Wilton High School, graduating in 2002, and attended Eugene Lang College in New York City.
Family Details
- Father – Paul A. Dano (Financial Advisor)
- Mother – Gladys Ann Pipp (Homemaker)
- Siblings – Sarah Dano (Sister)
Marital Status
Committed
Girlfriend / Spouse
Paul Dano has dated –
- Zoe Kazan – Since 2007, Dano has been in a relationship with actress and screenwriter Zoe Kazan. They have a daughter, born in August 2018, and a son, born in October 2022. They reside in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
Physical Statistics
| Height |
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| Weight |
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| Body Measurements |
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| Body Build | Slim |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Shoe Size | 11.5 (US) |
| Dress Size | N/A |
| Sexuality | Straight |
Professional Statistics
Famous For
Dano is famous for his psychologically intense performances and for portraying complex, morally ambiguous characters. He is best known for Little Miss Sunshine, There Will Be Blood, Prisoners, Love & Mercy, Swiss Army Man, 12 Years a Slave, and for playing Edward Nashton / The Riddler in The Batman (2022).
Television Debut
In 1997, Dano made his television debut in Smart Guy as Nicholas.
Film Debut
In 2000, Paul made his feature film debut with The Newcomers. His major breakthrough came with Little Miss Sunshine (2006) and There Will Be Blood (2007), where he famously played two roles opposite Daniel Day-Lewis.
Paul Dano Net worth
Paul Dano has an estimated net worth of $14 million dollars as of 2026.
Some Lesser Known Facts About Paul Dano
- Paul was born in New York City, the son of a homemaker and a financial advisor. He pent the first few years of his childhood in New York City and initially attended the Browning School.
- He was involved in community theater, and while he was performing in New Canaan, his parents were encouraged to take him to New York.
- In 1996, Dano portrayed The Little Boy (Edgar) in the world premiere of Terrence McNally’s musical Ragtime at the Ford Center of the Performing Arts (now the Meridian Arts Centre) in Toronto.
- Dano made his Broadway debut at age twelve in John Tillinger’s revival of Inherit the Wind, alongside George C. Scott and Charles Durning.
- He appeared in an episode of the sitcom Smart Guy and had a minor role in the 2000 family drama The Newcomers. He played the part of Patrick Whalen in several episodes of The Sopranos (season 4).
- Dano acted in his first major film role when he was sixteen, playing Howie Blitzer, a teenage boy who becomes involved with a middle-aged ephebophile (Brian Cox) in L.I.E. (2001).
- Paul had a dual role in the 2007 period film There Will Be Blood, which earned him positive reviews and a BAFTA nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- After supporting roles in mainstream films such as Knight and Day (2010), Cowboys & Aliens (2011), and Looper (2012), Dano had critically acclaimed roles in 12 Years a Slave and Prisoners (both 2013). For his portrayal of Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy (2014), he earned a nomination for the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
- Rolling Stone magazine included Dano in its Hot List for 2007, calling his performance style “Daniel Day-Lewis + Billy Crudup × Johnny Depp.”
- In 2018, he starred as a convicted murderer in the Showtime miniseries Escape at Dannemora, for which he received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
- In 2022, he played The Riddler in The Batman and a fictionalized version of Arnold Spielberg in The Fabelmans, receiving a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for the latter.
- Dano made his directorial debut with the drama film Wildlife (2018). He has also written the comic book The Riddler: Year One (2022).
- In June 2025, Dano would write and potentially direct and produce “a high-concept comedy” for Universal Pictures, produced by The Daniels.
- In December 2025, Paul was reported to have joined the cast of Florian Zeller’s psychological thriller Bunker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paul Dano?
He is an acclaimed American actor known for transformative roles, starting on Broadway and moving to iconic films like Little Miss Sunshine, There Will Be Blood, 12 Years a Slave, Love & Mercy, and The Batman, earning acclaim for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic performances, and also directing Wildlife.
What is the real name of Paul Dano?
His real name is Paul Franklin Dano.
What is the age of Paul Dano?
He is 41 years old (19th of June 1984).
What is Paul Dano Height?
The Height of Paul is 1.84 m (6′0½”).
What is Paul Dano Weight?
The Weight of Dano is 75 kg (165 lbs).
What is the Net worth of Paul Dano?
He has an estimated net worth of $14 million dollars as of 2026.
Why is Paul Dano Famous?
He is known for transformative roles, starting on Broadway and moving to iconic films like Little Miss Sunshine, There Will Be Blood, 12 Years a Slave, Love & Mercy, and The Batman, earning acclaim for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic performances, and also directing Wildlife.