Jeff Daniels Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Movies & TV Shows

Jeffrey Warren Daniels, known professionally as Jeff Daniels, is an American actor, musician, and playwright celebrated for his versatile performances across film, television, and stage.

Renowned for seamlessly transitioning between comedic and dramatic roles, he gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Harry Dunne in Dumb and Dumber (1994) and as news anchor Will McAvoy in HBO’s The Newsroom (2012–2014), earning two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Daniels is also the founder of the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan, reflecting his deep commitment to theater and mentorship of aspiring artists.

Profile

• Full Name: Jeffrey Warren Daniels
• Stage Name: Jeff Daniels
• Born: 19, February 1955
• Age: 70 years old
• Birthplace: Athens, Georgia, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Musician, Playwright
• Height: 1.91m
• Parents: Marjorie J. Ferguson, Robert Lee Daniels
• Siblings: John Daniels
• Spouse: Kathleen Rosemary Treado (m. 1979)
• Girlfriends: None
• Children: Benjamin Daniels, Lucas Daniels, Nellie Daniels
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $45 million

Early Life and Education

Jeffrey Warren Daniels was born on February 19, 1955, in Athens, Georgia, to Marjorie J. Ferguson and Robert Lee Daniels, who owned The Chelsea Lumber Company and served as mayor of Chelsea, Michigan.

Raised in Chelsea with his brother John Daniels, Jeff initially aspired to become a teacher like his father. He studied English and theater at Central Michigan University but left to pursue acting after being cast in student productions.

His ethnicity is of English, Scottish, and Irish descent, and his religious affiliation is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Jeff Daniels began his career in theater, moving to New York City in 1976 to join the Circle Repertory Company. His stage debut in Fifth of July (1976) earned critical praise, leading to Broadway roles and a Drama Desk Award nomination.

He transitioned to film with a supporting role in Ragtime (1981), but his breakthrough came as the unfaithful husband in Terms of Endearment (1983), followed by Golden Globe-nominated performances in The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) and Something Wild (1986). His early work showcased his ability to balance charm and complexity, establishing him as a versatile actor.

Daniels’ career flourished in the 1990s with roles in diverse genres, including the Civil War epic Gettysburg (1993), the blockbuster Speed (1994), and the iconic comedy Dumb and Dumber (1994) alongside Jim Carrey.

His performance in The Squid and the Whale (2005) earned critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. In 1991, he founded the Purple Rose Theatre Company, where he writes and directs plays, nurturing new talent.

His television career surged with The Newsroom (2012–2014), where his portrayal of Will McAvoy won a Primetime Emmy and garnered Golden Globe and SAG nominations.

Daniels remains a dynamic force in entertainment, with recent roles in American Rust (2021–2024) and the Netflix miniseries A Man in Full (2024).

His stage work includes Tony-nominated performances in God of Carnage (2009), Blackbird (2016), and To Kill a Mockingbird (2018–2021) as Atticus Finch.

As a musician, he has released albums like Live & Unplugged and performs regularly. His legacy is marked by his ability to excel in varied roles, his dedication to theater, and his influence as a mentor through the Purple Rose Theatre Company.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @jeff_daniels
• Facebook Handle: Jeff Daniels
• Twitter Handle: @Jeff_Daniels

Personal Life

Jeff Daniels married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen Rosemary Treado, in 1979, and they have three children: Benjamin, Lucas and Nellie.

The couple resides in Chelsea, Michigan, where Daniels prioritizes a grounded lifestyle, enjoying activities like playing his acoustic guitar and engaging in community life.

He has maintained a private personal life, avoiding Hollywood’s spotlight, and credits Michigan for keeping him balanced through his career’s ups and downs. Daniels is also an avid musician, performing folk and blues at various venues.

Filmography

• Ragtime (1981)
• Terms of Endearment (1983)
• The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
• Something Wild (1986)
• Arachnophobia (1990)
• Gettysburg (1993)
• Speed (1994)
• Dumb and Dumber (1994)
• Fly Away Home (1996)
• 101 Dalmatians (1996)
• The Squid and the Whale (2005)
• The Newsroom (2012–2014)
• The Martian (2015)
• Steve Jobs (2015)
• Godless (2017)
• The Looming Tower (2018)
• The Comey Rule (2020)

Net Worth

Jeff Daniels has an estimated net worth of $45 million. His wealth is derived from his extensive career in film, television, and theater, with significant earnings from blockbuster films like Dumb and Dumber and high-profile TV roles in The Newsroom and Godless.