Paul Dano Biography: Net Worth, Films, Height, Real Name, Sister, Awards, Wife, Nationality

Paul Dano stands as a highly regarded American actor, director, and musician, celebrated for his transformative performances in films like There Will Be Blood, Little Miss Sunshine, and The Batman.

Known for his ability to embody complex, often intense characters, he has earned critical acclaim across indie dramas and major blockbusters, from his breakout as a troubled teen in L.I.E. to the enigmatic Riddler in The Batman.

Profile

• Full Name: Paul Franklin Dano
• Stage Name: Paul Dano
• Born: June 19, 1984
• Age: 41 years old
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Musician
• Height: 5 feet 11 inches
• Parents: Paul A. Dano and Gladys Dano
• Siblings: One younger sister (Sarah Dano)
• Spouse: Zoe Kazan
• Children: Two
• Relationship: Partnered
• Net Worth: $16 million USD

Early Life and Education

Paul Dano, a highly regarded American actor, director, and musician, was born on June 19, 1984, in New York City, New York. Raised in Manhattan’s Upper East Side by his parents, Paul A. Dano, a financial advisor, and Gladys Dano, a homemaker, he grew up alongside his younger sister, Sarah.

He attended Wilton High School in Connecticut after the family moved there, later studying at The New School in New York for a short time before focusing on acting full-time.

His heritage blends Czech, Slovak, and Jewish roots, and he follows no specific religion publicly.

Career

Paul Dano debuted on Broadway in 1996 and broke into film with The Newcomers (2000), but his breakout came in 2001 as Howie Blitzer in L.I.E., earning an Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance.

He gained wider notice as Dwayne in Little Miss Sunshine (2006), a role that showcased his ability to convey quiet intensity. His career-defining performance as Daniel Plainview’s rival preacher Eli Sunday in There Will Be Blood (2007) opposite Daniel Day-Lewis cemented his reputation.

He continued with roles like Brian in Taking Woodstock (2009), Louis Ives in The Extra Man (2010), and Simon Feck in Looper (2012). His portrayal of John Tibeats in 12 Years a Slave (2013) and young Brian Wilson in Love & Mercy (2014) showed his range in historical dramas.

Dano played Pierre Bezukhov in the BBC’s War & Peace (2016) and directed his first film, Wildlife (2018), a critically praised drama starring Carey Mulligan and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Recent highlights include Edward Nashton/The Riddler in The Batman (2022), a chilling take that boosted his profile, and Burt Fabelman in The Fabelmans (2022).

As a musician, he fronts the band Mook, releasing an album in 2012. With over 40 credits, his work spans indie, mainstream, and theater.

Awards and Nominations

• Won: Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance (2002) for L.I.E.
• Won: Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer (2007) for Little Miss Sunshine.
• Nominated: BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor (2008) for There Will Be Blood.
• Nominated: Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor (2015) for Love & Mercy.
• Nominated: Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast (2007) for Little Miss Sunshine.
• Nominated: Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Supporting Actor (2013) for 12 Years a Slave.
• Other: Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor (2015) for Love & Mercy; multiple ensemble nominations for The Fabelmans (2022).

Social Media

Paul Dano does not have social media account.

Personal Life

Paul Dano, a highly regarded American actor, director, and musician, is now 41. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, he keeps a low profile, enjoying music and quiet time when not working.

He shares a close bond with his parents, Paul A. and Gladys, and sister Sarah, though he rarely discusses family publicly.

In a long-term relationship with actress and writer Zoe Kazan since 2007, they have two children—a daughter born in 2018 and a son in 2022—while keeping their names private.

The couple co-wrote Ruby Sparks (2012) and lives in Brooklyn, New York, valuing privacy and their creative partnership.

Filmography

• L.I.E. (2001) as Howie Blitzer
• Little Miss Sunshine (2006) as Dwayne Hoover
• There Will Be Blood (2007) as Eli Sunday/Paul Sunday
• 12 Years a Slave (2013) as John Tibeats
• Love & Mercy (2014) as Brian Wilson (young)
• Swiss Army Man (2016) as Hank Thompson
• War & Peace (2016, BBC) as Pierre Bezukhov
• Wildlife (2018) as director, co-writer
• The Batman (2022) as Edward Nashton/The Riddler
• The Fabelmans (2022) as Burt Fabelman

Net Worth

Paul Dano, a highly regarded American actor, director, and musician, has an estimated net worth of $16 million USD. His wealth comes from major roles in The Batman, There Will Be Blood, and Little Miss Sunshine, plus directing Wildlife and music with Mook.

Awards, residuals from streaming hits, and selective endorsements support his earnings from a long career in entertainment.