John Dahl Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Height, Parents, Children

John Dahl remains a respected American film and television director, renowned for his sharp neo-noir thrillers that blend tension with moral ambiguity.

His work on features like Red Rock West and extensive episodic directing in acclaimed series have solidified his standing in Hollywood over four decades.

Profile

• Full Name: John Dahl
• Stage Name: John Dahl
• Born: June 15, 1956
• Age: 69 years old
• Birthplace: Billings, Montana
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Director, Screenwriter, and Producer
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. Leonard Dahl and Mrs. Marguerite Dahl
• Siblings: Three
• Spouse: Beth Jana Friedberg
• Children: Four
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million USD

Early Life and Education

John Dahl, the accomplished director, screenwriter, and producer, was born on June 15, 1956, in Billings, Montana.

Raised by Mr. Leonard Dahl, an insurance office manager, and Mrs. Marguerite Dahl, in a modest home as the second of four children, he fostered an early draw to art, music, and drama.

He graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1974, then pursued a BFA in film at Montana State University’s School of Film and Photography, where he studied under Bill Pullman and crafted his debut short, The Death Mutants, on a $12,000 budget.

Later, he earned an MFA from the American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles, entering the directors program.

Career

John Dahl, the accomplished director, screenwriter, and producer, entered the field as a storyboard artist and assistant director in the 1980s, crafting short films and music videos for acts like Kool & the Gang and Joe Satriani.

His feature breakthrough arrived with Kill Me Again (1989), which he wrote and directed, starring Val Kilmer.

He followed with the indie noir gem Red Rock West (1993), featuring Nicolas Cage, and The Last Seduction (1994), a critical darling with Linda Fiorentino that earned her Independent Spirit and New York Film Critics Circle nods for Best Actress.

Subsequent films include Unforgettable (1996), Rounders (1998) with Matt Damon, Joy Ride (2001), The Great Raid (2005), and You Kill Me (2007).

Transitioning to television, he helmed episodes across hits like Dexter (16 episodes), Ray Donovan (11), Californication (10), Breaking Bad (“Down”), Justified (6), Hannibal (2), Outlander (2), Evil (8), and Poker Face (“Hometown Hero,” 2025), showcasing his command of suspense and character depth.

Social Media

John Dahl does not have social media account.

Personal Life

John Dahl, the accomplished director, screenwriter, and producer, met his wife, cinematographer Beth Jana Friedberg, at Montana State University, and they wed after both completed studies at the American Film Institute.

The couple, parents to four children, settled in Los Angeles, where they nurture a balanced family life amid his demanding schedule.

At 69, Dahl values privacy, drawing creative energy from his Montana roots and close-knit sibling ties, including collaborations with brother Rick.

Filmography

Films (Key Works as Director):

• Kill Me Again (1989)
• Red Rock West (1993)
• The Last Seduction (1994)
• Rounders (1998)
• Joy Ride (2001)
• The Great Raid (2005)

Television (Selected Episodes):

• Breaking Bad (“Down,” 2009)
• Dexter (Multiple, 2008–2013)
• Justified (“The Hammer,” 2011)
• Hannibal (“Aperitif,” 2013)
• Evil (Multiple, 2019–2024)
• Poker Face (“Hometown Hero,” 2025)

Net Worth

John Dahl, the accomplished director, screenwriter, and producer, maintains an estimated net worth of $5 million USD.

His finances build from feature royalties, television directing fees, and production ventures over a prolific career.