Penn Badgley: Wife, Height, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows (2025)
Penn Badgley is an American actor, musician, and producer who rose to fame as Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl and later captivated global audiences as the anti-hero Joe Goldberg on Netflix’s YOU. His career spans over two decades, from early television roles to critically acclaimed film work and a thriving music career.
Born on November 1, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, Badgley discovered his passion for acting at a young age. He moved to Hollywood at 11, completed high school early, and began building a career that would eventually make him one of the most recognizable faces on television.
Today, he balances his acting work with his role as lead singer of the indie band MOTHXR and his family life with wife Domino Kirke and their children. This article covers everything from his personal life and net worth to his most iconic roles and social media presence.
Who is Penn Badgley? Biography Overview
Domino Kirke (m. 2017)
38 (born November 1, 1986)
5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Estimated $4-8 million
- Badgley’s career is defined by two iconic, culturally dominant TV roles: Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl and Joe Goldberg in YOU.
- He actively distances his public persona from his darker characters, using his platform to discuss real-world issues and his music.
- Despite his fame, Badgley maintains a relatively private personal life, with limited public appearances with his wife and children.
- He began his career with voice work for video games like Mario Golf 64 and Mario Tennis 64.
- His first screen role was a guest spot on Will & Grace in 1999.
- He earned a Saturn Award nomination for his role in YOU.
- Badgley is also the lead singer of the indie band MOTHXR.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Penn Dayton Badgley |
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer, Musician |
| Years Active | 1999–present |
| Spouse | Domino Kirke (m. 2017) |
| Children | James, Cassius, and twins (expected 2025) |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| Notable Roles | Dan Humphrey (Gossip Girl), Joe Goldberg (YOU) |
Who is Penn Badgley Married To? His Wife and Family
Penn Badgley is married to Domino Kirke, a fellow musician and doula. The couple tied the knot in a secret ceremony in February 2017. Kirke is also known for being the sister of actress Jemima Kirke and a member of the band Domino Kirke & the Royal Family.
Does Penn Badgley have children?
Yes, Badgley and Kirke have three children. Their first son, James, was born on August 11, 2020. Their second son, Cassius, was born in 2022. In early 2025, the couple announced they were expecting twins, due in February 2025.
The names of Badgley’s children have not been officially confirmed in all public sources. While James and Cassius are widely reported, the names of the twins have not been publicly shared as of early 2025.
Who has Penn Badgley dated?
Before marrying Kirke, Badgley had two high-profile relationships. He dated his Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively from 2007 to 2010. He later dated actress Zoe Kravitz from 2011 to 2013.
What Are Penn Badgley’s Best Movies and TV Shows?
Badgley’s career is anchored by two major television roles, but he has also appeared in a range of films and other projects. His early work includes a recurring role on The Young and the Restless and a starring role in the short-lived series Do Over.
TV Shows
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–2012 | Gossip Girl | Dan Humphrey | Lead role; turned down initially |
| 2018–2025 | YOU | Joe Goldberg | Lead role; Saturn Award nomination |
| 2000 | Daddio | Recurring role | Early LA days |
Movies
- The Stepfather (2009)
- Easy A (2010)
- Margin Call (2011) – earned ensemble the Robert Altman Award
- Greetings from Tim Buckley (2012)
- The Slap (NBC miniseries, 2024)
- Featured in Ariana Grande’s “The Boy Is Mine” music video (June 2024)
Badgley’s role in YOU marked a major career resurgence, transforming him from a teen drama star into a critically acclaimed anti-hero. The show’s success has extended his relevance significantly beyond the 2010s audience.
What was Penn Badgley like when he was young?
Badgley split his childhood between Richmond, Virginia, and Seattle, Washington. In Seattle, he joined the Seattle Children’s Theater and did voice-overs for a children’s radio station. He discovered his love of acting through these early experiences, leading him to Hollywood at age 11 to secure an agent. At 14, he completed the California High School Proficiency Exam and began attending Santa Monica City College.
Is Penn Badgley on Instagram? His Social Media Presence
Yes, Penn Badgley has an active Instagram presence under the handle @pennbadgley. He uses the platform to share behind-the-scenes content from his acting projects, promote his music with MOTHXR, and post about family moments and social causes.
His Instagram feed reflects a deliberate effort to separate his public persona from his darker on-screen characters, particularly Joe Goldberg. He frequently shares content related to music, political issues, and personal reflections rather than solely promoting his acting work.
Penn Badgley Career Timeline
- 1986 – Born in Baltimore, Maryland.
- 1999–2005 – Early roles: Guest appearances on Will & Grace, The Young and the Restless. Voice work for Mario Golf 64 and Mario Tennis 64.
- 2007–2012 – Breakthrough role as Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl.
- 2010–2013 – Indie film roles: Easy A, Margin Call, The Stepfather.
- 2017 – Marries Domino Kirke.
- 2018–present – Major career resurgence as Joe Goldberg in Netflix thriller series YOU.
- 2020 – Becomes a father (son James born).
- 2023 – YOU Season 4; continues with music career.
How Certain Are These Facts?
| Fact | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated | Net worth is not publicly confirmed by the actor. Figures range from $4 million to $8 million based on industry analysis of his TV salaries and real estate. |
| Child’s Name | Uncertain / Private | The names of Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke’s children have not been officially confirmed in all public sources. |
| Height | Confirmed | Multiple credible sources list 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m). |
| Marriage Date | Confirmed | Publicly recorded marriage in 2017 via official registrations and statements. |
What is the Context of Penn Badgley’s Career?
Badgley’s career trajectory is notable for its longevity and reinvention. After becoming a teen icon through Gossip Girl, he could have been typecast. Instead, he chose indie film roles and music, building a more diverse portfolio. His role in YOU represented a deliberate shift toward darker, more complex characters, which has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike.
He has also been open about the challenges of playing a character like Joe Goldberg, using interviews and his social media platforms to discuss the importance of separating fiction from reality. This approach has helped him maintain a distinct public identity separate from his most famous role.
What Are the Sources for This Information?
“Penn Badgley is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Dan Humphrey on The CW teen drama series Gossip Girl and as Joe Goldberg on the Netflix psychological thriller series You.”
— Wikipedia
“Badgley’s performance as Joe Goldberg has been praised for its complexity and depth, earning him a Saturn Award nomination.”
— All American Speakers
Summary: Who is Penn Badgley?
Penn Badgley is a versatile actor and musician who has successfully navigated a career spanning over 25 years. From his early days in Seattle children’s theater to his iconic roles in Gossip Girl and YOU, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve and challenge himself. He balances his professional life with his family, his music with MOTHXR, and a thoughtful public presence that prioritizes authenticity over celebrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penn Badgley still married?
Yes, Penn Badgley is married to Domino Kirke. They were married in 2017 and are still together.
Does Penn Badgley have Instagram?
Yes, his official Instagram account is @pennbadgley, where he has over 5 million followers.
What was Penn Badgley’s first role?
One of his earliest roles was a guest spot on Will & Grace in 1999. He also appeared on The Young and the Restless in the early 2000s.
How much is Penn Badgley worth?
Estimates place Penn Badgley’s net worth between $4 million and $8 million, largely from his starring roles in Gossip Girl and YOU.
How tall is Penn Badgley?
Penn Badgley is 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall.
What is Penn Badgley’s full name?
His full name is Penn Dayton Badgley.
Does Penn Badgley have children?
Yes, he has two sons, James and Cassius, and is expecting twins in 2025 with his wife Domino Kirke.
What band is Penn Badgley in?
He is the lead singer of the indie band MOTHXR, which released its debut album Centerfold in 2016.
Where does Penn Badgley live?
He currently resides in New York City.
What is Penn Badgley’s most famous role?
He is best known for playing Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl and Joe Goldberg on Netflix’s YOU.
Related stories
Oscar Brooks covers local business, housing, jobs and property across Hampshire.