Paul Dano Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Movies, Net Worth
Paul Dano Biography
Paul Dano (born June 19, 1984) is an American actor, director, and screenwriter. He grew up in New York and New Canaan, Connecticut. Paul began performing in theater as a teen and later appeared on television. He then made his film debut in his late teens.
He gained major attention with Little Miss Sunshine (2006). Then he earned wide acclaim for There Will Be Blood (2007). His performance showed intensity, range, and emotional depth. Next, he impressed critics in Prisoners (2013) and Love & Mercy (2014).
In 2018, he made his directorial debut with Wildlife, which earned strong reviews. Additionally, he reached a new career peak in The Batman (2022), where he portrayed the Riddler, a role praised for its complexity.
Recently, Dano continues to take on diverse roles in both film and television. He also expands his work behind the camera with new creative projects. Although he maintains a private lifestyle, he frequently discusses his acting process and storytelling approach in interviews.
Overall, Dano remains a versatile, bold, and powerful creative force in Hollywood, consistently choosing compelling and challenging work.
Paul Dano Age
How old i Paul Dano?
Paul Dano is 41 years old in 2025. He was born on June 19, 1984, in New York. He continues to expand his acting career with bold roles. Additionally, he grows as a filmmaker with fresh creative projects. Overall, Paul Dano’s age reflects decades of experience and versatility.
Paul Dano’s Height
How tall is Paul Dano?
Dano stands about 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall. He maintains a fit build suitable for diverse roles. As an actor and filmmaker, his physical presence supports his on-screen versatility. Overall, his height complements his strong performances and creative image.
Paul Dano Wife
Paul Dano is married to Zoe Kazan, an acclaimed actress and screenwriter. The couple maintains a private family life, rarely sharing personal details with the media. They met through the film industry and developed a long-term relationship before marrying. Together, they support each other’s creative careers and occasionally collaborate on projects. Their partnership reflects mutual respect, shared artistic vision, and strong personal connection. Although they keep their personal life discreet, they are recognized as one of Hollywood’s thoughtful and talented couples.
Paul Dano Parents and Family Background
Paul was born to Gladys Dano and Paul Dano. He grew up in New York and later in Connecticut. His parents provided a supportive environment that encouraged his interest in acting from a young age. While he rarely shares personal family details publicly, their influence shaped his early life and career choices. Growing up with guidance from Gladys and Paul, he developed the confidence to pursue theater and film. Overall, his parents played a key role in nurturing his creativity, helping him become a versatile and respected actor today.
Paul Dano’s Education
Paul attended public school in New York and later in Connecticut. He studied at a local high school in New Canaan. During his teenage years, he joined local theatre groups and trained in acting and performance. That early involvement served as informal acting education. Although he never attended a formal drama school, his early stage experience and theater training prepared him well for film. Thus his practical education in theatre shaped his skills.
Paul Dano Awards — Key Nominations & Recognitions
As of 2025, Paul has earned several major award nominations but relatively few wins.
He received a Critics’ Choice Movie Award nomination for There Will Be Blood. He also earned a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nomination for Little Miss Sunshine. Additionally, critics widely praised his work in Love & Mercy and Wildlife, earning him acclaim even without big awards.
Moreover, film journalists often highlight his dramatic range and versatility, which contribute to his industry respect. Although he lacks many trophies, his consistent nominations and praise mark him as a serious, critically regarded actor.
Paul Dano in The Batman
In the 2022 film The Batman, Paul Dano plays The Riddler (Edward Nashton). His portrayal offers a dark, unsettling villain who challenges the hero’s moral compass. He adds gritty intensity and psychological depth to the film’s tone. Moreover, his performance highlights Dano’s versatility beyond dramatic roles. Overall, Paul Dano’s turn as The Riddler strengthens his reputation as a bold actor willing to tackle complex characters in major franchise films.
Paul Dano’s Movies and TV Shows
Here are notable movies and TV shows starring Paul Dano:
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
- There Will Be Blood (2007)
- Prisoners (2013)
- Love & Mercy (2014)
- Wildlife (2018) — also marked his directorial debut
- The Batman (2022)
This list highlights Paul Dano’s versatility in film and television through diverse roles and creative efforts.
Paul Dano in There Will Be Blood — Role and Impact
In There Will Be Blood (2007), Paul Dano plays Eli Sunday, a young, ambitious preacher. He delivers a powerful performance filled with religious zeal, anger, and vulnerability. Dano’s intense portrayal adds depth to the film’s dark, dramatic atmosphere and highlights moral conflicts. His interactions with Daniel Day‑Lewis’s character create tension and emotional complexity throughout the story. Critics praised his ability to convey subtle emotion and raw intensity, proving his versatility as an actor. This role became a major turning point in his career and cemented his reputation in Hollywood for strong dramatic performances.
Paul Dano Net Worth
Paul Dano has an estimated net worth of around $8 million. He earned this through successful acting roles and occasional behind‑the‑camera work. Moreover, his steady career adds to his financial stability. Overall, Paul Dano’s net worth reflects his long-term success and versatility in Hollywood.
