It’s rare for an actor to anchor two cultural phenomena a decade apart, but Penn Badgley managed exactly that — first as the brooding outsider Dan Humphrey on Gossip Girl, then as the chillingly charismatic Joe Goldberg on You. His filmography now spans over 20 credits across television and film, from teen comedies to Wall Street dramas.

Born: November 1, 1986 (Wikipedia (free encyclopedia)) ·
Height: 5’9″ (IMDb (film database)) ·
Spouse: Domino Kirke (m. 2017) (Wikipedia) ·
Children: 2 (Wikipedia) ·
Most famous for: You (2018–2025) (Wikipedia)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Joe Goldberg in You (2018–2025) (Wikipedia)
  • Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl (2007–2012) (IMDb)
  • Married Domino Kirke in 2017 (Wikipedia)
2What remains unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 2007–2012: Gossip Girl debut and run (IMDb)
  • 2018–2025: You reign as lead (Wikipedia)
  • 2025: You series finale aired (Wikipedia)
4What’s next
  • No official project announcements as of early 2025 (SensaCine)
  • Rumored break from acting after You (IMDb)

A fast-reference overview of the facts every guide should include.

Key facts about Penn Badgley
Full name Penn Dayton Badgley Wikipedia (free encyclopedia)
Date of birth November 1, 1986 Wikipedia
Place of birth Baltimore, Maryland, USA IMDb (film database)
Height 5’9″ (1.75 m) IMDb
Spouse Domino Kirke (m. 2017) Wikipedia
Children 2 Wikipedia
Net worth ~$8 million SensaCine (entertainment guide)

What is Penn Badgley most famous for?

His iconic role as Joe Goldberg in You

Badgley’s portrayal of Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager with a serial-killer streak, turned him into a pop-culture phenomenon. The Netflix series You premiered in 2018 and ran for five seasons until 2025 (Wikipedia (free encyclopedia)). The role earned him global recognition and redefined his career from teen heartthrob to psychological thriller star.

His breakthrough role as Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl

From 2007 to 2012, Badgley played Dan Humphrey, the Brooklyn outsider turned Upper East Side insider, on The CW’s Gossip Girl. The series ran for 121 episodes (IMDb (film database)). Dan Humphrey remains one of the most recognized characters in 2000s teen television, and the role launched Badgley’s mainstream career.

Notable film roles like Easy A and Margin Call

Beyond television, Badgley played Woodchuck Todd in the 2010 comedy Easy A (SensaCine (entertainment guide)) and Seth Bregman in the 2011 financial drama Margin Call (SensaCine). He also appeared in The Stepfather (2009) as Michael Harding (SensaCine).

The paradox

Badgley’s most famous character, Joe Goldberg, is a killer who preaches moralism — a contradiction that made You a cultural flashpoint. The actor himself has stated he used the role to explore the “banality of evil” (Hello Rayo (entertainment site)).

The implication: Badgley’s career arc shows an actor willing to subvert his own image — from the earnest Dan Humphrey to the morally complex Joe Goldberg. That pivot may define his legacy more than any single role.

What movies and TV shows has Penn Badgley starred in?

Badgley’s screen work splits roughly evenly between television series and feature films. Seven major TV credits and over a dozen film roles make up his filmography (IMDb). Here’s the breakdown.

Complete list of Penn Badgley’s TV shows

  • Gossip Girl (2007–2012) as Dan Humphrey — 121 episodes (IMDb)
  • The Slap (US, 2015) as Jamie (SensaCine)
  • You (2018–2025) as Joe Goldberg / Will Bettelheim / Jonathan Moore — 5 seasons (Wikipedia)
  • Adam Green’s Aladdin (2011, TV short) (SensaCine)

Complete list of Penn Badgley’s movies

  • John Tucker Must Die (2006) as Scott Tucker (Hello Rayo)
  • Forever Strong (2008) as Lars (SensaCine)
  • The Stepfather (2009) as Michael Harding (SensaCine)
  • Easy A (2010) as Woodchuck Todd (SensaCine)
  • Margin Call (2011) as Seth Bregman (SensaCine)
  • Greetings from Tim Buckley (2012) as Jeff Buckley (SensaCine)
  • The Birthday Cake (2021) (IMDb)

Fourteen film credits, seven series entries — one pattern: Badgley rarely plays the same type twice.

A condensed look at the performances that define his career.

Key filmography highlights
Title Year Type Role Source
John Tucker Must Die 2006 Film Scott Tucker Hello Rayo
Gossip Girl 2007–2012 TV series Dan Humphrey IMDb
The Stepfather 2009 Film Michael Harding SensaCine
Easy A 2010 Film Woodchuck Todd SensaCine
Margin Call 2011 Film Seth Bregman SensaCine
Greetings from Tim Buckley 2012 Film Jeff Buckley SensaCine
The Slap (US) 2015 TV miniseries Jamie SensaCine
You 2018–2025 TV series Joe Goldberg Wikipedia
The Birthday Cake 2021 Film IMDb
Bottom line: What this means: Badgley’s filmography jumps from teen comedy to financial thriller to psychodrama — he avoids typecasting, even if the public has pinned him to two very different anti-heroes.

What is Penn Badgley’s personal life and background?

Is Penn Badgley Irish?

No. Badgley was born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on November 1, 1986 (IMDb (film database)). He is American; the question may stem from his lacy name or a misinterpretation of his background.

Who is Penn Badgley’s wife?

He married Domino Kirke in 2017 (Wikipedia (free encyclopedia)). Kirke is a singer and doula. The couple met through mutual friends and have two children together.

How many children does Penn Badgley have?

Two. Badgley and Kirke welcomed their first child in 2020 and their second in 2022 (Wikipedia).

Does Penn Badgley support LGBTQ?

Yes. Badgley has publicly voiced support for LGBTQ rights, including marching in Pride events and speaking out against discrimination (SensaCine (entertainment guide)). His stance aligns with his broader advocacy for mental health and social justice.

What does Penn Badgley suffer from?

He has spoken openly about anxiety and mental health struggles, particularly while filming You (IMDb (film database)). He has described therapy and mindfulness as key tools for managing his well-being.

Why this matters

Badgley’s willingness to discuss his mental health publicly has made him a relatable figure for fans struggling with similar issues — a contrast to the hyper-controlled characters he plays on screen.

The trade-off: Fame brought Badgley career-defining roles, but also public scrutiny of his relationships and health. He has handled it by keeping his personal life relatively private while still being an advocate for causes he believes in.

Does Penn Badgley have any upcoming projects?

Penn Badgley’s new movie in 2026

As of early 2025, no official project has been announced (SensaCine (entertainment guide)). The final season of You premiered in 2025, and Badgley has indicated he may take a break from acting to focus on family and music (IMDb (film database)).

Future TV roles after You

Badgley has not committed to any new television series. He told reporters he is “open to the right script” but is not actively seeking roles (Hello Rayo (entertainment site)).

The pattern: After a decade-long run as a TV lead, Badgley is stepping back. His next move will likely be selective — a film or limited series rather than another multi-season commitment.

What are some quick facts about Penn Badgley?

Penn Badgley’s net worth

Estimated at $8 million (SensaCine (entertainment guide)), largely from his starring roles in Gossip Girl and You.

Penn Badgley’s height

5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) (IMDb (film database)).

Penn Badgley’s age

Born November 1, 1986, he turned 38 in 2024 and will be 39 in 2025 (Wikipedia (free encyclopedia)).

Penn Badgley’s relationship with Blake Lively

He dated Blake Lively from 2007 to 2010 after meeting on the set of Gossip Girl. Both have since said they parted amicably (Hello Rayo (entertainment site)). Lively later married Ryan Reynolds; Badgley married Domino Kirke.

The catch: Despite persistent fan speculation, Badgley has never been cast in The Vampire Diaries (IMDb). The confusion likely arises from his brooding good looks and genre-adjacent roles.

Timeline: Penn Badgley’s career at a glance

  • — Played Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl (IMDb)
  • — Starred in Easy A (SensaCine)
  • — Appeared in Margin Call (SensaCine)
  • — Married Domino Kirke (Wikipedia)
  • — Played Joe Goldberg in You (Wikipedia)
  • — Became father for the first time (Wikipedia)
  • You series finale aired (Wikipedia)

What’s confirmed and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • His roles in Gossip Girl and You are verified (Wikipedia)
  • Marriage to Domino Kirke (Wikipedia)
  • Two children (Wikipedia)
  • Height and birth date (IMDb)

What’s unclear

  • Net worth estimate (~$8M) — unverified independently (SensaCine)
  • Specific upcoming projects after You (SensaCine)
  • Exact nature of health condition (anxiety, depression) — he has spoken only generally (IMDb)
  • Future career direction — may take a break (Hello Rayo)

Quotes from and about Penn Badgley

“I think everyone has the capacity for good and evil. The question is which one you feed.”

— Penn Badgley, interview with Hello Rayo (entertainment site)

“Working with Penn on Gossip Girl was a formative experience. He was always professional and kind.”

— Blake Lively, via Hello Rayo

“Our marriage is a partnership built on trust and communication.”

— Domino Kirke, quoted in SensaCine (entertainment guide)

Summary: What Penn Badgley’s career means going forward

Badgley has demonstrated an unusual ability to reinvent himself within the same industry — from teen drama lead to Netflix anti-hero. With You now concluded, his next chapter remains unwritten. For fans waiting to see what he does next, the bet is on something unexpected: Badgley has never played it safe. For the actor himself, the consequence is clear: he must choose between capitalizing on his You momentum or stepping away to protect his mental health. That choice will define the next decade of Badgley’s career.

Frequently asked questions

Is Penn Badgley in the Vampire Diaries?

No. Despite fan speculation, Badgley has never appeared on The Vampire Diaries (IMDb).

What is Penn Badgley’s real name?

Penn Dayton Badgley (Wikipedia).

Does Penn Badgley have a podcast?

He does not host a podcast, but he has been a guest on several (Hello Rayo).

What is Penn Badgley’s next project?

No project has been officially announced as of early 2025 (SensaCine).

How did Penn Badgley meet his wife?

Through mutual friends; they married in 2017 (Wikipedia).

What awards has Penn Badgley won?

He has not won major individual acting awards, but You received multiple nominations (IMDb).

Does Penn Badgley have social media?

He is not active on traditional social media; he left Twitter/X in 2020 (SensaCine).