X

Join or Sign In

Sign in to customize your TV listings

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Penn Badgley Biography

Birth Name:Penn Dayton Badgley

Birth Place:Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Profession Actor, Director, Producer

Fast Facts

  • Was nominated for a 2011 Gotham Award for his work in "Margin Call․"
  • Once served on the celebrity guest cabinet of the American Red Cross
  • After earning his high school diploma early, he would begin taking courses at Santa Monica City College at 14-years-old
  • Began his career as a child voiceover artist, making his mainstream debut on the video game "Mario Golf 64․"
  • Quote: "I want to do film․ I want to be an actor -- I don't want to be a celebrity․ They are two different things, and people have forgotten that they are different․"
  • Quote: "If someone doesn't like animals, I am a little suspicious of them․"
  • Turned down the role of Dan on "Gossip Girl" twice before finally accepting, a role that would prove to be his breakout hit
  • Named Penn after the brand of tennis balls

Awards

  • 2001Young Artist Award-Best Performance in a Daytime TV Series - Young Actor: nominated
  • 2008Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Drama: nominated
  • 2009Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Drama: nominated
  • 2010Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Drama: nominated
  • 2010Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie Actor: Horror/Thriller: nominated
  • 2011Gotham Independent Film Award-Best Ensemble Performance: nominated
  • 2011PFCS Award-Best Ensemble Acting: nominated
  • 2011Teen Choice Award-Choice Movie Actor: Romantic Comedy: nominated
  • 2011Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Drama: nominated
  • 2012COFCA Award-Best Ensemble: nominated
  • 2012Robert Altman Award-: winner
  • 2012Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Drama: nominated
  • 2013Teen Choice Award-Choice TV Actor: Drama: nominated
  • 2016Jury Special Mention-Outstanding Lead Actor: winner
  • 2016Festival Award-Best Actor: winner
  • 2019Saturn Award-Best Actor in Streaming Presentation: nominated
  • 2019ELLE Style Award-International Star: winner
  • 2019MTV Movie + TV Award-Best Villain: nominated
  • 2022HCA Award-Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Drama: nominated
  • 2024Astra TV Award-Best Actor in a Streaming Drama Series: nominated