Lee Daniels
Biography
Lee Daniels is an American film and television director, writer, and producer. He was born on December 24, 1959, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Daniels is known for his work in the entertainment industry, with 35 credits to his name. He is also known by the alternative name Lee Louis Daniels. Daniels' career is documented in the film My Big Break, which features him early in his career when he was managing actor Wes Bentley, who starred as Ricky Fitts in American Beauty. Daniels' work spans film and television, but specific details about his projects are not provided in the available sources.
Career overview
Lee Daniels is an American film and television director, writer, and producer. He is known for his work in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning multiple projects. Daniels has directed a significant number of films and television shows, with a total of 35 known credits.
Daniels' career has been featured in a documentary titled My Big Break, which showcases his early experiences in the industry. The documentary highlights his work as a manager for actor Wes Bentley, who starred in the film American Beauty. This early exposure demonstrates Daniels' involvement in the film industry from the beginning of his career.
As a director, Daniels has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His extensive body of work includes numerous films and television shows, showcasing his versatility and range as a creative professional. While specific details about his projects are not provided, Daniels' known credits and involvement in the documentary My Big Break demonstrate his significant contributions to the film and television industry.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
52 titles- The Truth About Jussie Smollett? (2025) as Self (archive footage)
- The Deliverance (2024) Director
- The Deliverance (2024) Producer
- The Reading (2023) Executive Producer
- Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn (2023) as Self
- Sherri (2022) as Self - Guest
- JANET JACKSON. (2022) as Self
- The Wonder Years (2021) Executive Producer
- The Ms. Pat Show (2021) Executive Producer
- Our Kind of People (2021) Executive Producer
- The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021) Producer
- The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021) Director
- The United States vs. Billie Holiday Special: Lee Daniels and Cast Interviewed by Oprah Winfrey (2021) as Self
- Concrete Cowboy (2020) Producer
- Pimp (2018) Executive Producer
- Star (2016) as Video Director
- Star (2016) Executive Producer
- Star (2016) Director
- Star (2016) Writer
- Star (2016) Creator
- Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall (2016) as Self
- Empire (2015) as Self
- Empire (2015) Director
- Empire (2015) Writer
- Empire (2015) Executive Producer
- Empire (2015) Creator
- Close Up with The Hollywood Reporter (2015) as Self
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014) as Self
- BoJack Horseman (2014) as Flea Daniels (voice)
- The Butler (2013) Director
- The Butler (2013) Producer
- The Paperboy (2012) as Bartender
- The Paperboy (2012) Screenplay
- The Paperboy (2012) Director
- The Paperboy (2012) Producer
- The Black List: Volume Three (2010) as Self
- Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire (2009) Director
- Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire (2009) Producer
- Tennessee (2008) Producer
- Indie Sex (2007) as Self
- Shadowboxer (2005) as Man in Steam Room
- Shadowboxer (2005) Producer
- Shadowboxer (2005) Director
- Agnes and His Brothers (2004) as Henry Preminger
- The Woodsman (2004) Producer
- Monster's Ball (2001) Producer
- Billy Crystal: Don't Get Me Started (1986) Casting
- A Little Off Mark (1986) as Steve
- Purple Rain (1984) Casting Assistant
- Stealth Director
- Terms of Endearment Director
- Terms of Endearment Screenplay
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Lee Daniels best known for?
Lee Daniels is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Deliverance (2024), The Deliverance (2024), Sherri (2022), The Wonder Years (2021).
When and where was Lee Daniels born?
Lee Daniels was born on December 24, 1959 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
How many credits does Lee Daniels have?
Lee Daniels has accumulated over 52 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1984 to 2025.
What is Lee Daniels's background in cinema and television?
Lee Daniels is an American film and television director, writer, and producer. He was born on December 24, 1959, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Daniels is known for his work in the entertainment industry, with 35 credits to his name. He is also known by the alternative name Lee Louis Daniels. Daniels' career is documen...