Paul Dano
Biography
Paul Franklin Dano is an American actor born on June 19, 1984, in New York City, New York. Known for his extensive work in film and on stage, he began his career on Broadway before transitioning to the screen. Over his career, he has earned recognition and accolades for a diverse range of roles in acclaimed independent and mainstream motion pictures directed by notable filmmakers.
Career overview
Paul Dano made his film debut in the 2000 movie The Newcomers. He subsequently won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Debut Performance for his work in L.I.E. in 2001. He gained further recognition for playing Dwayne Hoover in the 2006 film Little Miss Sunshine. In 2007, he received a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination for his dual roles as Paul and Eli Sunday in Paul Thomas Anderson's film There Will Be Blood.
Dano continued to secure prominent supporting roles in major cinematic projects. In 2013, he appeared as John Tibeats in Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave and as Alex Jones in Denis Villeneuve's Prisoners. His career also includes an acting portrayal of musician Brian Wilson.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
82 titles- The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026) as Vadim Baranov
- Sia: Nostalgic for the Present (2026)
- The Studio (2025) as Paul Dano
- Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024) as Hot Neighbor
- The Apprentice (2024) Thanks
- Spaceman (2024) as Hanuš (voice)
- Fantasmas (2024) as Jeff
- Dumb Money (2023) as Keith Gill
- The Fabelmans: A Family in Film (2023) as Self
- A Journey Home: The Story of Sahaya Vietnam (2023) as Self - Narrator
- The Batman (2022) as The Riddler
- Pantheon (2022) as Caspian Keyes (voice)
- The Fabelmans (2022) as Burt Fabelman
- The Guilty (2021) as Matthew Fontenot (voice)
- The Great Work Begins: Scenes from Angels in America (2020) as Prior Walter
- Escape at Dannemora (2018) as David Sweat
- Wildlife (2018) Screenplay
- Wildlife (2018) Director
- Wildlife (2018) Producer
- Okja (2017) as Jay
- War and Peace (2016) as Pierre Bezukhov
- Swiss Army Man (2016) as Hank
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015) as Self
- The Late Late Show with James Corden (2015) as Self
- The Late Late Show with James Corden (2015) as Self - Guest
- Hot Ones (2015) as Self
- Youth (2015) as Jimmy Tree
- Love & Mercy (2015) as Brian Wilson 1960s
- The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (2014) as Self
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014) as Self
- Late Night with Seth Meyers (2014) as Self - Guest
- Variety Studio: Actors on Actors (2014) as Self
- Off Camera with Sam Jones (2014) as Self
- Prisoners (2013) as Alex Jones
- Clique (2013) as Self - Guest
- 12 Years a Slave (2013) as John Tibeats
- Looper (2012) as Seth
- Ruby Sparks (2012) as Calvin
- Ruby Sparks (2012) Executive Producer
- For Ellen (2012) as Joby Taylor
- For Ellen (2012) Executive Producer
- Being Flynn (2012) as Nick Flynn
- Flatscreen (2012) as Paul
- Cowboys & Aliens (2011) as Percy Dolarhyde
- Meek's Cutoff (2011) as Thomas Gately
- Knight and Day (2010) as Simon Feck
- The Extra Man (2010) as Louis Ives
- Where the Wild Things Are (2009) as Alexander (voice)
- Taking Woodstock (2009) as VW Guy
- The Good Heart (2009) as Lucas
- Light and the Sufferer (2008) as Don (AKA: Light)
- Explicit Ills (2008) as Rocco
- Gigantic (2008) as Brian
- Gigantic (2008) Executive Producer
- There Will Be Blood (2007) as Paul Sunday / Eli Sunday
- The Manufacturing of 'Fast Food Nation' (2007) as Self
- Weapons (2007) as Chris
- Little Miss Sunshine (2006) as Dwayne Hoover
- Fast Food Nation (2006) as Brian
- The King (2006) as Paul
- The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005) as Thaddius
- The Girl Next Door (2004) as Klitz
- Taking Lives (2004) as Young Asher
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Self - Guest
- The Emperor's Club (2002) as Martin Blythe
- Too Young to Be a Dad (2002) as Matt Freeman
- L.I.E. (2001) as Howie Blitzer
- The Newcomers (2000) as Joel
- The Sopranos (1999) as Patrick Whaley
- Smart Guy (1997) as Nicholas
- The Daily Show (1996) as Self - Guest
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Cameo (uncredited)
- The Oscars (1953) as Self
- Golden Globe Awards (1944) as Self - Audience Member
- Bunker
- The Chaperones
- Possession
- Sensei Rainbow and the Dojo Kids as Paul
- Vegas: A Love Story as Ryder
- Untitled Paul Dano Comedy Film Writer
- Untitled Paul Dano Comedy Film Director
- Untitled Paul Dano Comedy Film Producer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Paul Dano best known for?
Paul Dano is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Wizard of the Kremlin (2026), Sia: Nostalgic for the Present (2026), The Studio (2025), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024).
When and where was Paul Dano born?
Paul Dano was born on June 19, 1984 in New York City, New York, USA.
How many credits does Paul Dano have?
Paul Dano has accumulated over 82 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1944 to 2026.
What is Paul Dano's background in cinema and television?
Paul Franklin Dano is an American actor born on June 19, 1984, in New York City, New York. Known for his extensive work in film and on stage, he began his career on Broadway before transitioning to the screen. Over his career, he has earned recognition and accolades for a diverse range of roles in acclaimed independent...