Jeff Daniels headshot wearing a blue shirt and brown blazer against a black background for bio and career highlights.

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Jeff Daniels

Born

February 19, 1955

Died
Birthplace

Athens, Georgia, US

Age

71 Years Old

Horoscope

Pisces

Who Is Jeff Daniels?

American actor Jeff Daniels is renowned for his versatile performances, seamlessly transitioning between comedic and dramatic roles. His impressive range has captivated audiences across film, television, and the stage for decades.

Daniels first achieved widespread recognition in the 1985 Woody Allen film The Purple Rose of Cairo, earning a Golden Globe nomination. His memorable portrayal cemented his status as a compelling leading man.

Full NameJeffrey Warren Daniels
GenderMale
Height6 feet 3 inches (191 cm)
Relationship StatusMarried
Net Worth$40 million
NationalityAmerican
EducationCentral Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University Drama School
FatherRobert Lee Daniels
MotherMarjorie J. Daniels
KidsBenjamin Daniels, Lucas Daniels, Nellie Daniels

Early Life and Education

Born in Athens, Georgia, Jeff Daniels spent his early weeks there before his family moved back to his parents’ native Chelsea, Michigan. His father, Robert Lee Daniels, owned a lumber company and also served as the town’s mayor.

Daniels attended Central Michigan University, where he first engaged with theater programs. He further refined his acting skills at Eastern Michigan University’s drama school, which ultimately led him to pursue a professional career in New York.

Notable Relationships

A string of high-profile roles has defined Jeff Daniels’ career, but his personal life highlights a steadfast marriage to Kathleen Rosemary Treado. They married on July 13, 1979, after dating since 1973.

Daniels shares three children with Treado: Benjamin, Lucas, and Nellie. The couple moved back to their hometown of Chelsea, Michigan, in 1986 to raise their family.

Career Highlights

Jeff Daniels’ career as an American actor is distinguished by his impressive ability to excel in both comedy and drama. He secured a Primetime Emmy Award for his lead role in the HBO series The Newsroom and earned widespread acclaim for his comedic turn in Dumb and Dumber.

Beyond his acting, Daniels launched the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan, in 1991. This nonprofit organization champions new American plays, providing a vital platform for regional artists and playwrights.

To date, Daniels has collected two Primetime Emmy Awards and three Tony Award nominations, cementing his legacy as a deeply respected and versatile performer across all mediums.

Signature Quote

“I think Michigan keeps you sane and on an even keel through the ups and downs. In Michigan, I do fireworks, shovel snow and live life.”