Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jeff Daniels

Discover the career path of Jeff Daniels, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jeff Daniels is a celebrated American actor renowned for his versatility across stage and screen. He has garnered critical acclaim for his performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. Daniels's accomplishments include two Primetime Emmy Awards and numerous nominations, including five Golden Globe Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, and three Tony Awards, highlighting his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1991: Founded Purple Rose Theatre Company

In 1991, Jeff Daniels founded the Purple Rose Theatre Company, a nonprofit stage company in Chelsea, Michigan, for which he has written more than a dozen plays.

February 5, 2016: Blackbird Revival Previews

On February 5, 2016, Jeff Daniels returned to Broadway in the Revival of David Harrower's Blackbird, with previews beginning at the Belasco Theatre alongside Michelle Williams. The play explores the aftermath of sexual abuse.

2017: Starred in Godless

In 2017, Jeff Daniels starred in Netflix's western miniseries Godless as the villain Frank Griffin. He received critical acclaim and was nominated for, and won, the Primetime Emmy Award for Supporting Actor in a Miniseries.

Loading Video...

November 1, 2018: To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway previews begin

On November 1, 2018, Jeff Daniels starred as Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin's stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, with previews beginning at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway.

December 13, 2018: To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Opening

On December 13, 2018, Jeff Daniels starred as Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin's stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, officially opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre.

December 23, 2018: To Kill a Mockingbird box office record broken

During the week ending on December 23, 2018, the production of To Kill a Mockingbird, starring Jeff Daniels, grossed over $1.5 million, breaking the box office record for a non-musical play in a Shubert Organization theater.

2018: A Higher Loyalty Publication

In 2018, James Comey's memoir, A Higher Loyalty, was published which The Comey Rule would later be based on, in which Jeff Daniels would portray Comey.

A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership

Check it on Amazon

2018: Starred in The Looming Tower

In 2018, Jeff Daniels starred in Hulu's miniseries The Looming Tower, portraying John O'Neill. The series traces the rising threat of Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda. Daniels received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Limited Series for his performance.

Loading Video...

June 2019: Departure from To Kill a Mockingbird Announced

In June 2019, it was announced that Jeff Daniels would leave the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird in November 2019.

November 3, 2019: Final Performance in To Kill a Mockingbird

On November 3, 2019, Jeff Daniels gave his last performance as Atticus Finch in the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

November 2019: Departure from To Kill a Mockingbird

In November 2019, Jeff Daniels left the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird. Ed Harris succeeded him in the role.

2019: American Rust Series Order

In 2019, Showtime gave a straight-to-series order to American Rust, a drama based on Philipp Meyer's debut novel of the same name, with Jeff Daniels as executive producer and star.

Loading Video...

American Rust: A Novel

Check it on Amazon

February 16, 2020: Washington Miniseries Premiere

On February 16, 2020, Jeff Daniels narrated the History Channel's three-part documentary series Washington.

Loading Video...

September 27, 2020: The Comey Rule Debut

On September 27, 2020, Jeff Daniels portrayed FBI director James Comey in the two-part limited series The Comey Rule on Showtime. He received critical praise and a Golden Globe Award nomination for his performance.

Loading Video...

2020: Endorsement of Joe Biden

In 2020, Jeff Daniels endorsed Joe Biden in the presidential election and narrated a campaign ad titled "America Needs Michigan."

June 2021: Return to To Kill a Mockingbird Announced

In June 2021, it was announced that Jeff Daniels would return to his role as Atticus Finch in the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird, starting in October.