Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Penn Badgley

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

Penn Badgley is an American actor and producer recognized for his prominent roles in popular television series. He gained widespread recognition as Dan Humphrey in The CW's teen drama, Gossip Girl, which aired from 2007 to 2012. More recently, he stars as Joe Goldberg in the Netflix psychological thriller series You, which premiered in 2018 and is set to continue through 2025. Badgley's performances have established him as a notable figure in contemporary television.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1998: Recorded Pop Single

In 1998, at the age of 12, Penn Badgley recorded an unreleased pop single, which he later deemed "terrible" and "misguided".

1999: First Voice Work

In 1999, Penn Badgley's first credit was voice work for the video games Mario Golf 64 and Mario Tennis 64.

2000: First Screen Acting Credit and Role in The Young and the Restless

In 2000, Penn Badgley had his first screen acting credit on an episode of Will & Grace and appeared on shows such as Daddio, The Brothers García, and What I Like About You. Badgley's first noticeable role was as Phillip Chancellor IV on the soap opera The Young and the Restless.

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2002: Starred in Do Over

In 2002, Penn Badgley starred in The WB's comedy-drama series Do Over as Joel Larsen.

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2006: First Major Film Credit

In 2006, Penn Badgley's first major film credit was in John Tucker Must Die, playing the role of Scott Tucker.

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2007: Featured in Drive-Thru

In 2007, Penn Badgley featured in the comedy film Drive-Thru.

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2007: Cast in Gossip Girl

In 2007, Penn Badgley was cast as Dan Humphrey in The CW teen drama series Gossip Girl.

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2008: Supported Barack Obama

During the 2008 United States presidential election, Penn Badgley supported Barack Obama and appeared in a commercial with Blake Lively for MoveOn's Youth Vote program.

2009: Starred in The Stepfather Remake

In 2009, Penn Badgley starred in the thriller film The Stepfather, a remake of the 1987 film.

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March 2010: Joined American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet

In March 2010, Penn Badgley joined the American Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet.

2010: Starred in Easy A

In 2010, Penn Badgley starred in the teen comedy film Easy A as Todd, the love interest of Emma Stone's character.

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2011: Appeared in Margin Call

In 2011, Penn Badgley appeared in the financial thriller drama Margin Call.

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2011: Supported Occupy Wall Street

In 2011, Penn Badgley supported the Occupy Wall Street movement.

December 2012: Joined Cast of Parts per Billion

In December 2012, Penn Badgley joined the cast of Parts per Billion.

2015: Recurring Role in The Slap

In 2015, Penn Badgley had a recurring role in NBC's miniseries The Slap.

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2015: Band Name Change

In 2015, Penn Badgley's band changed the spelling of their name from M O T H E R to MOTHXR.

February 26, 2016: MOTHXR Released Debut Album

On February 26, 2016, MOTHXR, Penn Badgley's band, released their debut album, Centerfold.

2016: Acclaim for The Paper Store

In 2016, Penn Badgley won acclaim for his role in the independent film The Paper Store, receiving Best Actor at Oxford International Film Festival and a Special Jury Mention at Manchester Film Festival.

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