Dan Fogler Bio
Daniel Kevin Fogler (born October 20, 1976) is an American actor, comedian, and writer known for his breakout role in the Broadway production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, for which he won a Tony Award. Fogler transitioned to film in the late 2000s with roles in Good Luck Chuck and Balls of Fury. He is also recognized for his performances in the Fantastic Beasts film series and has directed and written various works including the horror comedy Hysterical Psycho. Fogler has been active in the entertainment industry since 1997.
Early Life and Background
Dan Fogler was born on October 20, 1976, in Brooklyn, New York. He is the son of Richard Fogler, a surgeon, and Shari Fogler, an English teacher. Growing up in a creative environment, Fogler was exposed to the arts from a young age. He attended elementary school at the Windmill Montessori School in Brooklyn and later graduated from Poly Prep Country Day School in 1994. Following high school, he pursued his passion for acting at Boston University, where he studied at the School of Theatre.
Path to Hollywood
Fogler’s journey into the entertainment industry began with his stage work. He made his Broadway debut in 2005 with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, where he portrayed the character William Barfée. This role not only marked his entry into Broadway but also earned him a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. His success on stage opened doors for him in film and television, leading to various opportunities in the industry.
Dan Fogler Career
Early Career (1997–2006)
Dan Fogler’s career began in 1997, and he quickly made a name for himself in theater. His breakout role in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in 2005 was pivotal in establishing his reputation as a talented actor. Following his success on Broadway, he transitioned to film, starring in notable projects such as Good Luck Chuck and Balls of Fury, both released in 2007. These films showcased his comedic talents and helped him gain recognition in Hollywood.
Breakthrough (2007–2015)
Fogler’s breakthrough in film came with his roles in Good Luck Chuck and Balls of Fury, both of which were released in 2007. In Good Luck Chuck, he starred alongside Dane Cook and Jessica Alba, while in Balls of Fury, he played the character Randy Daytona. These performances solidified his status as a comedic actor and led to further opportunities in both film and television. In addition to his film work, Fogler appeared in the ABC sitcom Man Up! in 2011 and had a significant role in the anthology series Secrets and Lies in 2015.
Notable Works and Milestones
One of Fogler’s signature works is his role as Jacob Kowalski in the Fantastic Beasts film series, which began in 2016. This franchise, a spin-off of the Harry Potter series, further established him as a prominent figure in the film industry. He also received critical acclaim for his performance in the biographical film A Complete Unknown, which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.
Dan Fogler Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Dan Fogler has received several nominations for his work in theater and film. His most notable nomination came from his performance in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, where he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
Dan Fogler Awards Won
Dan Fogler has won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in 2008. This prestigious award highlights his exceptional talent and contribution to the theater.
Dan Fogler Family
Dan Fogler is married to Jodie Capes, who is the co-founder of Capes Coaching, a career coaching company for actors and artists. The couple has two daughters, Edie and Franny.
Personal Life
In 2020, Dan Fogler publicly shared his journey of losing 100 pounds over two years, emphasizing his commitment to health and well-being for himself and his family. His efforts were motivated by concerns about obesity-related health issues. Fogler’s personal life reflects his dedication to both his family and his career in the entertainment industry.