Penn Badgley is an American actor and musician, famous for his roles as Dan Humphrey in the teen drama series, Gossip Girl alongside Blake Lively. He played the role of Joe Goldberg in the Netflix thriller series, You. Moreover, the Gossip Girl star has his band titled MOTHXR, a Brooklyn based band founded by Penn Badgley and his three other friends. 

Penn started his career in the showbiz at an early age. He also dated one of his co-stars from the Gossip Girl, Blake Lively. However, they broke up. But who is Penn Badley dating now, or is he married? To find who is wife is, read the article until the end.

Life Before Fame

Penn Badgley was born as Penn Dayton Badgley, on 1st November 1986 in Baltimore, Maryland. His mother, Lynne Murphy worked as a newspaper reporter, and his father, Duff Badgley was a candidate for governor of Washington from Green Party in 2008. Unfortunately, Badgley’s parents separated when he was only 12 years old so, he spent most of his childhood days in various places between Woodlake, Seattle, Virginia, and Washington. He attended Woolridge Elementary, and his mother worked as a PTA president.

Young Penn Badgley climbing stair.
Penn Badgley during his childhood, Image Source: Instagram@pennbadgley

Later, Penn transferred to St. Christopher’s School. He enjoyed playing soccer, and his father coached him to play the game. Penn attended several schools in his childhood. Also, he studied at the Charles Wright Academy in Washington and was also involved in Seattle Children’s Theatre. When Penn was 14, he completed his California High School Proficiency Exam and later joined Santa Monica College. After finishing his college in Santa Monica College for two years, Badgley went to Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregano.

Career Highlights

Penn Badgley started his career in the year 1999 after he voiced for video games like Mario Tennis and Mario Golf. He received wide recognition after starring in CW’s teen drama series, Gossip Girl as Dan Humphrey alongside Blake Lively, Chace CrawfordLeighton MeesterTaylor Momsen, and many others. Later, in 2009, he starred in the 1987 remake thriller film, The Stepfather, as the stepson of a serial killer. He also appeared as Todd in the teen comedy film, Easy A as Emma Stone‘s love interest.

Gossip Girl posters. Blake Lively, Penn Badgley and other cast of gossip girls
Penn Badgley with other casts of ‘Gossip Girl, Image Source: Cine Material

Penn and his bandmates released the song “Easy” in 2014 on Soundcloud, the song was well acclaimed by many listeners and gained popularity. Later, their band signed with the labels Kitsuné and Washington Square Music and Razor & Tie. They released their debut album on February 26, 2016. Moreover, he starred in Netflix Originals, You as the protagonist, Joel Goldberg. 

Marital Status – Married

Penn Badgley is a married man. The 33-year-old actor/musician is happily married to Domino Kirke. His wife, Domino is a professional doula as well as a musician. Before her marriage to Domino, she was a single mother of her son, Cassius, from her former relationship. Moreover, she claims that Penn changed her life in an interview with Hey Mama. She stated:

“I was sort of getting used to being a single mom, maybe a little too used to it,” she told the website. “A couple of years ago, I was sad and a little scared that that was going to be it for me, but I was good at it. I had a really good thing with my kid and we were like this little team. Penn and I were dating, but it wasn’t nearly as serious as it is now, of course. I didn’t think marriage was in the cards for us.”

The couple had two wedding ceremonies. Their first wedding ceremony was at a small courthouse in 2017, with only 40 selected guests. Similarly, their second ceremony took place a few months later, where 200 guests from around the world attended their wedding.

Penn Badgley with his wife Domino Kirke at the time of the wedding.
Penn Badgley with his wife, Domino Kirke, Image Source: Eonline

We are extremely happy that both of them found each other and are leading a blissful married life. However, Penn formerly dated famous faces. His most notable past relationship was with the popular actress and his Gossip Girl co-star, Blake Lively.

Actor Penn Badgley with ex-girlfriend actress Blake Lively.
Penn Badgley with his ex-girlfriend, Blake Lively, Photo Source: Eonline

The former couple met on the set of Gossip Girl and were involved for three years before parting their ways in 2010. Badgley and Lively parted on good terms and remained good friends. Likewise, Penn and Zoë Kravitz dated for almost two years from 2011-2013 before breaking up due to their demanding jobs.

Net Worth – $8 Million

Penn Badgley has an estimated net worth of $8 Million according to the Celebrity Net Worth. Badgley was the second-highest-paid actor in the Gossip Girls series after Blake Lively. He is reported to make around $40,000-$45,000 per episode from the series. As of 2020, his estimated earning per episode of Netflix’s original ‘You’ lies between $60,000-$70,000.

Moreover, Badgley has his own band. After the release of his debut album, ‘MOTHXR‘, he must have gathered a hefty amount of money. He and his bandmates, within a year of their debut album, started to travel all around the world for their music tours and concerts.