Penn Badgley is an American actor best known for his roles in Gossip Girl and You. He’s admired for his charm, talent and screen presence. Many fans are curious about his real height and how it compares to his on-screen image.
Height often shapes how people see celebrities. So, how tall is Penn Badgley in real life? Let’s uncover the truth behind his actual measurements and what makes his physical appearance so interesting.
Quick Facts About Penn Badgley
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Penn Dayton Badgley |
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1986 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 38 Years |
| Birthplace | Baltimore, Maryland, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 71 kg (156 lbs) |
| Occupation | Actor, Musician |
| Famous For | Roles in Gossip Girl and You |
| Spouse | Domino Kirke |
| Children | 1 Son |
| Net Worth (2025) | Around $12 Million |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Religion | Baháʼí Faith |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram and Podcasts |
Early Life and Background
Penn Badgley was born on November 1, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents are Duff Badgley, a reporter and builder and Lynne Murphy Badgley. He studied at Woolridge Elementary and later at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma. As a child, he joined Seattle Children’s Theatre and began dreaming of acting.
Later, he moved to Los Angeles with his mother to start his acting career. He also did voice work for games like Mario Golf 64. His early education and theater work helped shape his journey to becoming a successful American actor.
Childhood and Family Roots
Penn Badgley grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, as the only child of Duff and Lynne Badgley. His father worked as a reporter and carpenter.
During his childhood, he joined community theatre and loved performing. His parents’ support helped him follow his acting dreams early.
Education and Early Interests
Penn Badgley studied at Woolridge Elementary and later at Charles Wright Academy. He also attended Santa Monica College before joining Lewis & Clark College in Oregon.
As a young boy, he showed strong interest in acting and music. Performing in Seattle Children’s Theatre helped him build confidence and sharpen his talent.
Penn Badgley Height at 16 and Physical Growth
At 16, Penn Badgley stood around 5 feet 7 inches tall, showing early signs of his adult height. He had a lean build and youthful charm that suited his early TV roles.
As he grew older, he reached 5 feet 9 inches, his current height. His balanced physique complements his on-screen presence.
Rise to Fame – The Gossip Girl Era (2007–2012)
Penn Badgley became famous for his role as Dan Humphrey in the hit teen drama Gossip Girl. The show started in 2007 and quickly became a huge success. He acted alongside stars like Blake Lively and gained worldwide attention for his strong performance.
During The Gossip Girl era, Penn Badgley became a well-known American actor and youth icon. Fans loved his calm and thoughtful character. The series ran until 2012, making him one of TV’s most popular faces and opening doors to bigger Hollywood roles.
Casting as Dan Humphrey
Penn Badgley was chosen to play Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl after several auditions. The producers saw his natural charm and intelligence fit the role perfectly.
His character, a writer from Brooklyn, became a fan favorite. The role made Penn Badgley a rising Hollywood star.
On-Screen Chemistry and Blake Lively Relationship
Penn Badgley shared amazing on-screen chemistry with Blake Lively in Gossip Girl. Their connection felt real and drew millions of fans to the show. The pair’s emotional scenes became some of the most talked-about moments.
Off-screen, Penn Badgley and Blake Lively dated for several years. Their real-life romance added depth to their roles and made the show even more believable.
Public Attention and Breakthrough Success
The role of Dan Humphrey brought Penn Badgley massive public attention. Fans admired his charm and calm attitude. His performance made him a household name among young viewers worldwide.
This breakthrough success opened doors to new acting projects. He gained respect in the industry and became known for his strong emotional roles.
Musical Journey and Artistic Expression
The musical journey of Penn Badgley began after his success on television. He showed a deep love for music and wanted to explore it further. His smooth voice and creative ideas helped him form a band called MOTHXR which gained attention for its unique sound.
Through his artistic expression, Penn mixed emotional lyrics with soulful tunes. He wrote songs that reflected real-life feelings and personal growth. His music style blended indie pop and electronic elements showing another side of his talent beyond acting.
Formation of MOTHXR Band
The formation of MOTHXR marked a new step in Penn Badgley’s music career. He joined a few close friends to create a fresh and modern sound. Their goal was to make music that felt real and connected with listeners.
Together, the group blended indie, rock and electronic vibes. Their songs carried deep emotions and creative rhythms. The band slowly built a loyal fan base and gained recognition in the alternative music scene.
Genre, Style and Penn’s Role as Lead Vocalist
| Aspect | Details |
| Band Name | MOTHXR |
| Genre | Indie Pop, Alternative, Electronic |
| Music Style | Smooth, dreamy and emotional tones |
| Penn Badgley’s Role | Lead Vocalist and Lyricist |
| Vocal Style | Deep, expressive and soulful voice |
| Unique Feature | Blends poetic lyrics with modern electronic sound |
| Popular Songs | “Easy,” “Touch,” “Stranger,” “Wild Ride” |
Notable Songs and Live Performances
- Penn Badgley performed as the lead singer of his band MOTHXR, known for smooth and emotional tracks.
- The band’s most popular songs include “Easy,” “Wild Ride,” “Touch,” “Fight the Feeling” and “Stranger.”
- Their debut album “Centerfold” gained recognition for its dreamy indie-pop sound and soulful vocals.
- Live performances in cities like New York and Los Angeles drew attention for Penn’s charismatic stage presence.
- Fans praised his deep voice and the band’s modern, atmospheric style during concerts.
Career Transition and Reinvention (2013–2018)
After Gossip Girl, Penn Badgley began exploring new paths in his career. Different roles in films like “Parts per Billion” and “Cymbeline” showed his growing interest in serious acting. His performances reflected a search for deeper and more meaningful work.
Later, his passion for music and creativity became stronger. He focused more on his band MOTHXR, building a unique sound and loyal audience. These years helped Penn reinvent his public image and connect with fans in a new artistic way.
Post-Gossip Girl Roles and Film Work
After Gossip Girl, Penn Badgley took roles that showed his range as an actor. He appeared in films like “Greetings from Tim Buckley” and “Margin Call.” Each project helped him move away from his teen drama image.
Different movies gave Penn a chance to explore complex characters and emotional depth. His performances earned praise for maturity and sincerity. These roles built the foundation for his later success in Netflix’s You and other meaningful projects.
Critical Recognition and Acting Evolution
Over time, Penn Badgley gained respect for his thoughtful acting. Critics noticed his ability to express emotion with subtlety and depth. His film choices showed a growing maturity.
Gradually, his performances in independent films highlighted his evolution as an artist. Each role strengthened his image as a serious actor.
Shift Toward Mature and Complex Roles
With experience, Penn Badgley began choosing more serious and layered roles. He looked for stories that explored emotion and truth.
These new roles helped him grow as an artist. His work in projects like You proved his skill in playing deep complex characters.
The You Era – Psychological Thriller Mastery (2018–2025)
The You Era began in 2018 when Penn Badgley took the lead role as Joe Goldberg in Netflix’s hit series You. The show explored obsession, love and identity. His powerful acting drew worldwide attention and praise from both fans and critics.
Across seasons, Penn showed great skill in playing a charming yet dark character. Viewers admired how he balanced emotion with intensity. The success of You proved his mastery in psychological thrillers and marked a new peak in his career.
Portraying Joe Goldberg and Global Popularity
Penn Badgley became world-famous for playing Joe Goldberg in the Netflix series You. His deep and intense acting made the character unforgettable.
Fans across the globe praised his performance and storytelling. The role brought him massive fame and solidified his place in Hollywood.
Penn Badgley Height, Fitness and Character Image
- Penn Badgley’s height is around 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters), giving him a balanced and athletic look.
- He maintains a lean physique through regular workouts and a mindful lifestyle.
- His fitness routine focuses on stamina and flexibility rather than bulk.
- On-screen, his height and build complement his intense character roles, especially in You.
- His physical image supports the calm yet mysterious presence that defines his acting style.
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Awards, Reviews and Fan Response
Penn Badgley has earned praise for his strong performances and deep emotional delivery. Critics admire his ability to bring complex characters to life, especially in You. His talent has gained him several awards and nominations over the years.
Fans around the world love his unique style and honesty. They often express admiration for his natural charm, real-life humility and powerful screen presence. His roles continue to leave a lasting impression on viewers everywhere.
Spiritual Transformation – Bahá’í Faith Journey (2015–Present)
In 2015, Penn Badgley began his spiritual journey by embracing the Bahá’í Faith. This belief taught him unity, peace and service to others. His faith transformation changed his outlook on life and helped him find purpose beyond acting. He often speaks about how it shaped his values.
Through the Bahá’í teachings, Penn learned the importance of love and equality. His spiritual growth influenced both his personal and professional choices. He now uses his platform to promote kindness, justice and faith. This journey remains a guiding light in his life.
Religious Beliefs and Conversion Story
Penn Badgley found peace in the Bahá’í Faith after years of spiritual searching. The religion’s message of unity and equality inspired him deeply.
His conversion story began in 2015, marking a major turning point in his life. Faith became his foundation for growth and compassion.
How Faith Shapes His Personal and Professional Life
Penn Badgley’s faith guides his choices and outlook on life. He believes in kindness, justice, and service to others. These values influence how he treats people and views success.
In his career, he chooses meaningful roles that reflect empathy and truth. His Bahá’í beliefs keep him grounded and purpose-driven.
Personal Life and Family Development
Penn Badgley enjoys a peaceful personal life with his wife Domino Kirke. They got married in 2017 in a small ceremony in New York City. The couple has three children, including twins born in 2025 and they raise them with love and care.
Away from fame, Penn values family time and a simple lifestyle. He enjoys cooking, reading, and spending quiet moments at home. His relationship with Domino is built on trust and understanding showing his strong belief in balance between family and work.
Marriage to Domino Kirke
Penn Badgley married Domino Kirke in 2017 in New York City. Their wedding was simple and attended by close friends and family. They share a strong bond built on mutual respect and love.
Both enjoy a peaceful married life filled with creativity and faith. Domino, a singer and doula, supports Penn’s artistic journey. Their relationship reflects deep understanding and shared values that keep them close.
Children, Family Bond and Parenting Approach
- Penn Badgley and Domino Kirke have two sons together, plus Penn is stepfather to Domino’s child from a previous relationship.
- The family maintains a close-knit bond, prioritizing quality time and shared activities.
- Penn emphasizes a hands-on parenting approach, participating in daily routines and nurturing emotional growth.
- They encourage creativity, reading, and healthy lifestyles for their children.
- Family values and mutual respect shape their home environment, creating a supportive and loving household.
- They keep family life private while celebrating key moments together.
Work-Life Balance and Privacy
Penn Badgley keeps a strong work-life balance, making time for family despite a busy acting and music career. He prioritizes personal moments over public exposure.
He values privacy, sharing little about home life. This approach helps him stay grounded and focused on both family and professional commitments.
Penn Badgley Social Media Presence
| Platform | Username | Followers Count |
| @pennbadgley | 6 million | |
| X (formerly Twitter) | @pennbadgley | 519K |
| Penn Badgley | 2.2 million | |
| TikTok | @iampennbadgley | 3.1 million |
These platforms provide fans with a glimpse into Penn Badgley’s personal and professional life, offering a mix of entertainment, insights and updates on his various projects.
Current Projects and Media Presence (2022–Present)
Penn Badgley continues to expand his career with exciting current projects in 2025. He is completing the final season of You, which promises intense drama and suspense. Fans eagerly await his performance as Joe Goldberg, while his band MOTHXR works on new music, showing his versatility as a musician and actor.
Alongside acting and music, Penn remains active in media presence. He shares updates on social media platforms, engages with fans, and hosts his podcast Podcrushed. His thoughtful public image reflects his dedication to entertainment, creativity and meaningful storytelling.
Podcast Podcrushed and Media Appearances
Penn Badgley hosts the podcast Podcrushed, where he explores stories of adolescence and growing up. The show features interviews with guests and offers insights into human behavior, creativity, and personal growth.
He also makes occasional media appearances on talk shows and events. These appearances highlight his acting career, music projects with MOTHXR, and ongoing engagement with fans, strengthening his presence in the entertainment industry.
Latest Acting Projects and Collaborations
| Project Title | Role | Type | Release Date |
| You (Season 5) | Joe Goldberg | TV Series | April 24, 2025 |
| You Deserve Each Other | Nick | Romantic Comedy | TBA |
| Ariana Grande: The Boy Is Mine | Max Starling | Music Video | 2024 |
| Podcrushed | Host | Podcast | Ongoing |
Public Events and Recent Interviews
Penn Badgley attended several public events in 2025, engaging with fans and promoting his projects. He appeared at Symphony Space in New York for a discussion on Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age, sharing insights on adolescence and personal growth.
He also joined Podcrushed co-hosts on CBS Mornings and spoke at 92NY. These interviews highlighted his career journey and the conclusion of You, showing his commitment to literary and media engagements.
Production Company and Future Direction
Penn Badgley launched his own production company to explore creative projects in film, television, and digital media. The company focuses on producing meaningful content that aligns with his artistic vision and promotes social awareness.
He plans to develop limited series, documentaries, and indie films while collaborating with emerging talents. Penn’s future direction emphasizes storytelling, mentorship and expanding his role as a producer, aiming to balance entertainment with thoughtful, value-driven media projects.
Behind-the-Scenes Creative Ventures
Penn Badgley explores behind-the-scenes creative ventures, focusing on production and storytelling.
He collaborates with writers and directors, using his creative vision to guide projects and ensure they deliver quality, meaningful and engaging content.
Future Roles and Directorial Ambitions
Penn Badgley plans future roles that challenge his acting skills and expand his versatility.
He shows interest in directorial ambitions, aiming to create impactful stories while learning from experienced filmmakers and developing his unique vision in the entertainment industry.
Personal Characteristics and Preferences
Penn Badgley has a thoughtful and introspective personality. He values privacy and focuses on meaningful projects. His interests include music, podcasting and reading. He enjoys indie rock and practices soccer regularly to stay fit.
He prefers a balanced lifestyle and likes Mediterranean cuisine. His style leans toward minimalist fashion with neutral colors. Penn shows dedication to mental health and social causes, reflecting his strong values and calm, grounded approach to life and work in the entertainment industry.
Personality, Fitness Routine and Lifestyle
- Personality: Thoughtful, introspective, privacy-focused, values meaningful projects and artistic expression.
- Fitness Routine: Practices soccer, yoga and strength training regularly to maintain lean and athletic physique.
- Lifestyle: Balanced approach to work and family, enjoys Mediterranean cuisine and plant-based meals, supports mental health and social causes, favors minimalist fashion in neutral colors.
- Hobbies: Music composition, podcasting and reading philosophical and spiritual texts.
- Public Image: Maintains a calm, grounded persona, avoiding controversies and emphasizing thoughtful communication.
Fashion Sense and Favorite Interests
Penn favors minimalist and classic fashion, often choosing well-fitted jeans, sneakers, and neutral-colored shirts for casual wear. He prefers sharp suits for formal events, reflecting his sophisticated style.
His favorite interests include music composition, reading philosophical texts and exploring creative projects. He enjoys soccer and outdoor activities to stay active and balanced.
Professional Recognition and Legacy
Penn Badgley has earned critical acclaim for his acting in both television and film. His performances in Gossip Girl and You brought him widespread recognition and praise from fans and critics alike. Awards and nominations highlight his talent and versatility.
His legacy continues to grow through his work in music, podcasting and creative ventures. Penn inspires young actors and artists with his dedication, professionalism, and thoughtful career choices, making him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Major Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work/Project | Result |
| 2012 | Independent Spirit Awards | Robert Altman Award (Ensemble) | Margin Call | Won |
| 2016 | Manchester Film Festival | Jury Special Mention – Lead Actor | The Paper Store | Won |
| 2016 | Oxford International Film Festival | Best Actor | The Paper Store | Won |
| 2019 | Saturn Awards | Best Actor in Streaming | You | Nominated |
| 2020 | Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards | Best Actor | You | Nominated |
| 2021 | MTV Movie & TV Awards | Best Villain | You | Nominated |
Impact on Pop Culture and Television
Television audiences recognize Penn Badgley for shaping modern thriller storytelling. His role as Joe Goldberg set new standards in psychological drama.
Pop culture reflects his influence through discussions, memes, and fan theories. Penn’s performances continue to inspire writers, actors and viewers worldwide.
Penn Badgley Net Worth and Professional Standing (2025)
As of 2025, Penn Badgley’s net worth is estimated at $8 million. He earns income from acting, music, podcasting, and production work. His earnings include residuals from Gossip Girl, per-episode fees for You and music revenue with MOTHXR.
His professional standing reflects his versatility in Hollywood. Critics and fans respect his talent in television and film. Penn’s career growth shows a balance between financial success and artistic fulfillment, making him a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Estimated Net Worth and Annual Income
| Category | Amount (Estimated) |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
| Annual Income | $1.5 million |
| Monthly Income | $125,000 |
| Per Episode Fee (You) | $40,000 |
| Music Revenue (MOTHXR) | Variable from streaming and album sales |
| Other Income Sources | Podcasting, Producing, Endorsements |
Endorsements, Investments, and Assets
- Endorsements: Focuses on sustainable and socially responsible brands.
- Investments: Involved in sustainable energy, tech startups, and music industry ventures.
- Real Estate: Owns a New York City apartment ($2.5 million) and a Pacific Northwest cabin ($800,000).
- Vehicles: Drives a Toyota Prius ($35,000) and owns a vintage motorcycle ($15,000).
- Other Assets: Holds music royalties and residuals from TV shows and films.
Comparison with Other You Cast Members
Penn Badgley stands out among the You cast due to his intense portrayal of Joe Goldberg. His acting depth brings a unique intensity that others rarely match.
Co-stars like Victoria Pedretti and Elizabeth Lail also shine, but Penn’s combination of charm and menace defines the show’s core dynamic. His experience from Gossip Girl adds credibility and elevates overall cast performance.
Penn Badgley Height
Conclusion
Penn Badgley has grown from a teen star into a versatile and accomplished actor. His journey through Gossip Girl, You, music and personal pursuits showcases talent, dedication and thoughtful choices. Fans admire his skill, professionalism and balanced lifestyle.
FAQs About Penn Badgley
How tall is Penn Badgley?
Penn Badgley stands at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. He has a lean and athletic build that complements his height.
How old is Penn Badgley in 2025?
Penn Badgley is 38 years old in 2025, born on November 1, 1986.
What is Penn Badgley’s height in feet and inches?
Penn Badgley’s height is 5 feet 9 inches.
How much does Penn Badgley weigh?
Penn Badgley weighs approximately 157 lbs (71 kg).
Who is Penn Badgley married to?
Penn Badgley is married to Domino Kirke.
How many kids does Penn Badgley have?
Penn Badgley has three children, including his stepchild from Domino Kirke’s previous relationship and their two sons together.
