Dan Fogler
A Tony-winning stage comedian who brings a uniquely offbeat and heartfelt energy to fantastical film and television roles.
Born 1976 (age 50)·American actor, comedian and writer·Birthday: October 20·Generation X
Biography
Dan Fogler stumbled into a career-defining moment straight out of the gate. His Broadway debut as the mucus-afflicted, rule-obsessed speller William Barfée in 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' was a star-making turn that won him a Tony Award. That victory cemented his persona: a lovable, rumpled everyman with impeccable comic timing. He successfully transitioned to screen, often playing characters who are slightly out of their depth but full of heart. Fogler found a particular niche in genre films, bringing warmth and humor to the 'Fantastic Beasts' series as the wide-eyed baker Jacob Kowalski and appearing in projects like 'The Walking Dead' and 'The Offer.' His work as a writer and director of indie films showcases a creative mind that extends beyond his instantly recognizable, gravelly-voiced performances.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Dan was born in 1976, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1976
#1 Movie
Rocky
Best Picture
Rocky
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Dan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1976Born
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1981Started school
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1989Became a teenager
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Could drive
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1994Could vote
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Turned 21
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2006Turned 30
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2016Turned 40
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 50
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his Broadway debut in 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'.
- Portrays the beloved Muggle baker Jacob Kowalski across the 'Fantastic Beasts' film series.
- Published the graphic novel series 'Moon Lake' through his production company, Fogler Films.
- Starred as the lead in the horror-comedy film 'Balls of Fury'.
Did You Know?
He is an avid comic book fan and has written and published his own graphic novels.
He directed, wrote, and starred in the independent film 'Don Peyote'.
His Tony Award win for 'Spelling Bee' was his first major professional acting role.
“Comedy is about finding the truth in the absurdity of the situation.”
