Danielle Campbell
She transitioned from Disney Channel ingenue to a compelling presence in darker, supernatural dramas, building a steady career on screen.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American actress·Birthday: January 30·Millennials
Biography
Danielle Campbell's acting career began with the sunny, musical world of Disney, but she steadily carved out a space in more complex, genre-driven storytelling. Discovered at age ten, she landed her breakout role as the lead in the Disney Channel Original Movie 'Starstruck.' This was followed by the teen film 'Prom,' cementing her status as a fresh-faced talent for a young audience. However, Campbell deliberately shifted gears, taking on the role of Davina Claire in the CW's 'The Originals,' a spinoff of 'The Vampire Diaries.' As a powerful teenage witch, she held her own in an ensemble of ancient supernatural beings, showcasing a dramatic range that moved her beyond her teen idol beginnings. She continued to explore darker themes in the anthology series 'Tell Me a Story,' playing dual roles in a modern reimagining of fairy tales. Her career trajectory reflects a conscious choice to grow with her audience, selecting roles that offer depth and challenge, establishing her as a versatile performer in television's dramatic landscape.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Danielle was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Danielle Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Danielle's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Davina Claire, a central witch, across five seasons of the hit CW series 'The Originals.'
- Landed her first leading role as Jessica Olson in the Disney Channel Original Movie 'Starstruck.'
- Played dual lead roles of Kayla and Olivia in the first season of the CBS All Access thriller 'Tell Me a Story.'
- Appeared as Simone in the Disney film 'Prom,' a coming-of-age story centered around the high school dance.
Did You Know?
She was discovered by a talent agent while attending a friend's bat mitzvah in Chicago.
She is a trained dancer, having studied ballet, jazz, and hip-hop.
She voiced the character of Gwen in the animated series 'The Owl House.'
She is an advocate for animal welfare and has worked with various rescue organizations.
“I started on Disney, but I wanted to do roles with more edge and complexity.”
