Josh Dallas
He transformed from a stage actor in London to a beloved television prince, anchoring two major network dramas with grounded charm.
Born 1978 (age 48)·American actor·Birthday: December 18·Generation X
Biography
Josh Dallas began his career far from Hollywood, training at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London and performing on West End stages. His early screen work was in the UK, including a role in the film 'Thor', before he landed the part that would define his American breakthrough. As Prince Charming, or David Nolan, on ABC's 'Once Upon a Time', he brought a surprising vulnerability and steadfast heart to a fairy-tale character, making him a central figure in the show's sprawling mythology for seven seasons. Dallas later demonstrated his ability to anchor a high-concept thriller, playing the compassionate and determined Ben Stone on the mystery drama 'Manifest'. His career trajectory reflects a consistent choice for roles that blend heroic archetypes with deeply human emotional cores, building a loyal fanbase across different genres.
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.
Josh was born in 1978, 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 Josh Was Born
The biggest hits of 1978
#1 Movie
Grease
Best Picture
The Deer Hunter
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Josh's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1978Born
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1983Started school
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1991Became a teenager
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1994Could drive
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
1996Could vote
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Turned 21
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2008Turned 30
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
2018Turned 40
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 48 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played the central role of Prince Charming/David Nolan for the entire seven-season run of the hit ABC series 'Once Upon a Time'.
- Starred as Ben Stone, the moral anchor of the mystery series 'Manifest', which found a massive second life on Netflix.
- Performed in major theatrical productions in London's West End early in his career, including 'The Rose Tattoo'.
Did You Know?
He is married to actress Ginnifer Goodwin, his co-star from 'Once Upon a Time'.
He was originally cast as Fandral in the Marvel film 'Thor' but was replaced due to scheduling conflicts with 'Once Upon a Time'.
He trained as a ballet dancer in his youth before focusing on acting.
“Theatre teaches you to be present, to really listen to your scene partner.”
