Penn Badgley is no stranger to being in the spotlight. From his role as the mysterious Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl to the chillingly charismatic Joe Goldberg in You, he’s captured hearts and attention worldwide.
But amidst all the buzz about his acting skills, one surprising topic continuously piques fans’ curiosity—his height. How tall is Penn Badgley exactly?
Spoiler alert—he’s just shy of 5’9″, but there’s more to discuss. Whether it’s camera angles, co-star comparisons, or sheer charisma playing tricks on the eyes, Penn’s height has been a subject of debate among fans for years.
Here’s the ultimate breakdown of Penn Badgley’s height, why it matters in Hollywood, and answers to other quirky questions fans have about him.
Who is Penn Badgley?
Before we dive into his height, let’s take a step back and look at why Penn Badgley has become such a celebrated figure.
Early Life
Penn Dayton Badgley was born on November 1, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland. Raised between Richmond, Virginia, and Seattle, Washington, Penn was drawn to performance from a young age. His early foray into acting began with theater and children’s radio voiceovers in Seattle.
Penn’s passion led him to Los Angeles, where, by age 11, he was already chasing Hollywood roles. His first acting credits included guest roles on popular shows like Will & Grace and The Young and the Restless.
Breakthrough Roles
Hollywood truly took notice of Penn with his role as the charming Dan Humphrey in The CW’s runaway hit Gossip Girl (2007–2012). Playing the “outsider” who wins over Manhattan’s elite, Penn became a household name and teen heartthrob.
Fast forward to 2018, and he gave us a wildly different but equally riveting portrayal of Joe Goldberg, the enigmatic stalker-turned-killer in Netflix’s hit series You. The role showcased Penn’s range and solidified his place as one of the most compelling actors on screen.
Beyond Acting
Outside of acting, Penn is also a musician. He’s the frontman for indie band MOTHXR, adding another layer to his artistry. Furthermore, he’s an advocate, using his platform to support causes like racial justice, mental health awareness, and environmental sustainability.
How Tall is Penn Badgley?
Now, onto the question that brought you here. How tall is Penn Badgley?
The Exact Measurement
Penn Badgley’s official height is 5’8.75” (174.6 cm). This places him just a hair under 5’9″, which is slightly below the average height for American men.
Height Comparisons with Co-Stars
Looking at Penn beside his Gossip Girl castmates, his height stands out for being relatively average.
- Blake Lively, his on-screen love interest, stands at 5’8.5” (174 cm). The two are nearly the same height, making their scenes together visually balanced.
- Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald, is 5’10.5” (179 cm), making him a couple of inches taller than Penn.
- Ed Westwick (Chuck Bass) is listed at 5’8.5” (174 cm), making him and Penn nearly the same height.
On You, Penn often looks taller than his co-stars, thanks to strategic camera angles and his slender frame, which can create the illusion of additional height.
Why Do Fans Debate His Height?
Despite the listed 5’8.75” figure, some fans mistakenly think Penn is taller—closer to 5’10”. Reddit threads like this one are packed with discussions about his actual height versus how tall he appears on-screen. This height “debate” is likely fueled by a mix of on-screen tricks (hello, lifts and clever angles!) and Penn’s naturally commanding presence.
Why Height Matters in Hollywood
Height has always been a hot topic in the entertainment industry, especially for male actors. Here’s why it often grabs attention:
On-Screen Proportions
Camera angles, footwear, and clever set tricks all play into how tall an actor appears. Directors often adjust these elements to create visual balance between co-stars. For instance, Tom Cruise (5’7”) is known for wearing lifts during filming to match his on-screen partners.
Public Fascination with Celebrities
Fans are endlessly curious about celebrities’ physical traits, whether it’s height, weight, or off-duty fashion. Penn isn’t alone in this; actors like Andrew Garfield, Daniel Radcliffe, and even Brad Pitt often spark similar discussions.
The Charisma Effect
Height may grab attention, but talent and charisma steal the show. Penn’s ability to captivate audiences as both a relatable love interest and a chilling antihero proves that height is just a number.
The Quirky Side of Internet Fascination
What is it about height debates that spark such buzz online? Fans often love comparing their favorite celebrities, creating a mix of admiration and relatability that fuels lively discussions. Penn’s involvement in hit series with ensemble casts only adds to the curiosity.
Take, for instance, forums like Reddit or sites like CelebHeights, which feature detailed breakdowns of Penn’s stature alongside his co-stars. It’s this mix of speculation and engagement that keeps his height an ongoing topic of discussion among fans.
Final Thoughts
At 5’8.75”, Penn Badgley may not be the tallest actor in Hollywood, but that hardly matters. His talent, charm, and ability to take on complex roles make him stand head and shoulders above the rest—figuratively, of course!
What do you think about Penn’s height? Does it surprise you, or does it match how he appears on-screen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
Is Penn Badgley a Nepo Baby?
No. Unlike some celebrities, Penn’s success wasn’t fueled by family connections in Hollywood. He’s earned his place through hard work and undeniable talent.
Is Penn Badgley Married?
Yes! Penn has been married to Domino Kirke since 2017. Domino is a doula and musician, and the couple shares one child together.
How Long Did Blake Lively Date Penn?
Blake and Penn dated from 2007 to 2010, overlapping their time as on-screen lovers in Gossip Girl. Though their relationship ended, they’ve maintained a professional rapport.
Is Penn Badgley a Millionaire?
Yes. Thanks to his successful acting career, Penn’s estimated net worth is around $8 million.
