Jeff Daniels, born Jeffrey Warren Daniels on February 19, 1955, is a versatile American actor known for his ability to transition between comedic and dramatic roles. Daniels began his career on stage in New York, gaining recognition for his performance in "Fifth of July". His film debut was in "Ragtime" (1981), and he gained wider attention in "Terms of Endearment" (1983). Other notable films include "The Purple Rose of Cairo," "Something Wild," "Speed," and "Dumb and Dumber".
Daniels has also had a successful television career, starring as Will McAvoy in "The Newsroom," for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award. He also received an Emmy for his role in the Western drama "Godless". In addition to acting, Daniels is a playwright and musician. He founded the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan, in 1991, a non-profit that provides resources for aspiring actors, playwrights, and theatre artists. Daniels has written more than a dozen plays for the company.
