Paul Dano was born on June 19, 1984 in Wilton, Connecticut. He was involved in community theatre at a very early age, and his performances convinced his parents to move the family to New York. He considered a Broadway career, before being cast in his breakthrough role as Howie in the independent film L.I.E. at age 15. His performance in this film as a teenager exploring his sexuality earned him a Best Actor nod at the Independent Spirit Awards in 2001, as well as accolades from other award-giving bodies and film festivals.
He then appeared in different movies and TV shows. These include guest roles on The Sopranos; a minor role on the 2004 film Taking Lives, starring Angelina Jolie; and an appearance along Gael García Bernal in the 2005 film The King. In 2006, Paul Dano appeared in Richard Linklater’s film Fast Food Nation, which premiered in that year’s Cannes Film Festival. That same year, he appeared in the independent success Little Miss Sunshine, playing Dwayne, a teenager inclined toward existential philosophy who vows not to say a word until he is accepted into the Air Force Academy. His performance in that film earned him another Independent Spirit Award nomination.
In 2007, Paul Dano played the role of antagonist Eli Sunday in the Academy Award-winning film There Will Be Blood, alongside Daniel Day-Lewis. His performance earned him a nomination at the London-based BAFTA Awards, and a Chlotrudis Award for Best Actor.
Dano has signed to star in the romantic comedy Gigantic. This film also signals his foray into producing films, with him acting as executive producer. He is also slated to contribute to the Spike Jonze film Where the Wild Things Are, as a voice talent. Also, he is filming The Good Heart, directed by Dagur Kári, in which he plays the lead.