Daniel Breaker facts for kids

Daniel Breaker (born June 2, 1980) is an American actor and comedian. He is famous for playing Donkey in Shrek the Musical on Broadway. He has also starred in many other popular shows, movies, and TV series.

Daniel Breaker's Acting Journey

Daniel Breaker started his acting career in 2002, right after he finished studying at the Juilliard School. He has performed in many plays in New York City, London, and other parts of the United States. He even acted in five plays at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C.

Early Success and Awards

One of his first big roles was playing the "Youth" in an Off-Broadway show called Passing Strange. For this role, he won an Obie Award in 2008, which is a special award for Off-Broadway theatre. When the show moved to Broadway, he played the same part and was nominated for a Tony Award. He also appeared in the movie version of Passing Strange, directed by Spike Lee.

Becoming Donkey in Shrek

Daniel Breaker is perhaps best known for bringing the character of Donkey to life in the original Broadway production of Shrek the Musical. This show ran from November 2008 to January 2010. He acted alongside well-known Broadway stars like Brian d'Arcy James, Sutton Foster, John Tartaglia, and Christopher Sieber. His performance as Donkey earned him a nomination for a Drama Desk Award. You can hear his voice on the official cast recording of the musical.

More Broadway Hits

After Shrek, Daniel continued to shine on Broadway. He played Mafala Hatimbi in the hit musical The Book of Mormon. He also took on the important role of Aaron Burr in the Chicago production of Hamilton, and later joined the Broadway cast of Hamilton.

In 2009, he helped host the Obie Awards. He also played the King of Navarre in a musical version of Love's Labour's Lost for The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park series.

On TV and Film

Besides his stage work, Daniel Breaker has appeared as a guest star on several TV shows. Since 2021, he has been a part of the show Girls5Eva on the Peacock streaming service.

In 2024, he played the Jester in the Broadway revival of Once Upon a Mattress, where he reunited with his Shrek the Musical co-star Sutton Foster. Looking ahead, it was announced that Daniel Breaker will take over the role of Hermes in the Broadway production of Hadestown starting in February 2025.

Daniel Breaker's Personal Life

Daniel Breaker is married to theatre director Kate Whoriskey. They got married in 2008 and have two children together.

Stage Performances

Film and Television Roles

Movies

TV Shows