Daniel Breaker facts for kids

Daniel Breaker (born June 2, 1980) is an American actor and comedian. He is famous for playing Donkey in the first Broadway show of Shrek the Musical. He has also had important roles in other big Broadway shows. These include Hamilton, Hadestown, Once Upon a Mattress, and The Book of Mormon.

Daniel Breaker's Acting Journey

Starting His Career

Daniel Breaker began acting in 2002. This was right after he finished studying at the Juilliard School. He performed in many plays in different places. He acted in Off-Broadway shows, in London, and in regional theaters across the United States. He even performed in five plays at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C.

His first major role was playing the "Youth" in an Off-Broadway play called Passing Strange. For this role, he won an Obie Award in 2008. When the show moved to Broadway, he played the same character. He was even nominated for a Tony Award for it. He also played this role in a movie version of the musical directed by Spike Lee.

Becoming Broadway's Donkey

One of Daniel Breaker's most well-known roles is playing Donkey. He was the original Donkey in the Broadway show Shrek the Musical. This musical ran from November 2008 to January 2010. He acted alongside other famous Broadway stars like Brian d'Arcy James and Sutton Foster.

For his performance as Donkey, Daniel Breaker was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. This award is for outstanding actors in a musical. You can hear his voice on the original music recording from the show.

Other Big Broadway Roles

Daniel Breaker has been in many other plays and musicals. He played Mafala Hatimbi in The Book of Mormon on Broadway. He also played the King of Navarre in a musical version of Love's Labour's Lost.

Later, he took on the role of Aaron Burr in the hit musical Hamilton. He first played this part in Chicago. Then, he joined the Broadway cast of Hamilton.

In 2024, Daniel Breaker starred as the Jester in a new Broadway show of Once Upon a Mattress. He worked again with Sutton Foster, who was also in Shrek the Musical. In early 2025, it was announced that he would play Hermes in the Broadway show Hadestown.

Daniel Breaker on TV

Besides stage acting, Daniel Breaker has also appeared on television. Since 2021, he has been a part of the show Girls5Eva on the Peacock streaming service. He has also been a guest star on other TV shows.

Daniel Breaker's Family Life

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

Stage Performances

Film and Television Roles

Movies

TV Shows