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Daniel Breaker

Daniel Breaker (born June 2, 1980) is an and best known for his originating role as in the production of (2008) and for his portrayal of in (2017–2021). Born in , to a family frequently relocated due to his father's , Breaker developed an early interest in theater through school programs. He attended a magnet high school in , where he participated in productions such as , before earning a from The in 2002. Following graduation, Breaker built a career spanning , off-, regional theater, film, and television, earning critical acclaim for his versatile performances in musicals and dramatic roles. Breaker's breakthrough came with his Obie Award-winning ensemble performance as Youth in the off-Broadway musical Passing Strange (2007), for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical upon its 2008 Broadway transfer. His Broadway credits also include Mafala Hatimbi in The Book of Mormon (2014–2015) and the Jester in the 2024 revival of Once Upon a Mattress. In 2025, he joined the Broadway cast of Hadestown as Hermes. On screen, Breaker has appeared in films such as Limitless (2011), Red Hook Summer (2012), and Sisters (2015), and in television series including Billions (as Roger "Scooter" Dunbar, 2016–2023), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2017), and Girls5eva (as Scott, 2021–2024).

Early life and education

Early life

Daniel Breaker was born on June 2, 1980, in , as the youngest of four children to parents Barbara and Ronald Breaker. His family spent the first nine years of his life in due to his father's military service, where they stood out as a Black family in a predominantly white community, often celebrated as "" by neighbors who would share food with them in excitement over seeing a "little big-eyed black kid." After returning to the , Breaker's upbringing centered primarily in , marked by frequent travels across states including and , which honed his adaptability and imaginative spirit amid constant relocations. As the youngest sibling, with his closest brother or sister ten years older, Breaker often experienced isolation, turning to solitary imaginative play and creating little games by himself to occupy his time and foster his creativity. In , where he attended a high school as one of only about two dozen students in a body of 3,000, he navigated racial isolation through playful impressions, which helped him cope with feelings of rejection. His initial exposure to the performing arts came through productions, including a high school performance of , sparking his interest in theater as a means of expression and escape. This early engagement paved the way for his transition to formal arts education at the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.

Education

Breaker attended the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, a magnet high school in , where he actively participated in theater productions, including performances in shows like . His involvement in school theater, which began with earlier childhood interests in , allowed him to explore a range of roles and performances. A teacher at Douglas Anderson recognized his potential and encouraged him to audition for advanced drama programs, which ignited his commitment to pursuing formal professional training. This guidance led him to apply to the , where he was accepted into the Drama Division. Breaker enrolled at the in and earned a in in 2002. The program's rigorous , which begins with intensive study of Shakespearean works for all first-year actors, provided foundational training in classical theater techniques, voice, movement, and text analysis. This emphasis on classical repertoire and ensemble-based performance honed his versatile acting style, preparing him for diverse roles across stage and screen. Immediately following his graduation, Breaker transitioned into early professional performances in 2002, applying the skills acquired during his formal education.

Career

Theater

Breaker's theater career began with classical training and regional performances, establishing a foundation in Shakespearean works. Following his graduation from The Juilliard School, he joined the in , where he appeared in five productions over three years from 2002 to 2005, including roles in The Silent Woman, , and . These early engagements honed his skills in ensemble dynamics and verse-speaking, transitioning from academic training to professional stage work. His breakthrough came with the role of Youth in Stew and Heidi Rodewald's Passing Strange, which premiered Off-Broadway at the Public Theater in 2007 before transferring to Broadway in 2008. In the semi-autobiographical musical, Breaker portrayed a young African American musician navigating identity, faith, and artistic pursuit from Los Angeles to Europe, earning critical acclaim for his charismatic, energetic performance that captured the character's restless search for authenticity. The production's success led to a Tony Award nomination for Breaker in the Featured Actor category. During the Broadway run, Breaker faced challenges with replacement dynamics in the long-running show, nearly quitting before a supportive cast member encouraged him to stay, an experience he later reflected on as reinvigorating his commitment to the role. The stage work extended to Spike Lee's 2009 HBO film adaptation, preserving Breaker's dynamic portrayal. Breaker continued his ascent in musical theater with the role of in Shrek the Musical on from 2008 to 2010, infusing the animated sidekick with comedic energy, sharp timing, and vocal flair that enhanced the show's family-oriented appeal. His and improvisational ad-libs as the wisecracking companion drew praise for bringing fresh vitality to the character originally voiced by . In 2014, Breaker joined the Broadway company of as Mafala Hatimbi, the Ugandan village leader, through 2017, contributing to the satirical musical's enduring run with his strong vocal presence and ability to navigate the show's irreverent humor. His performance underscored the ensemble's improvisational elements in live interactions, amplifying the production's blend of and . Breaker took on the pivotal role of in Hamilton on starting in 2017, following a stint, where he delivered a nuanced interpretation of the Founding Father's ambition and calculated restraint. Drawing on his Shakespearean background, Breaker portrayed Burr as a charming yet envious figure—less a scheming villain than a man undone by unchecked —emphasizing the tragic erosion of his bond with through subtle shifts in wit and tension. In 2024, Breaker played the Jester in the Broadway revival of Once Upon a Mattress at the , from August 12 to November 30, opposite . In 2025, Breaker assumed the role of Hermes in the Broadway production of Hadestown at the , from February 18 to August 31, bringing his versatile tenor and narrative flair to the mythological ensemble as the guide who framed the folk-opera's tale of love and labor. His performance added a layer of charismatic storytelling to the show's underworld journey. Throughout his career, Breaker has evolved from classical repertory emphasizing dramatic precision to the exuberant demands of musical comedy, where his vocal range, physical comedy, and improvisational instincts have become hallmarks, bridging Shakespearean restraint with Broadway's high-energy spectacle.

Film and television

Daniel Breaker made his film debut in the 2009 screen adaptation of the musical , directed by , where he reprised his stage role as , the young protagonist navigating identity and artistic pursuit in a concert-film style . In 2011, Breaker appeared in the sci-fi thriller Limitless, directed by , playing the supporting role of a who interacts with the protagonist's ambitious endeavors in a high-stakes political context. He followed this with a role in Spike Lee's 2012 coming-of-age drama , portraying Cliff, a community member in the neighborhood setting that explores themes of faith and youth. Breaker contributed to the ensemble comedy Sisters (2015), directed by Jason Moore, as the airport bartender, adding to the film's humorous depiction of and party chaos alongside leads and . Transitioning prominently to television, Breaker took on recurring and series-regular roles starting in the mid-2010s. In Showtime's financial drama Billions, he portrayed Roger "Scooter" Dunbar, the astute chief of staff to business magnate Michael Prince, beginning with a recurring appearance in season 5 (2019) and becoming a main cast member in seasons 6 and 7 (2021–2023), contributing to the series' intricate power dynamics. He showcased comedic timing in guest spots on Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2017–2018), playing FBI Agent Dunleavy across multiple episodes amid the show's eccentric survivalist humor. In the legal drama The Good Fight on Paramount+ (2022), Breaker recurred as Randy Elkin, an associate connected to key firm figures, in season 6, enhancing the series' satirical take on contemporary politics and law. Breaker earned acclaim for his lead supporting role in the musical comedy series Girls5eva (2021–2024), streaming on Peacock and Netflix, as Scott, the supportive yet overwhelmed husband of band member Dawn, blending vocal performances with domestic comedy in the story of a '90s girl group's revival.

Awards and nominations

Theater awards

Daniel Breaker's theater career has been recognized with several prestigious awards and nominations, primarily stemming from his breakout role as in the musical . In 2008, the production's ensemble, including Breaker, received the for Distinguished Performance by an Ensemble, honoring the innovative and collaborative energy of the cast in this semi-autobiographical . That same year, Breaker earned the Theatre World Award for Outstanding or Debut Performance for his portrayal in , acknowledging his emergence as a compelling stage presence. For the Broadway transfer of in 2008, Breaker was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, with the recognition highlighting his dynamic and narrative drive as the Youth. He also received a nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for the same role, underscoring the production's critical acclaim for its blend of music, theater, and . In 2009, Breaker garnered another Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for his comedic turn as Donkey in Shrek the Musical on Broadway, celebrated for bringing infectious humor and physicality to the animated character's wisecracking spirit. Earlier in his career, during his time in Washington, D.C., Breaker was nominated for two Helen Hayes Awards in 2006. He received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Resident Play for his role as Dromio of Syracuse in the Shakespeare Theatre Company's production of The Comedy of Errors, reflecting his early prowess in classical ensemble work. Additionally, he was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Resident Play for his portrayal of Ariel in the Shakespeare Theatre Company's production of The Tempest. In 2024, Breaker received a nomination for Performer in a Supporting Role in a Play for his role as Father Michael in at Shakespeare Theater.

Film and television awards

Breaker's screen work has earned him scant formal accolades, a stark contrast to his extensive theater honors. His sole notable nomination in film came at the 10th in 2010, where he shared a nod for Best Original or Adapted Song for "Keys (Mariana)" from the Lee-directed adaptation of the musical (2009), alongside co-performers and De'Adre Aziza. In television, Breaker has not received individual awards or nominations from major bodies such as the or . However, his recurring role as the affable school counselor Scott—husband to lead character Dawn—in the Peacock (later ) musical comedy (2021–2024) formed part of an ensemble lauded for its sharp chemistry and comedic timing. The series itself garnered critical recognition, including two nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series (2021 and 2024) and one for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics (2024), as well as Critics Choice Television Award nominations for in a Comedy Series for co-star (2022 and 2023). This acclaim underscored the show's satirical edge on pop culture and the ensemble's contributions to its , though individual screen credits for Breaker emphasize career-building visibility over award-circuit dominance.

Personal life

Family

Daniel Breaker married theater director in 2008, a pivotal year marked by his Tony-nominated performance in and the launch of , where he originated the role of . The couple, who met during an off-Broadway production in 2004, tied the knot amid Breaker's rising Broadway profile, with the success of providing the stability to support their new life together. In June 2008, Breaker announced his impending fatherhood, expecting a son, which he linked to the professional breakthroughs that would allow him to build a family. Their son, Rory, was born later that year, shortly after the couple settled into family life in City's . The couple has two children. Breaker has spoken of the joys and challenges of early parenthood coinciding with the demanding eight-shows-a-week schedule of , which offered some flexibility for him to spend time at home with his newborn. As a father to his children, Breaker has emphasized balancing his touring and performance commitments with family responsibilities, often crediting Whoriskey's understanding of the theater world for helping navigate long runs and relocations, such as their move to in 2010 to support her role as artistic director of Intiman Theatre. The family dynamic remains supportive, with Whoriskey and Rory frequently attending premieres and opening nights, providing emotional grounding during career highs like Breaker's turns in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and . This family-oriented approach echoes Breaker's upbringing as the youngest of four siblings in a military family, which instilled a strong sense of relational stability.

Interests and residence

Daniel Breaker has maintained a long-term residence in , , since establishing his acting career in the city during the early . His apartment there features a well-equipped that serves as a hub for his personal pursuits. Breaker harbors a deep passion for home cooking and , often dedicating hours to experimenting with recipes and as a creative outlet and means of relieving stress from his professional life. He sources ingredients from local farmers' markets and specialty stores like , preparing elaborate dishes such as braised pork shoulder with pears and cloves, homemade , and desserts including oat black sesame popsicles. His endeavors include inventive drinks like a saffron-infused with Moroccan , honey syrup, lemon, orange blossom, and rose, reflecting influences from global cuisines and family traditions. In addition to culinary arts, Breaker maintains interests in music, including songwriting, as he has worked on releasing an original album. He has drawn parallels between the improvisation required in cooking and that found in theater and music, highlighting a shared spontaneity in these creative domains. In a 2025 , Breaker reflected on challenges encountered early in his professional journey, particularly during his time in the production of , where he nearly gave up amid difficulties. He described how taking on replacement roles in long-running shows can reinvigorate performers by offering fresh perspectives and renewed energy. These experiences, he noted, helped sustain his perseverance in the industry. His family life provides a supportive backdrop to these Brooklyn-based routines, including shared enjoyment of home-cooked meals rooted in nostalgic traditions.

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