5 Shocking Revelations And Career Twists Defining Penn Badgley's 2025

Penn Badgley, the actor forever intertwined with the complex, charming, and utterly terrifying Joe Goldberg, has had a landmark year, with major career chapters closing and new, surprising ones beginning as of December 2025.

The conclusion of Netflix's psychological thriller You, the release of a new book with his popular podcast Podcrushed, and a high-fashion campaign have collectively redefined his public persona, moving him beyond the shadow of both the Upper East Side's "Lonely Boy" Dan Humphrey and the serial-killing stalker. Fans are now exploring the authentic, philosophical Penn Badgley, a man who has openly discussed his religious conflicts and his commitment to social justice.

Penn Badgley: Complete Biography and Profile

Penn Dayton Badgley is an American actor, musician, producer, and podcaster, best known for his iconic roles in two generation-defining television series.

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• Full Name: Penn Dayton Badgley
• Date of Birth: November 1, 1986
• Age (as of 2025): 39
• Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
• Spouse: Domino Kirke (m. 2017)
• Children: One son (born 2020) and twin boys (welcomed September 2025)
• Key Roles: Dan Humphrey in Gossip Girl (2007–2012), Joe Goldberg in You (2018–2025)
• Other Projects: Lead singer of the band MOTHXR, host of the podcast Podcrushed.
• Faith/Philosophy: Practicing member of the Baháʼí Faith.

Badgley's early career included voice acting and roles in films like Easy A and The Stepfather, but his breakthrough came as the outsider-turned-insider Dan Humphrey in the hit CW series Gossip Girl. His second major career resurgence arrived with the Netflix series You, where his portrayal of the charming yet dangerous stalker Joe Goldberg earned him critical acclaim and a massive global following.

1. The Controversial Conclusion of 'You' Season 5 and Saying Goodbye to Joe Goldberg

The biggest news dominating Penn Badgley’s 2025 was the release of You Season 5, the final installment of the dark thriller series on Netflix. The season, which brought Joe Goldberg back to his original roots in New York City, was highly anticipated and concluded the character's journey with an ending that Badgley himself has openly discussed as "controversial."

The Final Chapter and Loose Ends

Badgley has repeatedly expressed his readiness to move on from the character, stating he was "glad" the series was drawing to a close and that he "can't do this man anymore," as playing the serial killer has consumed his entire 30s. The final season was teased to address "loose ends" from Joe's previous escapades, suggesting a full circle moment for the character who began as an aspiring writer and bookstore manager. The conclusion of the series marks a significant professional milestone, allowing Badgley to fully pivot to new creative endeavors and shed the image of the obsessive stalker.

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The actor's candid interviews around the finale highlighted the internal conflict he has often felt playing Joe Goldberg, especially given his personal philosophy and adherence to the Baháʼí Faith. This transparency about his religious conflicts with portraying a killer has added a layer of depth to his public discussions, making the end of You not just a TV event, but a personal liberation for the actor.

2. The New Era: Author and Podcaster with 'Crushmore'

Beyond his acting career, Penn Badgley has firmly established himself as a successful podcaster and, as of 2025, a published author. His hit podcast, Podcrushed, which he hosts alongside Sophie Ansari and Nava Kavelin, focuses on the universally awkward and poignant experiences of middle school and adolescence.

The 'Crushmore' Book Launch

In a major career expansion, the Podcrushed hosts released their debut essay collection titled Crushmore: Essays on Love, Loss, and Coming-of-Age. The book, which quickly became a national bestseller, features a collection of poignant, funny, and illuminating essays that explore the themes of self-discovery and "coming of age." This project showcases a different side of Badgley—one that is introspective, empathetic, and focused on genuine human connection, a stark contrast to the dark nature of Joe Goldberg.

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The book’s success further solidifies his role as a cultural commentator and social justice advocate, utilizing his platform to discuss topics more meaningful to him than the fictional dark side of Hollywood. The transition from a television star to a multifaceted media personality, including a writer and podcaster, demonstrates a deliberate effort to shape his post-You narrative.

3. Personal Milestones and Philosophical Insights on Life and Career

Badgley's 2025 was also marked by significant personal developments and a continued openness about his philosophical and spiritual life, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the man behind the roles.

Welcoming Twin Boys and Family Life

In a joyous personal update, Penn Badgley and his wife, Domino Kirke, welcomed twin boys in September 2025, expanding their family which already includes their son born in 2020. Badgley has been vocal about the profound impact of fatherhood and marriage on his life, often crediting his wife and family for providing him with a grounding and moral center that helps him navigate the complexities of his career.

The Baháʼí Faith and Finding Coherence

A recurring and deeply insightful topic in Badgley's recent interviews is his adherence to the Baháʼí Faith. He has openly discussed how the faith's principles, which center around the unity of God, the unity of religion, and the unity of humanity, have provided a framework for his life and helped him reconcile the moral conflicts of playing a character like Joe Goldberg. He describes the philosophy as learning to "hold multiple things to be true at once," a coherence that guides his social justice advocacy and his approach to his craft.

A Dapper Return to High Fashion and New York Roots

In a stylish pivot, Penn Badgley returned to the spotlight in a different context: as the face of Moncler's Spring 2025 campaign. The campaign, set in New York City, provided a dapper, sophisticated image that recalls his Gossip Girl days, but with the maturity of his current career. This role in high fashion, combined with his return to New York for the filming of You Season 5, symbolically closed one chapter while opening another, showcasing his enduring appeal as a leading man in the entertainment and fashion worlds.

The actor's willingness to discuss his past, including crediting his ex-girlfriend Blake Lively for "saving" him from a darker path during his Gossip Girl years, further highlights his commitment to transparency and self-reflection in this new phase of his career. This period of his life, marked by the end of a major series, the launch of a significant literary project, and personal growth, truly defines Penn Badgley's 2025 as a year of profound transformation.