Danny Strong: Jack and Master of All Trades in Hollywood

Danny Strong is an American-born actor, producer, and director. Danny Strong has spent much of his life both on and off-camera. His work can’t be fit in just one simple category, though. His career spans several different mediums and genres. He’s worked on politically-charged series, dramas, and blockbuster movies. His work in TV and film continues to impress and inspire, and he has received numerous awards throughout his life. His most recent project, “Dopesick,” has received praise from fans and critics alike.

Danny Strong was born in Manhattan Beach, California in 1974. He would spend his childhood here, discovering his love for acting at an early age. He would spend much of his time at a video rental store called Video Archives. There, he discovered timeless classics and hidden gems, thanks to a knowledgeable clerk by the name of Quentin Tarantino. Danny Strong attended Mira Costa High School where he performed in productions of “The Outsiders” and “Cabaret.”

Danny Strong is most recognized for his work in numerous classic films and TV shows. He played the role of Jonathan Levinson in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” He also played Doyle McMaster in “Gilmore Girls.” These shows helped him develop his Hollywood presence, though he always knew he wanted to do more. This early work helped him get into his next passion, which would be screen-writing. Danny Strong continues acting today, holding recurring roles in several hit TV shows such as “Mad Men,” “Girls,” “Justified,” “Billions,” and “The Right Stuff.”

At 25, Danny Strong was looking to gain more lead roles in acting. He decided to write his own dark comedy. This comedy never fully materialized, but it opened new doors. He realized that he had a passion for writing, and he wanted to pursue it further. His transition into screenwriting proved to be successful when his script “Recount” made waves in 2007. This film would go on to be produced by HBO and directed by Jay Roach.

This film followed the eventful story of the 2000 U.S. election. This script was number one on the Hollywood Blacklist and would go on to win numerous awards, including winning TV Program of the Year by the American Film Institute and Long-Form Original by the Writers Guild of America Awards. “Recount” was also nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special by the Primetime Emmy Awards.

Following “Recount,” Strong focused his artistic talents on “Game Change.” This 2012 film adaptation went on to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie, or Dramatic Special. It was also awarded a Peabody, which recognizes distinguished public service.

Strong also wrote the screenplay for the film “The Butler,” which would later be directed by Lee Daniels and star Oprah Winfrey and Forest Whitaker. This work allowed Strong to win an NAACP Award for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture. Danny Strong helped to co-write hit shows such as the TV show “Empire,” for which he would also take part in directing several episodes. He also co-wrote the two-part “Mockingjay,” the finale installment to the “Hunger Games” Trilogy.

Danny Strong transitioned into directing with several episodes of the hit TV series “Empire.” His work on Empire won the NAACP Image Award. His feature directorial debut was the film “Rebel in the Rye,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Recent Work

Danny Strong continues to show his wide talent range with recent work. He has won two Emmys, a Golden Globe, two Writers Guild of America awards, a PGA award, and a Peabody.

His most recent work, “Dopesick,” has been well-received. “Dopesick” has won the Best TV Adaptation by USC Scripter Awards. It has also been nominated for Best Limited Series by the Producers Guild of America Awards. It was nominated by GLAAD Awards and Critics Choice Awards for Best Limited Series. Danny Strong was blown away by his nomination for The Directors Guild Awards for his directing work on the final two episodes of this dramatic series.

Strong is also set to be honored at the Sun Valley Film Festival. He will be given this year’s Pioneer Award in recognition as being an industry innovator. He has proven to be a trailblazer both on and off-camera.

Danny Strong has shown himself to be an artistic voice that can travel across different mediums and genres. Whether he is acting, writing, or directing, he pours his entire focus into the task at hand. He isn’t afraid to be bold, working on projects that might prove too difficult for others. From an early age, he’s been committed to the arts. Hollywood is lucky to have such a diverse artist who can excel both on and off-screen. His commitment to excellence continues to provide hit movies and TV shows that are enjoyed by a wide audience.