Daniel Sunjata: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Daniel Sunjata is a talented American actor known for his versatile performances across a wide range of television shows, movies, and theater productions. With a career spanning over two decades, Sunjata has built a reputation for his dynamic roles and captivating screen presence. Whether he’s playing a charming FBI agent, a tough soldier, or a troubled artist, Daniel has consistently demonstrated his ability to immerse himself in his characters, garnering critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase along the way.
- Age: 53 years
- Date of Birth: December 30, 1971
- Birth Place: Evanston, Illinois
- Weight: 185 pounds (84 kg)
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Net Worth: $2 million
Early Life and Background
Daniel Sunjata, whose full name is Daniel Sunjata Condon, was born on December 30, 1971, in Evanston, Illinois. He is of mixed race, with an African American father and a white mother of Irish descent. Growing up in the Chicago area, Daniel was exposed to a diverse cultural environment that would later influence his ability to portray a wide range of characters.Sunjata was raised by his mother, who worked as a nurse, while his father was absent from his life. He has spoken in interviews about how his mother was a significant influence in his upbringing, encouraging him to pursue education and his artistic ambitions. Despite facing challenges growing up in a single-parent household, Sunjata was driven to succeed and find a path to express himself creatively.
Education and Early Career
Sunjata’s academic journey began at Naperville Central High School, where he developed an early interest in acting and theater. After graduating, he pursued higher education at Florida A&M University, where he earned a degree in English. His passion for acting intensified during his college years, and he decided to take his talents to New York to study at the prestigious The Juilliard School.At Juilliard, Sunjata trained with some of the finest acting instructors and fellow aspiring actors. The school’s rigorous programs helped shape his craft, providing him with the tools and experiences that would later serve him well in his professional career. Sunjata graduated from Juilliard in 1999, and shortly after, he began appearing in theater productions, showcasing his acting talent on stage before transitioning to the world of film and television.
Breakthrough Role in Theater
Daniel Sunjata’s acting career began on the stage, where he found immediate success. His breakthrough moment came in 2000 when he was cast in the acclaimed Broadway production of “Take Me Out”. In this Tony Award-winning play, Sunjata portrayed a major league baseball player named Shane Mungitt, who comes out as gay. His performance in the play garnered significant attention and praise from critics and audiences alike.The success of “Take Me Out” marked a pivotal moment in Sunjata’s career, as it brought him widespread recognition in the theater community. His portrayal of a complex and multifaceted character earned him a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play. The experience not only showcased his talent as an actor but also highlighted his versatility in taking on challenging and emotionally demanding roles.
Television Career: “Rescue Me” and Other Projects
While Daniel Sunjata’s stage work established his name in the theater world, his transition to television helped him reach an even larger audience. His most notable role on TV came in 2004 when he joined the cast of the hit FX series “Rescue Me”. The show, which starred Denis Leary as Tommy Gavin, followed the lives of New York City firefighters. Sunjata played Franco Rivera, a firefighter and one of Tommy’s colleagues. His character was a key part of the show’s ensemble, and Sunjata’s portrayal earned him praise for his natural charisma, comedic timing, and ability to handle emotionally intense scenes.Sunjata’s performance on “Rescue Me” made him a recognizable face in the entertainment world, and the show ran for a total of seven seasons until its conclusion in 2011. During this time, Sunjata became a fan favorite, building a loyal following for his ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity. His work on “Rescue Me” was an essential part of the show’s success, and he remains closely associated with the role of Franco Rivera.Following the end of “Rescue Me,” Sunjata continued to secure notable roles in television. In 2014, he joined the cast of the Shonda Rhimes-created ABC drama “Scandal” in a recurring role as Marcus Walker, a political activist who eventually becomes a love interest for Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington). His character brought a fresh dynamic to the show, and Sunjata’s performances in “Scandal” were widely appreciated by fans and critics.Additionally, Sunjata appeared in “Graceland,” a USA Network drama series that ran from 2013 to 2015. He portrayed Paul Briggs, a deep undercover agent working for the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Customs. The series was well-received, and his performance as a morally conflicted agent showcased his versatility and ability to play complex, multi-layered characters.
Film Career
In addition to his television work, Daniel Sunjata has also appeared in a number of film projects, further expanding his range as an actor. His film career includes both major Hollywood productions and smaller, independent films.One of his early film roles came in 2003 when he starred in the film “The Devil Wears Prada” alongside Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. Although his role was relatively minor, the film was a huge success and helped Sunjata gain exposure to a broader audience. He also appeared in the action-packed movie “The Smokin’ Aces” in 2006, where he played a hitman named Isaac.Sunjata’s filmography includes a range of different genres, demonstrating his ability to adapt to various roles. He has appeared in thrillers, romantic dramas, and comedies, each time bringing his unique approach to his characters. Some of his other notable film appearances include “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” (2009) and “One for the Money” (2012).
Personal Life and Family
While Daniel Sunjata has built a public persona as a successful actor, he is known for being relatively private about his personal life. He has managed to keep details about his family and romantic relationships largely out of the media spotlight. However, it is known that Sunjata was raised by his mother, as his father was not involved in his upbringing.Sunjata is passionate about a variety of causes, including education, civil rights, and social justice. He has used his platform to raise awareness for several important issues and has been involved in various charity projects over the years. He is also an advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, working to ensure that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed in Hollywood.
Daniel Sunjata’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Daniel Sunjata’s estimated net worth is approximately $2 million to $5 million. His wealth has primarily been accumulated through his extensive career in television, film, and theater. Sunjata’s time on popular shows like “Rescue Me”, “Graceland”, and “Scandal” has been instrumental in boosting his net worth. Additionally, his appearances in feature films and continued involvement in the entertainment industry contribute significantly to his earnings.While Sunjata’s net worth may not be as high as some of Hollywood’s A-list stars, his steady work across multiple mediums has ensured that he remains financially stable and successful. With a career that continues to thrive, it is likely that his net worth will continue to grow as he takes on new projects.
Conclusion
Daniel Sunjata has proven himself to be a talented and versatile actor, able to tackle a wide range of roles across television, film, and theater. His impressive career, which began on the Broadway stage, has seen him excel in some of the most beloved television shows and movies of the past two decades. From his role as a firefighter in “Rescue Me” to his turn as a political activist in “Scandal,” Daniel Sunjata has earned a well-deserved place in the hearts of audiences and critics alike.With a strong sense of dedication to his craft and a passion for raising awareness on important social issues, Daniel Sunjata continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment industry. As he takes on new roles and continues to evolve as an actor, his fans will undoubtedly be eager to see where his career takes him next.
