Dan Futterman is a renowned American actor, screenwriter, and producer who has left an indelible mark on Hollywood with his versatility and creative brilliance. Best known for his role as Val Goldman in The Birdcage (1996) and his award-winning transition into screenwriting, he earned two Academy Award nominations for Capote (2005) and Foxcatcher (2014). His ability to move seamlessly between acting, writing, and producing makes him one of the most multifaceted talents in the entertainment industry.
Beyond his professional success, Futterman’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and artistic evolution. From his early life in a Jewish-American household to becoming a celebrated name in film and television, he has continuously pushed boundaries while staying true to his roots. Today, Dan Futterman is admired not only for his creative contributions but also for the lasting influence he has had on modern cinema and television storytelling.
Key Fact
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Paul Futterman |
| Birth Date & Place | June 8, 1967, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA |
| Age | 58 (as of 2025) |
| Family Background | Son of Linda (psychoanalyst) and Stanley Futterman (lawyer); married to Anya Epstein (TV writer/producer); two daughters |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Raised Conservative Jewish |
| Ethnicity | Jewish-American |
| Education | Graduated Mamaroneck High School (1985) and Columbia University (1989) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) |
| Weight | Approximately 70kg |
| Career | Actor, screenwriter, producer; notable acting roles in “The Birdcage” and “Judging Amy”; screenwriter of “Capote” and “Foxcatcher”; executive producer and showrunner roles |
Early Life & Education of Dan Futterman
Born on June 8, 1967, in Silver Spring, Maryland, Dan Futterman was raised in a Conservative Jewish family that valued intellect and creativity. His mother, Linda, was a psychoanalyst, while his father, Stanley, worked as a lawyer, providing Dan with a strong foundation of discipline and curiosity. Growing up in Larchmont, New York, he developed an early appreciation for storytelling, which later shaped his career in both acting and writing.
Futterman attended Mamaroneck High School, where he began exploring his artistic side before pursuing higher education. In 1989, he graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, solidifying his academic background while nurturing his passion for performance and literature. This balance of education and creativity played a pivotal role in his journey toward becoming a successful actor, acclaimed screenwriter, and respected producer.
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Full name/Real name:
Daniel Paul Futterman
Birth date/Birth place:
June 8, 1967, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
Family background:
- Son of Linda (née Roth), a psychoanalyst, and Stanley Futterman, a lawyer
- Raised in a Conservative Jewish family with intellectual roots
- Has two siblings
- His wife is Anya Epstein, a television writer and producer, sister of baseball executive Theo Epstein
- His family heritage includes Jewish roots from Russia, Austria, Hungary, and Ukraine
School/University:
- Graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1985
- Graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in 1989
Career Journey of Dan Futterman
Dan Futterman’s career breakthrough came with his performance as Val Goldman in the hit comedy The Birdcage (1996), where his natural charm and authenticity captivated audiences worldwide. He solidified his presence on television with his role as Vincent Gray in the CBS drama Judging Amy (1999–2005), earning praise for his compelling performances. These roles established him as a versatile actor capable of portraying both humor and depth on screen.
The peak years of Futterman’s career were defined by his bold transition into screenwriting and producing. His script for Capote (2005) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, while Foxcatcher (2014) brought him another Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Beyond acting and writing, he contributed as a producer and showrunner on acclaimed projects like HBO’s In Treatment, Fox’s Gracepoint, and Showtime’s American Rust.
Through his notable works in film and television, Dan Futterman proved himself as a multifaceted creative force whose storytelling continues to inspire.
Physical Appearance of Dan Futterman
Age:
58 years old (as of 2025)
Height:
5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters)
Weight:
Approximately 70kg
Physical attributes:
- Dark brown hair (as noted in past descriptions)
- Blue eyes (noted in older sources)
- Generally has a slim build
Major Achievements of Dan Futterman
Dan Futterman has achieved remarkable success as both an actor and screenwriter, with his work earning international recognition and critical acclaim. His screenplay for Capote (2005) not only received an Academy Award nomination but also won accolades from the Independent Spirit Awards, Boston Society of Film Critics, and Los Angeles Film Critics Association. Nearly a decade later, he repeated this feat with Foxcatcher (2014), which brought him another Oscar nomination, solidifying his place among the most respected screenwriters in Hollywood.
In addition to his writing triumphs, Futterman has also been recognized for his on-screen performances. He won the Golden Space Needle Award for Best Actor at the Seattle International Film Festival for Urbania and shared a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Cast Performance for The Birdcage. These achievements highlight his versatility, talent, and lasting influence across multiple areas of the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Family:
Dan Futterman is the son of Linda (née Roth), a psychoanalyst, and Stanley Futterman, a lawyer. He has siblings and is married to television writer and producer Anya Epstein. They have two daughters together.
Nationality:
American
Religion of Dan Futterman:
Raised in Conservative Judaism
Ethnicity:
Jewish-American, with heritage including Russian, Austrian, Hungarian, and Ukrainian Jewish ancestry.
Marital status/Relationship:
Married to Anya Epstein since September 23, 2000.
Net worth of Dan Futterman:
Estimated around $1 million.
Social media presence:
There is no widely publicized active social media presence for Dan Futterman, unlike many contemporary actors and writers.
| Platform | Account Name/Handle | Followers (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| @futtermandan | ~12 followers | 1 post only, limited activity | |
| No verified main account | N/A | Some reels tagged with his name |
Interesting Facts About Dan Futterman
- Dual Oscar Nominations – Dan Futterman is one of the few artists to be nominated for two Academy Awards as a screenwriter (Capote and Foxcatcher).
- From Actor to Writer – He successfully transitioned from a 15-year acting career to becoming an acclaimed screenwriter and producer.
- Family Ties – His brother-in-law is Theo Epstein, the baseball executive credited with breaking the “Curse of the Bambino” with the Boston Red Sox.
- Showrunner Role – Futterman served as the showrunner for Showtime’s American Rust (2021), showcasing his leadership in television storytelling.
- Award-Winning Actor – Beyond writing, he won the Golden Space Needle Award for Best Actor for his role in Urbania at the Seattle International Film Festival.
Conclusion
Dan Futterman’s journey from a talented actor to an Academy Award–nominated screenwriter and producer is a true testament to his adaptability and creative genius. His ability to shine both in front of the camera with roles like Val Goldman in The Birdcage and behind the scenes with scripts such as Capote and Foxcatcher showcases a career built on passion, versatility, and artistic depth. Few in Hollywood have managed such a seamless transition, making his legacy even more inspiring.
Today, Futterman stands as one of the most respected storytellers in film and television, admired for his intellect, dedication, and innovative storytelling. With award-winning performances, critically acclaimed screenplays, and impactful producing roles, he has carved out a lasting place in the entertainment industry. His biography serves as a reminder that with talent and determination, it’s possible to reinvent oneself and leave a lasting impact on global cinema.
FAQs About Dan Futterman
1. Who is Dan Futterman?
Dan Futterman is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer best known for The Birdcage, Capote, and Foxcatcher.
2. What is Dan Futterman famous for?
He is famous for his Academy Award–nominated screenplays and notable acting roles in film and television.
3. Is Dan Futterman married?
Yes, he is married to Anya Epstein, a television writer and producer, and they have two daughters.
4. What are Dan Futterman’s most notable works?
His most notable works include The Birdcage, Judging Amy, Capote, Foxcatcher, and American Rust.
5. Has Dan Futterman won any major awards?
Yes, he has won several awards including the Golden Space Needle Award for Best Actor and multiple critics’ awards for Capote.
