Paul Dano is set to turn 42 this June, an occasion that prompts him to reflect on the profound changes in his life, particularly those brought about by fatherhood rather than passing years. Dano, whose new film, ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin,’ is scheduled for release on 15 May, shared his insights on ageing during a recent interview with PEOPLE.
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The actor, who has been in a committed relationship with Zoe Kazan for nearly two decades, is also a devoted father to two children. Their daughter, Alma Bay, is five, while their son was born in October 2022. Dano credits his journey into parenthood as a major influence on his personal growth, stating, “It’s probably parenthood that has forced me to grow up in a much different way.”
Though Dano acknowledges the inevitability of ageing, he emphasises the importance of adapting to the needs and stages of his children. “I think more than turning 40 or 41 or 42, it’s sort of learning through my kids and how to meet them at the ages that they’re at,” he explained.
Professionally, Dano has enjoyed a successful acting career since the late 1990s, with notable roles in films such as ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ and ‘There Will Be Blood.’ His ability to portray a diverse array of characters—including real-life figures such as Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys and The Riddler in ‘The Batman’—has earned him acclaim in Hollywood.
In ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin,’ Dano takes on a new challenge, playing a fictional Russian political operative, Baranov, who rises to prominence as an adviser to Vladimir Putin during the politically tumultuous 1990s and 2000s. The film co-stars Jude Law, who portrays Putin, and features Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, Jeffrey Wright, and Will Keen.
Dano reflects on the preparation required for such a politically charged role, stating, “Making a movie so intertwined with 21st-century politics required both Dano and Law to ‘do our homework, so to speak’ in order to better understand the subject matter.” This commitment has led Dano to develop a newfound interest in the political landscape, a shift from his previous indifference towards history and current events.
Despite the weight of his character’s political significance, Dano has found joy in the collaborative atmosphere of the filming process, particularly during his time in Latvia. He likened the experience of being on set to a unique blend of seriousness and camaraderie, stating, “On set is not really about downtime ever. … So it’s kind of a tale of two experiences.”
The actor also took the opportunity to enjoy quiet moments off-set with his co-stars, adding, “We all need a bite of food and a drink at the end of the day or on the weekend.” This ability to balance work and leisure has enabled Dano to forge connections with his fellow actors, enhancing both his on-screen and off-screen experiences.
As Dano prepares for both his birthday and the premiere of ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin,’ he maintains a positive attitude towards life and the ageing process. “I think I’m very fortunate. I think life mostly gets better, so far,” he remarked, adding with a hint of humour that the physical changes of getting older are evident, even if he remains in good shape otherwise.
With ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’ approaching its release, audiences can look forward to witnessing Dano’s latest performance that showcases not only his talent but also his evolving perspective on life, family, and the complexities of adulthood. As his career continues to flourish, Dano embodies a sense of balance between personal growth and professional achievement, navigating the demands of parenthood alongside his thriving acting career.
The film is set to hit theatres across the UK on 15 May, offering a compelling narrative enriched by Dano’s performance and a stellar cast. As he heads into this new chapter of his life, fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate the insights and depth he brings to the screen.