Daniel Durang – Actor – Biography

Early Life and Education

Durant was born to deaf parents who struggled with addiction. His paternal aunt adopted and raised him in Duluth, Minnesota before having him tutored in American Sign Language by another relative of hers. Today he holds dual American nationality and Capricorn zodiac signs as his birth sign.

Early education took place at mainstream schools in Duluth before transitioning to the Minnesota State School for the Deaf in 8th grade. He later attended Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY and Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. for further studies.

In 2012, he relocated to Los Angeles, California to participate in the Deaf West Theatre production of Cyrano and then, two years later, as Moritz Stiefel in Spring Awakening: Revival which earned him a Theater World Award for outstanding Broadway debut performance.

Professional Career

Daniel made his stage debut in a production of Cyrano de Bergerac in 2012 and since has become a recognizable presence both onstage and screen.

He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Moritz Stiefel in the 2015 Broadway revival of Spring Awakening and as Matthew in ABC Family series Switched at Birth from 2013 – 2017.

Though he was born deaf, he is fluent in spoken English and holds American nationality. Additionally, his aunt tutors him in American Sign Language.

He attended mainstream schools in Duluth until transitioning to Minnesota State School for the Deaf (MSAD) in eighth grade, graduating in 2008. Following this graduation he studied further at RIT in Rochester, NY and Gallaudet University in Washington DC.

Achievement and Honors

Daniel Durang made waves as Moritz in Deaf West Theatre’s production of Spring Awakening that premiered in Los Angeles and then hit Broadway in 2015. Subsequently, he appeared as co-star on ABC Family’s Switched at Birth as well as appearing multiple times on You.

Most recently, he made history when he competed on Dancing with the Stars season 2022 as part of a professional dancer/partner team and won the Mirrorball Trophy. Represented by Koopman Management.

In July 2019, Apple’s Best Picture Oscar-winner CODA was shot in Gloucester, MA starring Emilia Jones as Ruby Rossi – a deaf high school student with soulful singing ambitions who harbors dreams of singing opera – the film being one of the first featuring predominantly deaf actors and crew.

Personal Life

Daniel Durant has always kept his personal life private and seems entirely focused on his acting career – his roles in Spring Awakening and CODA are beloved fan favorites.

Adoption story of Nicholas is very impressive. He was adopted by his paternal aunt and her husband from Duluth, Minnesota after his birth parents (both deaf) struggled with drug abuse. At birth, his mother left him at a friend’s house before disappearing a short while later; nine months later, one of their neighbors tracked down and brought him to be adopted by them.

Start acting your dream in 2012 when he joined Deaf West Theatre for their production of Cyrano de Bergerac at Deaf West Theatre. Soon thereafter he made his television debut in ABC’s Switched at Birth series until 2017, featuring in 17 episodes until 2017. Moritz Stiefel from Spring Awakening on Broadway as well as Jonas from Teater Manu’s Jonas and the Body at Teater Manu Norway/France are just some of his roles he has had so far!

Net Worth

He has amassed an impressive fortune through his stage acting career. He reportedly charges a considerable sum to appear in movies and series. Living lavishly in Los Angeles with his own house and several cars; remaining out of any scandalous situations; maintaining his image clean.

He hails from French Canadian ancestry and holds American citizenship. His personality consists of both Spiritualism and Christianity practices; furthermore he can communicate effectively using English and American Sign Language.

He attended both Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York and Gallaudet University for his education. He is best known for playing Moritz Stiefel in the 2015 Broadway revival of Spring Awakening as well as appearing as Matthew in ABC Family TV show Switched at Birth.