Daniel Henney, a Korean-American actor and model, has captivated audiences worldwide with his charm, talent, and multicultural appeal. Born on November 28, 1979, in Carson City, Michigan, Henney’s age as of 2025 is 45. Renowned for roles in My Lovely Sam Soon, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and The Wheel of Time, he has built a net worth estimated at $5 million through acting and modeling. Married to Japanese-American actress Ru Kumagai since October 20, 2023, Henney balances a private personal life with a thriving career. This article explores his biography, career, salary, height, weight, dating history, and recent updates.
Early Life and Background: Age and Heritage
Daniel Henney, born as Jeom Deok-su, grew up in Carson City, Michigan, to a Korean-American mother, Christine Henney, adopted from Busan, South Korea, and an Irish-American father, Philip Henney. His age of 45 reflects a life shaped by a multicultural identity, which he credits for his global appeal. Facing racial challenges during his childhood, Henney developed resilience, which he later channeled into his career. A standout basketball player at Carson City-Crystal High School, he led his team to a regional championship. Despite enrolling in colleges like Albion and Alma, Henney prioritized modeling, debunking earlier claims of an economics degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago after a 2007 academic scandal.
Career Beginnings: Modeling to Acting Stardom
Henney’s career began in 2001 with modeling in the U.S., France, Italy, and Hong Kong. His breakthrough came in 2005 with a role as Dr. Henry Kim in the Korean drama My Lovely Sam Soon, despite initially limited Korean language skills. This role skyrocketed his fame in South Korea, leading to further projects like Spring Waltz (2006) and films such as Seducing Mr. Perfect (2006) and My Father (2007). His performance in My Father earned him multiple Best New Actor awards, a historic achievement for a foreigner in South Korea. Transitioning to Hollywood, Henney played Agent Zero in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) and voiced Tadashi Hamada in Big Hero 6 (2014).
His television career includes roles in Hawaii Five-0, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and a regular spot on Criminal Minds (2017–2020) as Matt Simmons. In 2021, he portrayed Lan Mandragoran in The Wheel of Time, with Season 3 updates highlighting his emotional connection to the role. Henney’s salary varies by project, with high-budget films reportedly earning him significant paychecks, contributing to his $5 million net worth. His modeling work with brands like Olympus and Daewoo Electronics also bolsters his income.
Personal Life: Married, Dating History, and Family Values
Daniel Henney married Ru Kumagai, a Japanese-American actress, on October 20, 2023, in a private U.S. ceremony attended by family. Their relationship, long speculated by fans due to social media posts featuring shared locations and pets, was confirmed after years of privacy. Henney’s dating history includes rumored relationships with actresses Maggie Q (2005), Jung Ryeo-won, and Jessica Jung, though he kept these private. In a 2016 interview on MBC’s I Live Alone, Henney expressed, “I think it’s important to have a partner in life, but it’s difficult to find the right one.” His desire for marriage and family reflects his close bond with his parents, particularly his mother, who he hopes to give grandchildren.
Henney’s height of 6 feet 2 inches and weight of approximately 87 kg complement his on-screen presence. His commitment to privacy, despite public scrutiny, showcases his ability to balance fame with personal life. He actively supports animal welfare, participating in a 2023 rescue mission with Humane World for Animals at a South Korean dog meat farm, adopting five dogs himself.
Net Worth and Salary Insights
With a net worth of $5 million in 2025, Henney’s wealth stems from his dual career in acting and modeling. His salary from major projects, such as Criminal Minds and The Wheel of Time, places him among well-paid actors, with reports suggesting he earned substantial sums for big-budget films in 2018. Additionally, his modeling contracts in global fashion capitals like Paris and Milan, and endorsements with brands like Bean Pole alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, contribute significantly. Henney’s philanthropy, including a $178,000 donation to Korean charities in 2019, reflects his commitment to giving back.
Recent Updates and Future Projects
As of 2025, Henney continues to expand his career with international projects. The Wheel of Time Season 3, set to release soon, has him reflecting on the emotional depth of Lan Mandragoran, stating, “It’s like art imitating life.” His involvement in animal welfare and cross-cultural representation positions him as an inspiring figure. Fans eagerly await updates on his potential involvement in Season 4 of The Wheel of Time, which remains unconfirmed. Henney’s social media presence, with over 849k Instagram followers (@danielhenney), offers curated glimpses into his life, maintaining fan engagement without compromising privacy.
Unique Insights: Multicultural Influence and Resilience
Henney’s journey as a Korean-American actor navigating Hollywood and South Korean industries offers a unique perspective on cross-cultural representation. His ability to learn Korean fluently after starting with minimal knowledge highlights his dedication. A case study of his career reveals how he leveraged his modeling background to break into acting, a path less common for multicultural actors. His resilience against childhood racism and academic controversies underscores a narrative of perseverance, making him a role model for aspiring artists from diverse backgrounds.
Daniel Henney Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Phillip Henney (born Jeom Deok-su) |
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1979 |
| Age | 45 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Carson City, Michigan, USA |
| Ethnicity | Korean-American (mother), Irish-American (father) |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches |
| Weight | 87 kg |
| Education | Attended Albion College, Alma College; no degree |
| Career Start | Modeling (2001); Acting debut in My Lovely Sam Soon (2005) |
| Notable Roles | My Lovely Sam Soon, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wheel of Time |
| Net Worth | $5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | Varies; high earnings from major films and TV roles |
| Marital Status | Married to Ru Kumagai (October 20, 2023) |
| Dating History | Rumored with Maggie Q, Jung Ryeo-won, Jessica Jung |
| Parents | Christine Henney (mother), Philip Henney (father) |
| Siblings | No confirmed information |
| Social Media | Instagram: @danielhenney (849k followers); Twitter: @danielhenney (129.9k) |
| Philanthropy | $178,000 donation to Korean charities (2019); animal welfare advocate |
| Hobbies | Basketball, guitar, reading, travel |
Conclusion
Daniel Henney’s journey from a Michigan-born model to a global actor exemplifies talent, resilience, and cultural bridging. At 45, with a net worth of $5 million, married to Ru Kumagai, and standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he continues to inspire through his work and advocacy. Follow his updates on Instagram, Twitter, or explore his career on Wikipedia and IMDb.
