Being one of seven siblings definitely has its perks, and Dan Bakkedahl might just owe his razor-sharp comedic instincts to growing up in such a lively household. With so many brothers and sisters, it’s no wonder Dan developed the kind of quick wit that serves him so well in improv. After wrapping up university, Dan spent a year touring with the Repertory Theater of America, which set the stage for what was to come. He eventually made his way to Chicago—the live comedy mecca—where Dan really began to make a name for himself at the famed Improv Olympic. There, he teamed up with Miles Stroth to form the duo Zumpf, honing his craft in front of eager audiences night after night.
Dan didn’t stop there. Before long, he was performing at The Players Workshop and taking the stage at the legendary Second City. It was during this time that Dan contributed significantly behind the scenes, scripting much of the troupe’s 90th revue, “Doors Open on the Right,” showcasing not just his performance chops but his writing talent too. In 2005, Dan got a major break when he stepped into Stephen Colbert’s shoes as a correspondent on Jon Stewart’s satirical powerhouse, “The Daily Show.” While on the show, Dan also lent his voice to the video game “Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks,” proving his range extended beyond the camera.
By 2007, Dan had set his sights on Hollywood, where he made his feature film debut playing a crank caller in Jonathan Eliot’s comedy “Crime Fiction.” From there, Dan’s career picked up momentum. He started landing guest appearances on popular TV series like “30 Rock,” “Flight of the Conchords,” and “The Office,” slowly building a reputation as a go-to guy for quirky, memorable roles. That same year, Dan appeared as Rick Sleevning in the 2008 prank short “My First Kidnapping,” which, despite not quite hitting the mark, added another layer to his growing resume.
The following year, Dan took on the role of Mark in the dark comedy “Observe and Report,” set in a chaotic shopping mall, and portrayed Professor Richard Valentine in “Welcome to Academia,” where his character vied for a college deanship in hilariously awkward fashion. Since then, Dan has popped up in a variety of shows, including “How I Met Your Mother,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and “United States of Tara,” demonstrating his versatility across genres. He also starred in the 2011 short “Marriage Drama With Virginia Madsen,” further cementing his status as a dependable and talented presence in both comedy and drama. Through it all, Dan Bakkedahl has continued to evolve, bringing depth and humor to every role he takes on.
When it comes to Dan Bakkedahl’s filmography, one standout performance definitely comes to mind—his role in Sword of Trust (2019), which happens to be Dan Bakkedahl’s highest rated movie. The film was well-received by both critics and audiences, showcasing Dan Bakkedahl’s talent in a more nuanced, character-driven story. On the other end of the spectrum, Dan Bakkedahl appeared in Hitman: Agent 47 (2015), a movie that didn’t quite resonate as strongly and ended up being Dan Bakkedahl’s lowest rated project to date. While the action-packed flick had its moments, it didn’t quite match the critical success of his later work. Overall, Dan Bakkedahl continues to impress with his range, even if some films shine brighter than others in his career.