Daniel Henney, born November 28, 1979, is a 45-year-old Korean-American actor and model renowned for his roles in My Lovely Sam Soon and The Wheel of Time. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $5 million, earned through acting and modeling. He married Japanese-American actress Ru Kumagai in October 2023. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 179 lbs, Henney captivates audiences with his charisma. This article explores his age, net worth, married life, salary, height, weight, dating history, and updated biography with fresh insights.
Early Life and Background: Age, Height, Weight, and Roots
Born in Carson City, Michigan, Daniel Henney faced a challenging childhood marked by racial struggles due to his Korean-American mother, Christine, and Irish-American father, Philip. His age in 2025 is 45, and his athletic build—6 feet 2 inches tall and 179 lbs—reflects his high school basketball days. Henney’s mixed heritage shaped his resilience, a trait evident in his career. He attended Carson City-Crystal High School, leading his team to a regional championship in 1998. Despite enrolling in colleges like Albion and Alma, he left to pursue modeling, a decision that sparked his global journey.
Henney’s early modeling gigs in France, Hong Kong, and Italy honed his adaptability. “Growing up biracial wasn’t easy, but it taught me to embrace diversity,” Henney shared in a 2024 interview on The May Lee Show. His height and weight gave him a commanding presence, making him a natural fit for the runway and screen.
Career Highlights: Salary and Professional Achievements
Daniel Henney’s salary varies by project, with estimates suggesting $50,000 to $100,000 per episode for major TV roles like Criminal Minds and The Wheel of Time. His net worth of $5 million stems from a diverse career spanning South Korean dramas and Hollywood films. Henney rose to fame as Dr. Henry Kim in My Lovely Sam Soon (2005), despite not speaking Korean initially. His role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) as Agent Zero marked his Hollywood breakthrough.
Henney’s versatility shines in Big Hero 6 (2014), where he voiced Tadashi Hamada, and The Wheel of Time (2021–present), playing Lan Mandragoran. His work ethic earned him the distinction of being the first foreigner to sweep South Korea’s major cinema awards for My Father (2007). In 2025, he’s reportedly working on new international projects, potentially increasing his salary and net worth. Follow his career updates on IMDb and Instagram.
Personal Life: Married, Dating History, and Relationships
Is Daniel Henney married? Yes, Henney tied the knot with Ru Kumagai, a Japanese-American actress, on October 20, 2023, in a private ceremony. “My wife, Ru, is my life partner and the greatest thing that’s happened to me,” Henney said on The May Lee Show in 2024. Their relationship began innocently at a restaurant where Kumagai worked, bonding over books by Haruki Murakami. Despite 2018 dating rumors, which both denied, their friendship evolved into love. They share glimpses of their life on Instagram.
Henney’s dating history includes past relationships with actress Maggie Q in 2005 and rumored links with Jung Ryeo-won and Lee Na-young. He values partners with confidence and humor, as he noted in a 2016 interview: “I love a woman who’s proud of being herself.” His marriage to Kumagai marks a new chapter, with fans speculating about future kids, though no announcements have been made as of 2025.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
Henney’s net worth of $5 million reflects his success across acting, modeling, and endorsements. His work with brands like Olympus and Daewoo Electronics boosted early earnings. In 2019, he donated $178,000 to the Community Chest of Korea, showcasing his philanthropy. Unlike peers who rely solely on acting, Henney’s modeling contracts with agencies like DNA Models add stability to his income. His Los Angeles home and global lifestyle suggest a comfortable financial status, though exact salary details remain private.
Unique Insights: Cultural Impact and Philanthropy
Henney’s cross-cultural appeal bridges Eastern and Western entertainment, inspiring actors from diverse backgrounds. His fluency in Korean, learned post-My Lovely Sam Soon, reflects his dedication to authenticity. In 2023, he joined a rescue mission with Humane World for Animals in South Korea, saving dogs from a meat farm, a cause close to his heart as a pet owner. “Rescuing those dogs felt personal; it’s about giving back,” he shared on Instagram. This activism sets him apart, adding depth to his public persona.
Biography Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Phillip Henney |
| Date of Birth | November 28, 1979 |
| Age (2025) | 45 years old |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) |
| Weight | 179 lbs (81 kg) |
| Nationality | American, South Korean |
| Ethnicity | Korean-Irish |
| Parents | Christine Henney (mother), Philip Henney (father) |
| Education | Attended Albion College, Alma College; did not graduate |
| Occupation | Actor, Model |
| Net Worth (2025) | $5 million |
| Salary (Estimated) | $50,000–$100,000 per episode for major roles |
| Marital Status | Married to Ru Kumagai (October 20, 2023) |
| Past Relationships | Maggie Q (2005), rumored with Jung Ryeo-won, Lee Na-young |
| Notable Roles | My Lovely Sam Soon, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wheel of Time |
| Awards | Best New Actor for My Father (2007), multiple South Korean cinema awards |
| Philanthropy | Donated $178,000 to Community Chest of Korea (2019), dog rescue advocate |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter |
Why Daniel Henney Stands Out in 2025
Henney’s journey from a small-town athlete to a global star is a testament to resilience. His ability to navigate cultural divides, master Korean, and excel in diverse roles makes him a role model. Unlike many actors, his philanthropy and low-key personal life add authenticity. Fans admire his grounded nature, evident in Q&A sessions on Twitter. As he expands his career in 2025, potentially with The Wheel of Time Season 3, Henney’s net worth, married life, and global influence will likely grow.
For more on his career, check Wikipedia or follow his updates on Yahoo Entertainment. His story proves that talent, heart, and hard work can transcend borders.
