| Full Name | David William Duchovny |
| Born | August 7, 1960 (age 63 years), New York City, New York, United States |
| Birth Sign | Leo |
| Height | 6′ 0′′ |
| Spouse | Téa Leoni (m. 1997–2014) |
| Children | 2 |
| Net Worth | $80 million |
| Social Media | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube |
David William Duchovny is an award-winning American actor, writer, director and musician best known for portraying FBI Agent Fox Mulder on the hit science fiction series The X-Files and the womanizing writer Hank Moody on Showtime‘s Californication. With his sharp wit, laidback charm and exceptional acting abilities, Duchovny has captivated audiences for over three decades.
Early Life and Background
Born on August 7, 1960 in New York City, Duchovny was raised in a Jewish family on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. His father Amram was a writer and publicist for the American Jewish Committee and his mother Margaret was a Scottish immigrant and school administrator.
As a child, Duchovny attended the prestigious Grace Church School and Collegiate School For Boys. He showed an early aptitude for both academics and sports. As per a 2015 interview, his classmates remembered him as a "sweet, funny guy with a great jump shot."
Duchovny went on to graduate magna cum laude from Princeton University in 1982 with a B.A. in English literature. According to professor emeritus William Kennedy, Duchovny‘s senior thesis on Existentialism and Samuel Beckett‘s novels was "brilliant." He received honorable mention for it as well.
After Princeton, Duchovny began working towards a Ph.D. in English literature at Yale University but eventually dropped out before completing his dissertation.
Acting Career
Early Roles
Duchovny‘s passion for acting led him to pursue it as a career after leaving Yale. He made his film debut with a small role in the 1987 comedy Working Girl. This opened doors for him and he appeared in several movies like New Year‘s Day, Bad Influence, Julia Has Two Lovers and Chaplin.
His big break came in 1992 when he was cast as the transvestite DEA agent Dennis Bryson in David Lynch‘s cult classic TV series Twin Peaks. Duchovny stood out even in the quirky ensemble and his agent sent him the script for a new sci-fi show called The X-Files.
The X-Files
Duchovny auditioned for the role of FBI agent Fox Mulder, a believer in aliens and supernatural phenomena. He had unforgettable chemistry with co-star Gillian Anderson who played the skeptic Dana Scully. The show was an instant hit and quickly developed a devoted fan following.
As Mulder, Duchovny brought nuance, intellect and heart to the character. His humorous deadpan delivery and passionate pursuit of the truth made Mulder an iconic figure that inspired countless "I Want to Believe" posters. Duchovny was nominated for 4 Golden Globes for the role, winning in 1997.
The original series ran from 1993-2002 and also spawned two feature films. It is considered one of the greatest science fiction shows of all time thanks to its provocative storylines and the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe wins of its stellar cast.
Even after The X-Files ended, Duchovny participated in its legacy by voicing Mulder for The X-Files: Resist or Serve video game and appearing in archival footage on The Lone Gunmen spinoff. He returned for a 6 episode limited series revival in 2016, slipping back into character with ease. The revival was generally well-received, proving the show‘s enduring popularity.
Californication
Looking to try something different after The X-Files, Duchovny took on the lead role of troubled novelist Hank Moody in Showtime‘s comedy-drama Californication in 2007.
As Moody, he got to showcase his comedic chops as a hedonistic, narcissistic writer struggling with writer‘s block, relationship troubles and the demands of parenting. Duchovny‘s nuanced performance earned widespread praise from critics and netted him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in 2008.
Californication had an impressive 7 season run till 2014 with Duchovny directing several episodes as well. His character evolved but retained the quick wit and flaws that made Moody so watchable.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his two most iconic shows, Duchovny has impressed in a variety of other television and film projects:
- Played hand model J.P. Prewitt in the 2001 comedy hit Zoolander
- Voiced Ethan Cole in the video game Area 51
- Portrayed an exaggerated version of himself in the comedy Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star
- Starred as Police Chief Jake Riley in the 1960s set show Aquarius from 2015-16
- Played family patriarch J. Paul Getty in the 2018 miniseries Trust about the Getty dynasty
No matter the role, Duchovny brings a relaxed charisma and emotional depth to every performance that engages audiences.
Personal Life
Duchovny married actress Tea Leoni in 1997 after they met at a party. They have a daughter Madelaine (b. 1999) and a son Kyd (b. 2002). The couple separated and divorced amicably in 2014.
In interviews, Duchovny comes across as charming, intelligent and witty with a tendency for self-deprecation. He is an advocate for causes like reproductive rights and disenfranchised children.
Outside of acting, his passions include writing poetry, playing guitar and basketball. He released his first music album Hell or Highwater in 2015 and has toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe.
Legacy
With his good looks, sly humor and evident passion for his craft, David Duchovny has captivated viewers in some of the most iconic shows of recent memory. As Agent Mulder, he made paranormal investigation compelling. As Hank Moody, he lent depth to a hedonistic character.
Few actors can claim such success across mediums – television, film and even music. Duchovny‘s ability to disappear into roles while bringing his signature charm makes him a welcome presence. His contributions as an actor, director and writer will no doubt continue growing in the years ahead.