Paul Dano reflects on early 40s: 'I’m in good enough shape so far'

Actor Paul Dano says he is entering his early 40s with a surprisingly positive outlook on life, revealing that parenthood — not age — has been the biggest force shaping his personal growth.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, Dano reflected on his upcoming 42nd birthday in June while promoting his new political drama The Wizard of the Kremlin, which hits theatres on May 15.

“Probably the first thing I think of is actually not age that changed me, but probably parenthood,” he said. “Becoming a parent has forced me to grow up in a much different way.”

The actor shares two children with longtime partner Zoe Kazan, with whom he has been in a relationship for nearly two decades. 

The couple live a largely private life in Brooklyn, New York, raising their daughter Alma Bay, born in 2018, and their son, born in 2022.

Dano said that navigating fatherhood has taught him more about life’s pace and responsibilities than simply reaching milestone ages.

“It’s learning through my kids and how to meet them at the ages that they’re at and what they ask of you,” he explained.

Reflecting more broadly on aging, the Batman star said he feels fortunate with where life stands today.

“I think life mostly gets better, so far,” Dano said. “With age, we’ll see if that hits a downward turn soon enough. I certainly can’t eat as much as I used to, but otherwise, we’re in good enough shape so far.”

In The Wizard of the Kremlin, Dano plays a fictional Russian political strategist navigating the rise of Vladimir Putin’s inner circle in the 1990s and 2000s. 

The film also stars Jude Law as Putin, alongside Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, Will Keen and Jeffrey Wright.

Dano said preparing for the politically charged role required research and a deeper engagement with history, even though he does not typically follow current affairs closely.

“Honestly, no,” he admitted when asked about his interest in politics or history. “But this made me interested, and it happened very naturally.”

The actor also spoke warmly about filming in Latvia, where the cast spent extended time together during production.

“It’s kind of a tale of two experiences,” he said, describing the balance between intense on-set work and relaxed off-set moments with castmates.

“You’re really about the work during the weekdays, and on your day off, you want to share a meal,” he added, noting he enjoyed spending time with co-stars while exploring a new location.

The Wizard of the Kremlin releases in theatres on May 15.