Danny Woodburn is a dynamic American actor, comedian, and activist whose vibrant performances and advocacy for disability rights have made him a respected figure in Hollywood.

His career spans over 150 TV appearances and 30 films, showcasing his talent in roles like Professor Pixel in Count DeClues’ Mystery Castle and Splinter’s motion capture in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014).

A stand-up comedian for over 20 years, Danny has performed nationwide while advocating for authentic representation of people with dwarfism, serving on the SAG-AFTRA Performers with Disabilities Committee.

Early Life & Education

Danny Woodburn was born on July 26, 1964, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a nurse mother and a professional golfer father.

Growing up in a working-class family, he embraced his American identity with a focus on performance from a young age.

His ethnicity is not explicitly documented, but he was raised in Philadelphia’s diverse community. Danny’s dwarfism shaped his perspective, leading him to advocate for disability rights later in life.

Details about his siblings or early childhood are private, but his passion for theater and comedy emerged early, as he performed in school plays and local productions that laid the foundation for his career.

Danny graduated from Abington Senior High School in Abington Township, Pennsylvania. He went on to study at Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater in Philadelphia, earning a degree in film and theater.

In 2001, he received Temple’s Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award for his contributions to the arts.

Career

Danny Woodburn’s career began in theater, performing in plays like The Indian Wants the Bronx by Israel Horovitz, Scapino, and Viet Rock with a touring company.

He debuted in New York with The Soda Jerk and spent over 20 years as a stand-up comedian, performing across the U.S.

His TV breakthrough came in 1994 as Mickey Abbott on Seinfeld, where he appeared in seven episodes through 1998. His portrayal was praised for avoiding stereotypes, a principle Danny carried throughout his career.

He starred as Otli in Conan the Adventurer (1997–1998), Carl the Gnome in Special Unit 2 (2001–2002), Demon in Passions (2007–2008), and Mr. Poulos in Crash & Bernstein (2012–2014).

Other notable TV roles include Bones (2006–2017), Charmed (1998–2006), and Monk (2002–2009). In film, he appeared in Jingle All the Way (1996), The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000), Death to Smoochy (2002), Employee of the Month (2006), Watchmen (2009), Mirror Mirror (2012), and The Identical (2014).

He performed motion capture for Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014). Danny also starred in Fox’s 1992 Halloween special Count DeClues’ Mystery Castle as Professor Pixel and appeared in Burger King’s BK Stacker ads.

As a producer and writer, he contributed to projects like Girls Aloud! and advocated for disability inclusion through SAG-AFTRA’s Performers with Disabilities Committee, earning recognition for changing industry perceptions.

Awards & Nominations

2001: Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award, Temple University

2009: DREAM Award, Disability Rights Legal Center

2010: Screen Actors Guild Harold Russell Award

No additional nominations are publicly documented.

Personal Life

At 60, Danny Woodburn has been married to Amy Buchwald, an actress, writer, and comedian, since 1998. They have no children and keep their personal life private, living in Los Angeles.

Danny stands at 121 cm (3 feet 11 inches) tall due to his dwarfism and has used his platform to advocate for disability rights, speaking at events like the RespectABILITY Conference and Actors for Autism.

His wife appeared with him in Conan the Adventurer as his character’s love interest. Danny’s early Hollywood days included working as a stand-in for children, inspiring the Seinfeld episode “The Stand-In.”

He enjoys connecting with fans on social media, sharing updates about his advocacy and career with humor and warmth.

Net Worth

Danny Woodburn’s net worth is estimated between $1,000,000 and $2,000,000.

His income comes from acting in TV and film, stand-up comedy, producing, writing, and advocacy work.

His roles in Seinfeld, Crash & Bernstein, and movies like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, along with commercial work for Burger King, contribute significantly.

Filmography

Jingle All the Way (1996) – Tony the Elf

The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000) – Little Rocko

Death to Smoochy (2002) – Angelo Pike

Employee of the Month (2006) – Glen Ross

Watchmen (2009) – Big Figure Prisoner

Mirror Mirror (2012) – Grimm

Santa Buddies (2009) – Eli

The Search for Santa Paws (2010) – Eli

Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups (2012) – Eli

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) – Splinter (Motion Capture)

The Identical (2014) – Supporting Role

Seinfeld (1994–1998) – Mickey Abbott (7 episodes)

Conan the Adventurer (1997–1998) – Otli

Special Unit 2 (2001–2002) – Carl the Gnome

Passions (2007–2008) – Demon

Crash & Bernstein (2012–2014) – Mr. Poulos

Bones (2006–2017) – Recurring Roles