Dan Bakkedahl (born 1969) is an American improvisor, actor and teacher from Chicago. Originally from Minnesota and raised in Stuart, Florida, he is a graduate of Florida State University where he was a member of the Chi Phi Fraternity. After college, he toured for a year with the Repertory Theater of America. After moving to Chicago, he made a name for himself at the Improv Olympic performing in the influential two-man improv show ZUMPF with his teacher Miles Stroth. Dan went on to perform at the Second City mainstage, eventually writing “Doors Open on the Right,” Second City’s 90th Revue. In Chicago, he is often noted for having left the Second City mainstage due to artistic differences.
He is also currently performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre and the Magnet Theater.
In the summer of 2005, Dan was picked up to replace Stephen Colbert as a correspondent on The Daily Show, and filed his first report in September. He plays three roles in Crime Fiction, an independent film released in 2007.
Dan Bakkedahl is a member of the advisory council of the California Shakespeare Theater (http://www.calshakes.org)
One of seven brothers and sisters
Graduated with a degree in theater from Florida State University
Formerly a member of the Second City and Improv Olympic comedy troupes in Chicago.
