Daniels grew up in Chelsea, Michigan (via AARP), and left home after studying for three years at Central Michigan University. After enrolling in a theater program, Daniels went on to study at respected Eastern Michigan University drama school, which led him to be invited to join the Circle Repertory Company in New York City.
"One thing they taught me in Circle Rep: 'You have nothing if you don't connect with the audience, nothing, it's just self-indulgence," Daniels told Vanity Fair (via Howard Schatz). "It's the magic of it, it's the sleight of hand of it, you can grab it, lift yourself, become someone else. The ability to take a roomful of strangers on a journey is fascinating to me."
With the full support of his family, Daniels made the move and started his career on stage. He featured in off-Broadway productions of My Life, Lulu, Two from the Late Show, Fifth of July, and Johnny Got His Gun. Daniels' first role on film was Milos Forman's Ragtime in 1981, which was followed by appearances in Terms of Endearment and The Purple Rose of Cairo (via IMDb).
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