Dan Gilroy was born in Santa Monica, California, to a family of creative individuals. His father, Frank D. Gilroy, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, while his mother, Ruth Dorothy, was a sculptor and writer. This artistic influence likely played a significant role in shaping Gilroy's own creative pursuits.
Gilroy's family is quite accomplished, with his brother Tony being a renowned screenwriter and director, and his fraternal twin brother, John, being a skilled film editor. Through his father's lineage, Gilroy is of Italian, Irish, and German descent, which has likely contributed to his diverse cultural background.
In his early career, Gilroy co-wrote the script for the 1992 science fiction thriller Freejack, followed by his work on the comedy Chasers, directed by Dennis Hopper. He also contributed to the unmade Superman film Superman Lives, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
Gilroy's breakthrough as a writer came with the 2005 gambling drama Two for the Money, starring Al Pacino and his wife, Rene Russo. This marked a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his position as a talented screenwriter.
In addition to his writing credits, Gilroy made his directorial debut with the 2014 crime thriller Nightcrawler, which he also wrote. His work on this film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, further cementing his reputation as a skilled writer and director.
Gilroy has been married to Rene Russo since 1992 and has a daughter named Rose with her. The family resides in Brentwood, California, where they continue to pursue their creative endeavors.