Danny Minnick

Danny Minnick (born January 23, 1973) is an American Neo Expressionist painter and professional skateboarder, skateboard cinematographer, actor and director. He has exhibited internationally and is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio.

Early life Minnick was born in Seattle, Washington, United States.

For Minnick, drawing is second nature and he could easily sketch out his favorite cartoon characters when he was only in 3rd grade.

Professional skateboarding Minnick became a professional skateboarder in his early teenage years. His career in skateboarding lasted for two decades. In 2010, he suffered from an Achilles tendon injury and pulled every ligament in his left ankle while working as an on-camera stunt double for three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White.

Sponsorship His first sponsors were Fallout Records and Skateboards, Venture Trucks, Vans, Spitfire Wheels and H-Street.

Minnick is known for his neo expressionist and vibrant painting style. Interview Magazine noted that distinctive features which include De Kooning’s bold brushstrokes, Pollock’s signature drips, Keith Haring’s cartoon imagery and Basquiat’s daring use of color, all had an impact on the development of Minnick’s style.

Minnick seeks to convey both hope and pleasure in his work. He attributes his success to “karma, fate, and a lot of hard work”.

In 2017, Minnick responded to Banksy’s homage to Jean Michel Basquiat entitled ‘Portrait of Basquiat being welcomed by the Metropolitan Police’ on the occasion of the Basquiat exhibition at The Barbican Centre, London. Minnick painted his creation, Character, arriving by skateboard and leaping through the air to place a crown on the head of Banksy’s Basquiat figure. This painting has been permanently preserved by The Barbican Centre, whose formal proposal for permanent preservation was approved by the City of London.

Minnick’s collectors include Robert Downey Jr., LeBron James, Lionel Richie, Fred Durst, Ron Burkle, Luis Guzman, Michelle Lamy, Jessica Alba, Nick Cassavetes, Michael Citrone, Gus Van Sant, Jamie Hince, Jason Momoa, KJ Apa, Mena Suvari, Darin Feinstein, and Rick Solomon.

According to Forbes, "A childlike sense of wonder and curiosity" is present in Minnick's work. Minnick has achieved success and longevity as an actor via intensive study and training. Minnick applied for the renowned The Actors Studio where he is a Lifetime Member after finishing extensive training with acting coach William Alderson, who studied and trained under the iconic Sanford Meisner.

In April 2006, American Cinematographer Magazine bestowed the title ” Skateboard Cinematographer” to Danny Minnick for the feature films, Larry Clark's “Wassup Rockers” and Chris Fishers “Dirty”.