Peter Dager is quickly becoming a name that audiences, critics, and industry insiders are paying close attention to. As a young Cuban-American actor with a background in music, theatre, and television, his career reflects a blend of discipline, cultural depth, and natural screen presence. From early creative roots in Miami to a breakout performance on Apple TV+, Peter Dager’s journey represents the modern path of a rising Hollywood talent—one built on preparation, persistence, and authenticity.
This in-depth profile explores Peter Dager’s early life, education, career milestones, and future potential, offering a complete look at why he is widely regarded as one of the most promising young actors of his generation.
Who Is Peter Dager?
Peter Dager is a Cuban-American actor born on November 2, 2002, in Miami, Florida. Though still early in his career, he has already built a resume that spans television, film, and theatre. He gained widespread recognition for portraying Santiago “Santi” Wheeler in the Apple TV+ series Stick, a role that introduced him to global audiences and marked a significant turning point in his professional life.
Beyond individual roles, what sets Peter Dager apart is his grounded approach to acting. He brings emotional honesty to his performances, shaped by years of formal training and a deep respect for storytelling.
Early Life and Cultural Background
Growing Up in Miami’s Creative Community
Peter Dager grew up in Miami, a city known for its cultural diversity and vibrant artistic scene. Raised in a Cuban-Venezuelan household, he was surrounded by music, language, and storytelling from a young age. This multicultural environment played a key role in shaping his identity and creative instincts.
His parents recognized his artistic curiosity early on. By the age of seven, Peter was already singing and playing the guitar, developing confidence as a performer long before stepping onto a professional set.
Family Support as a Foundation
Family support has been a constant theme in Peter Dager’s journey. He often credits his parents and younger sister for encouraging him to pursue acting seriously. That emotional backing gave him the confidence to take risks—most notably, moving to New York City alone at 18 to focus on his career.
Education and Artistic Training
New World School of the Arts
Peter Dager attended the New World School of the Arts in Miami, one of the most respected performing arts high schools in the United States. There, he specialized in musical theatre, gaining rigorous training in acting, singing, and stage performance.
During his time at the school, he appeared in productions such as In the Heights, Next to Normal, and Evita. These experiences helped him develop vocal control, emotional range, and stage discipline—skills that later translated seamlessly to screen acting.
Choosing Career Over College
After graduating in 2021, Peter made the deliberate decision to skip college and pursue acting full-time. While risky, the move proved strategic. Within a short period, he began landing professional roles that validated his choice and accelerated his career growth.
Peter Dager’s Career Journey
Early Roles and First Breakthrough
Peter Dager began acting professionally as a child, appearing in short films like Issue 1 (2011) and Fourteen (2013). His first notable television role came in 2015 when he was cast as Harris in Nickelodeon’s WITS Academy. The show introduced him to a younger audience and gave him early exposure to long-form television production.
In the same year, he appeared in the Spanish-language series Demente Criminal on Univisión, demonstrating his bilingual abilities and cultural versatility.
Return to Film and Growing Recognition
After a brief hiatus, Peter returned to acting with a supporting role in the 2022 comedy Who Invited Charlie?. However, it was his performance in Insidious: The Red Door (2023) that brought him renewed attention. Appearing alongside established actors like Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, Peter held his own in a major studio release, proving his ability to handle high-pressure productions.
According to industry coverage from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, young actors who successfully transition from television to franchise films often gain long-term credibility—something Peter Dager achieved early in his career.
Breakout Role: Santiago “Santi” Wheeler in Stick
Peter Dager’s defining moment came in 2025 with his lead role in Apple TV+’s Stick. Playing Santiago “Santi” Wheeler, a talented but troubled golf prodigy, Peter delivered a nuanced performance that resonated with both audiences and critics.
Why the Role Mattered
The character required emotional vulnerability, restraint, and maturity—qualities that Peter brought with striking authenticity. His on-screen chemistry with co-star Owen Wilson added depth to the series and helped elevate the show beyond a typical sports drama.
Entertainment critics noted that Peter Dager’s performance felt “lived-in rather than performed,” a sign of an actor with strong instincts and emotional intelligence. Industry analysts often cite Apple TV+ as a platform that invests heavily in character-driven storytelling, making Stick a pivotal project for any emerging actor.
Career Milestones at a Glance
Peter Dager’s Personal Profile
Public Image and Industry Perception
Handling Criticism and Public Attention
With rising visibility comes scrutiny. Peter Dager faced early criticism from some viewers who questioned his casting in Stick. However, reports confirmed he underwent a rigorous six-round audition process, ultimately earning the role on merit.
He has also addressed online confusion stemming from a name mix-up with an esports player, handling the situation calmly and professionally—an approach that reflects maturity beyond his years.
Net Worth and Professional Growth
As of 2025, Peter Dager’s estimated net worth ranges between $500,000 and $1 million, primarily from film and television work. While modest by Hollywood standards, the figure reflects a rapidly ascending career rather than peak earning power.
Why Peter Dager Represents Hollywood’s Future
Peter Dager belongs to a new generation of actors shaped by diverse backgrounds, formal training, and global streaming platforms. His Cuban-American heritage adds depth to his storytelling perspective, while his theatre roots provide technical discipline.
As Hollywood continues to prioritize authentic voices and character-driven narratives, actors like Peter Dager are uniquely positioned to thrive.
FAQs About Peter Dager
Who is Peter Dager?
Peter Dager is a Cuban-American actor known for his breakout role as Santiago “Santi” Wheeler in the Apple TV+ series Stick.
How old is Peter Dager?
He was born on November 2, 2002, making him 22 years old as of 2025.
What is Peter Dager best known for?
He is best known for his leading role in Stick and his performance in the film Insidious: The Red Door.
Where did Peter Dager study acting?
He trained at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, where he specialized in musical theatre.
What upcoming projects does Peter Dager have?
He is set to appear in the television series One Last Sin, which is expected to be released in 2025.
Conclusion: Following Peter Dager’s Journey
Peter Dager’s rise is not the result of overnight success, but of years of preparation, cultural grounding, and creative risk-taking. From Miami stages to Apple TV+ screens, his journey reflects what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
As his career continues to unfold, Peter Dager is undoubtedly an actor worth watching. For readers interested in emerging Hollywood talent, now is the perfect time to follow his work and stay updated on what comes next.
