The name Dan Reynolds has become synonymous with chart-topping hits like “Radioactive” and “Believer,” but the 38-year-old Imagine Dragons frontman’s story extends far beyond his musical success. Born Daniel Coulter Reynolds on July 14, 1987, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Reynolds has transformed from a Mormon missionary to a Grammy-winning rock star, all while battling personal health challenges and becoming a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. As he celebrates his birthday with actress girlfriend Minka Kelly by his side, Reynolds continues to prove that his influence reaches far beyond the recording studio.
Early Life and Mormon Upbringing
Dan Reynolds grew up as the seventh of nine children in a deeply religious Mormon household. His parents, Ronald and Christene Reynolds, raised their large family with strong faith-based values that would both shape and challenge Reynolds throughout his life. As a Boy Scout, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2005, demonstrating the discipline that would later serve him well in his music career.
The Mormon faith played a central role in Reynolds’ early development. He attended church every Sunday, participated in “Young Men’s” activities weekly, and woke up at 5 a.m. every school day to attend seminary classes. At 19, Reynolds embarked on a two-year mission to Nebraska, a traditional rite of passage for young Mormon men. However, his relationship with the church would prove complicated, setting the stage for future conflicts that would influence his advocacy work.
The Brigham Young University Experience
Reynolds’ path to higher education was marked by both triumph and tribulation. After his mission, he enrolled at Brigham Young University, where he initially studied business and music. However, his time at BYU was cut short when he was expelled for having premarital sex with his girlfriend. This experience, which he later described as sending him into his first depression, marked a turning point in his relationship with organized religion.
“It was a shaming experience that sent me into the first depression I experienced in my life,” Reynolds told USA Today in 2018. After going through what the church called “the repentance process” for six months, he was readmitted to BYU. It was during this second stint at the university that Reynolds formed Imagine Dragons with fellow students, a decision that would ultimately lead him to leave college to pursue music full-time.
The Formation of Imagine Dragons
In 2008, while still attending BYU, Dan Reynolds co-founded Imagine Dragons with guitarist Wayne Sermon. The band’s early lineup included drummer Andrew Tolman, who was later replaced by Daniel Platzman in 2011. Bassist Ben McKee joined the group in Las Vegas, completing what would become the band’s longest-standing lineup. Their first major breakthrough came when they were called to fill in for Train at the Bite of Las Vegas Festival in 2009, performing in front of over 26,000 people.
The band’s dedication to their craft was evident from the beginning. They won BYU’s “Battle of the Bands” competition and other local contests before relocating to Las Vegas, where they performed nearly every night as a lounge act. This relentless work ethic would prove instrumental in their eventual success when they signed with Interscope Records in November 2011.
Chart-Topping Success and Global Recognition
Dan Reynolds’ distinctive voice became the driving force behind Imagine Dragons’ meteoric rise to fame. Their debut album “Night Visions,” released in 2012, catapulted them to international stardom. The album’s second single, “Radioactive,” became a cultural phenomenon, holding the all-time record for the longest reign at the top of the Billboard Rock Songs chart with 23 consecutive weeks. The song also set the record for the longest run on the Billboard Hot 100, with 87 weeks, making it the best-selling rock song in digital history with over 7.5 million copies sold in the United States.
The success of “Radioactive” earned the band their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance, establishing Reynolds as one of the most recognizable voices in modern rock. Follow-up albums “Smoke + Mirrors” (2015), “Evolve” (2017), and “Origins” (2018) continued their commercial success, with hits like “Believer,” “Thunder,” and “Demons” becoming anthems for a generation of music fans.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Dan Reynolds’ musical achievements have translated into significant financial success. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $70 million, making him Nevada’s wealthiest musician. This wealth stems from multiple revenue streams, including album sales, touring, merchandise, and songwriting royalties. The band’s tours consistently generate massive revenue, with their “Evolve” and “Origins” tours being particularly lucrative.
Beyond music, Reynolds has diversified his investments, including real estate ventures. His property portfolio includes a $5.8 million mid-century modern home in Los Angeles purchased in 2022, as well as a Malibu beach house that he and his ex-wife bought for $1.3 million in 2020. His business acumen extends to his record label, Night Street Records, which has signed successful artists including K.Flay and Benson Boone.
Personal Health Struggles: Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Behind the success and fame, Dan Reynolds has faced significant health challenges that have shaped his perspective on life and resilience. In his early twenties, he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the spine and joints. The condition, which affects fewer than one percent of the population, has been a constant companion throughout his rise to fame.
The diagnosis came after years of unexplained pain that Reynolds described as reaching eight or nine on a scale of one to ten. “My blood pressure was through the roof because I was in so much pain constantly,” he revealed. The disease runs in his family, with five of his nine siblings also living with AS. His brother, who serves as his manager, has experienced the complete cementing of vertebrae that can occur with advanced AS.
Reynolds’ approach to managing his condition involves a strict regimen of exercise, diet, and stress management. He follows an anti-inflammatory diet, avoids red meat, and has eliminated artificial sugar from his meals. His fitness routine includes weight training twice a week and hot yoga three times a week, which helps him maintain flexibility and manage pain. Currently, he maintains “low disease activity” and has been in remission for extended periods, though he continues to experience occasional flares.
The Marriage to Aja Volkman and Family Life
Dan Reynolds’ personal life has been marked by both joy and challenges. In 2011, he married Aja Volkman, the lead singer of the indie rock band Nico Vega. The couple initially met when Reynolds was invited to perform an opening set for Nico Vega in 2010, and their professional collaboration on music led to a romantic relationship. They formed a musical duo called Egyptian, releasing a four-track EP that showcased their creative chemistry.
Their marriage produced four children: daughter Arrow Eve, born in August 2012, fraternal twin girls Gia James and Coco Rae, born in March 2017, and son Valentine, born in October 2019. However, the relationship faced significant challenges, including a temporary separation in 2018 that they later reconciled from. The couple ultimately separated again in September 2022, with Volkman filing for divorce in April 2023. Their divorce was finalized in March 2024, with both parents maintaining joint legal and physical custody of their children.
Romance with Minka Kelly
Following his divorce from Aja Volkman, Dan Reynolds found love again with actress Minka Kelly, known for her roles in “Friday Night Lights” and “Titans.” The couple’s relationship began in an unconventional way when they were introduced by a mutual friend in late 2022. At the time, Kelly was filming in England, so they spent a month talking on the phone before meeting in person.
Their initial connection was deepened through sharing their creative work. Reynolds sent Kelly songs from Imagine Dragons’ upcoming album “Loom,” while she shared excerpts from her memoir “Tell Me Everything.” This exchange of vulnerable, personal art helped them bond quickly and understand each other on a deeper level. “It was a really strange and awesome way to meet someone,” Reynolds said, “because I was hearing all her life stories from youth to now.”
The couple made their first public appearance together in November 2022, sharing a five-hour dinner at Cafe Stella in Los Angeles. Since then, they’ve been spotted at various high-profile events, including the Super Bowl, UFC matches, and movie premieres. In a touching birthday tribute to Reynolds posted on Instagram in July 2025, Kelly wrote: “This beautiful man has healed wounds in me he did not inflict – simply by being himself. By embodying true masculinity. The kind that is vulnerable, honest and loving.”
LGBTQ+ Advocacy and the LoveLoud Foundation
Perhaps Dan Reynolds’ most significant contribution beyond music is his advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth, particularly within the Mormon community. In 2017, he founded the LoveLoud Foundation, a nonprofit organization that produces annual charity concerts to support LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. The foundation’s mission is to “ignite the vital conversation about what it means to unconditionally love, understand, support, accept and celebrate our LGBTQ+ friends and family.”
The first LoveLoud Festival was held at Utah Valley University’s Brent Brown Ballpark, drawing 17,000 attendees. The event featured performances by Imagine Dragons, Neon Trees, and other artists, with speeches by NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young and other prominent figures. The festival has since grown significantly, with the 2018 event at Rice-Eccles Stadium attracting over 35,000 people and raising approximately one million dollars for various LGBTQ+ charities.
Reynolds’ advocacy work stems from his personal experiences growing up in the Mormon Church and witnessing the struggles of LGBTQ+ friends and family members. “I have family and friends I grew up with who are LGBTQ and Mormon or religious,” he told People Magazine in 2019. “I watched their constant struggle. They were told to change something about them that is unchangeable.”
Expanding into New Ventures: Night Street Games
In 2025, Dan Reynolds announced his latest venture: Night Street Games, a video game development studio co-founded with his brother Mac Reynolds, who also serves as Imagine Dragons’ manager. The studio’s first title, “Last Flag,” is a 5v5 multiplayer capture-the-flag game inspired by the brothers’ childhood memories of playing the game with fellow Boy Scouts in the Nevada woods.
“Dan and I grew up in Boy Scouts, and we’ve got a bunch of brothers, and we used to play capture the flag in the woods at night,” Mac Reynolds explained. The game, set in a funk-inspired 1970s universe, transforms players into contestants on a fictional game show hosted by the mysterious Victor Fex. Players compete in teams of five to hide and capture flags while controlling radar towers and exploring hidden areas of the map.
The venture represents Reynolds’ longtime passion for gaming, which dates back to his childhood dream of running a video game studio. He’s heavily involved in the game’s development, creating the soundtrack, providing voice work, and sketching character designs. The game is scheduled for release in 2026 on PC platforms Steam and Epic Games Store, with console versions planned for the future.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Dan Reynolds has received numerous accolades that recognize both his musical talents and his advocacy work. With Imagine Dragons, he has won a Grammy Award, three American Music Awards, ten Billboard Music Awards, and eight BMI Pop Music Awards. The band’s success has been consistently recognized by the music industry, with their albums regularly topping charts and their songs becoming cultural touchstones.
In 2014, Reynolds received the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to songwriting and music. His advocacy work has also been acknowledged, with the documentary “Believer,” which follows his LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts, receiving Emmy nominations and winning Hollywood Film Awards.
Current Projects and Future Endeavors
As of 2025, Dan Reynolds continues to balance his music career with his various other ventures and advocacy work. Imagine Dragons remains active, with their latest album “Loom” released in 2024 showcasing the band’s continued evolution. The group’s music continues to resonate with global audiences, with their songs regularly streaming in the billions on platforms like Spotify.
Reynolds’ relationship with Minka Kelly appears to be thriving, with the couple making joint appearances and even collaborating professionally. Kelly featured Reynolds in a cameo on her Netflix series “Ransom Canyon,” with the cast and crew reportedly falling in love with his natural charisma and professionalism.
The LoveLoud Foundation continues to expand its reach, with festivals now taking place in multiple cities including Washington D.C., Austin, and Salt Lake City. The organization’s impact on LGBTQ+ youth and their families continues to grow, with millions of people reached through various initiatives and events.
The Ongoing Battle with Chronic Illness
Despite his many successes, Dan Reynolds continues to manage his ankylosing spondylitis with the same determination he brings to his music and advocacy work. He currently maintains “low disease activity” and feels healthier than he has in years, though he remains realistic about the unpredictable nature of the condition.
“This disease can be really lonely,” Reynolds has said. “It’s important to find a community where you can speak with people and learn that you can get to a point where the disease won’t keep you from doing what you want to do.” His openness about his condition has helped raise awareness about AS and inspired countless others living with chronic illnesses.
Legacy and Impact
Dan Reynolds’ impact extends far beyond his musical achievements. His willingness to use his platform for advocacy, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, has created meaningful change in communities that desperately needed support. His foundation’s work has contributed to decreased suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth in Utah and has fostered greater acceptance within religious communities.
His journey from a conflicted Mormon missionary to a global rock star and advocate demonstrates the power of authenticity and courage in the face of adversity. Reynolds has shown that success isn’t just measured in album sales or awards, but in the positive impact one can have on others’ lives.
As he continues to evolve as an artist, entrepreneur, and advocate, Dan Reynolds remains committed to using his voice – both literally and figuratively – to make the world a better place. His story serves as an inspiration to anyone facing personal struggles, showing that with determination, authenticity, and compassion, it’s possible to overcome challenges and make a meaningful difference in the world.
The man who once stood frozen in pain on stage due to his chronic illness now stands as a beacon of hope for millions around the globe. Whether he’s belting out anthems that inspire a generation, advocating for marginalized youth, or building virtual worlds through gaming, Dan Reynolds continues to prove that his worth extends far beyond any single achievement. His legacy will undoubtedly be one of resilience, advocacy, and the transformative power of using one’s platform for good.
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