Daniel Joshua Gillies, a talented individual, was born on March 14, 1976, in Winnipeg, Canada, a city that would later play a significant role in shaping his life's trajectory. At a young age, he relocated to New Zealand, where he would spend the formative years of his life. Despite being born into a family with a rich medical heritage, his great-great-great-grandfather being the illustrious Sir Harold Gillies, a pioneer in the fields of ear, nose, and throat as well as plastic surgery, Gillies' passion lay elsewhere. He was drawn to the world of acting and subsequently enrolled at the Unitec School of Performing Arts to hone his craft.
However, the lack of opportunities in New Zealand's entertainment industry led Gillies to seek his fortunes elsewhere. In 2001, he made the bold decision to relocate to Sydney, Australia, for a six-week stint. Though this period was brief, it would prove to be a significant stepping stone in his journey. Following his time in Australia, Gillies returned to his native Canada for a two-month sojourn, during which he worked as a waiter and dishwasher, a far cry from his aspirations in the entertainment industry. It was during this period that he made the ultimate decision to relocate to Los Angeles, USA, a move that would ultimately lead him to achieve his dreams in the world of acting.