Donny Dunn is the struggling comedian at the raw, autobiographical heart of Baby Reindeer — a barman and aspiring stand-up whose small act of kindness to a woman at his pub spirals into a years-long ordeal of stalking, and whose own buried trauma surfaces alongside it. Self-sabotaging, lonely, and painfully honest, Donny is a protagonist who refuses to let himself off the hook.
His arc, drawn from creator Richard Gadd's real life, is an unflinching excavation of victimhood, shame, and complicity. As the stalking escalates, the series turns inward to confront Donny's history of abuse and his own complicated reactions to attention, refusing the comfort of a simple survivor narrative. It is a story about why we sometimes cling to the things that hurt us.
Richard Gadd's fearless, exposed performance — playing a version of himself — made Baby Reindeer a global phenomenon.
Key Episodes
S1 E1
Episode 1
Donny offers a free cup of tea to a distressed woman named Martha, beginning the ordeal.
S1 E4
Episode 4
Donny confronts the buried trauma underlying his story in a searing centerpiece.
Donny Dunn is one of the central figures in Baby Reindeer, a drama/dark comedy/thriller series that aired on Netflix from 2024. Within the narrative of Baby Reindeer, Donny Dunn serves as a pivotal character whose decisions and relationships drive key story arcs throughout Limited series. The character's journey has been central to many of the show's most memorable and discussed moments.
Portrayed by Richard Gadd, Donny Dunn has become one of the most recognizable characters in modern television. Richard Gadd's performance brings nuance and depth to the role, creating a character that resonates with audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels. Richard Gadd's work has been recognized with 2 major awards, reflecting the critical acclaim their portrayal has received.
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? Frequently Asked Questions
Richard Gadd, who created the series, plays Donny Dunn — a version of himself.
Yes — Baby Reindeer is based on creator Richard Gadd's own experiences of being stalked.
