YOU Actor Penn Badgley Finds Peace Reading Quran at Night

Penn Badgley, the actor behind YOU’s chilling Joe Goldberg, shared an unexpected nightly habit: reading the Quran for meditation.

The 37-year-old star revealed he keeps Islam’s holy book on his nightstand, often reflecting on its passages to find calm after filming intense scenes.

Badgley described his simple routine in a USA TODAY interview: “I’ll meditate on a Quranic passage at night—it grounds me.” This practice starkly contrasts his role as a manipulative person, offering fans a glimpse into how he balances his dark characters with personal spirituality.

While not Muslim, Badgley’s interest in the Quran aligns with his lifelong Baháʼí Faith, which values unity among religions. He emphasized the ritual isn’t about conversion but about seeking universal wisdom. “It reminds me of life’s bigger picture,” he said, calling the practice “a mental reset” from Hollywood’s chaos.

The actor, also a father, admits he’s “comically disorganized” by day but prioritizes this quiet nightly reflection. His admission has sparked curiosity among fans, many surprised by the contrast between his on-screen intensity and real-life contemplative side.

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