Daniel was born and raised in London, England to a family completely immersed in show business. His mother Tessa Shaw was an actress, most notably of the 'Dr. Who' series fame and his father George Fathers, was one of the West End's most respected Scenic Designers.

Known for his physical, as well as 'Machiavellian' roles, having been a former professional athlete (Rugby and Bull Riding), Daniel easily interchanges between American and UK accents, having moved to Canada when he was in his late teens. He is a former Canadian Armed Forces Militia Soldier and is still a Commissioned Officer in the British Army, as a part-time Instructor, which lends himself to playing his fare share of military and ex-military roles. However, he is also a trained dancer (Ballet Rambert, Central School of Dance), which helped in being cast on stage in the Tony Award Winning 'Mamma Mia!' by Phyllida Llyod, playing two of the Leads, Bill Austin and Harry Bright in the Toronto Company. Daniel is an accomplished equestrian and an expert swordsman, which he showed in CW's 'Reign' and 'Pompeii'