Dan Põldroos

Dan Põldroos (March 6, 1970 – May 5, 2007) was an Estonian stage, television and film actor who began performing on stage at age fifteen. Although mostly known for comedic roles, he was also an accomplished dramatic actor. Põldroos' career ended at age thirty-seven when he died unexpectedly.

Dan Põldroos was born in Tallinn. He was an only child from his parents' marriage, though he had a half-sibling and a step-sibling. His grandfather's brother was actor, writer, and director Priit Põldroos. As a hobby at age fifteen, he began performing with the local literary theatre Varius. He attended schools in Tallinn, graduating as a carpenter and cabinet-maker from the Tallinn 12th Vocational Secondary School in 1988 and the same year he enrolled in the Performing Arts Department of the Tallinn State Conservatory (now, the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre), studying under instruction of theatre and film director Kalju Komissarov, and graduating in 1992. Among his graduating classmates were: Merle Palmiste, Kristel Leesmend, Andres Raag, Kaili Närep, Jaanus Rohumaa, Üllar Saaremäe, Ivo Uukkivi, Sten Zupping, Tiina Mälberg and Garmen Tabor.