Raised twins Clara and Liam, who are biologically his niece and nephew, as his own children since they were three days old in the mid-1990s. They were born to his brother and his girlfriend, and were adopted by Daniels and his then-boyfriend, Billy Hopkins (who is also his casting director).

Revealed that his father was physically abusive and that he did not approve of Daniels' homosexuality.

Is the second African-American to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars (Precious (2009)).

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 6533 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on December 2, 2016.

His father, William Daniels, was a police officer in Philadelphia, who was killed in the line of duty. He died when Lee Daniels was age 13.

He and Billy Hopkins ended their relationship in 2009. They share custody of their children Clara and Liam.

Was given the novel "Push", which his movie Precious (2009) is based upon, by Ally Sheedy's mother, Charlotte Sheedy, who is a literary agent.

Suffered a heart attack when he went for a run in the mid-2000s.

Has directed three Oscar nominated performances: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique and Andra Day. Mo'Nique won for her performance in Precious (2009).

Is the first African-American to direct a Best Picture Oscar nominee (Precious (2009)).

Worked as casting agent and manager since the 1980s. Among his clients were Nastassja Kinski and Wes Bentley.

Is the second African-American to be nominated for an Oscar® for Best Director (Precious (2009)).

Boyfriend since 2009 is Andy Sforzini, an actuary at Prudential Life Insurance.

Has one younger brother and three sisters.

Good friends with Mariah Carey.

In 2022, it was revealed on an episode Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2012) of that Daniel's is a DNA cousin with Mia Farrow.

His younger sister is casting director Leah Daniels Butler.

Attended and graduated from Radnor High School in Radnor, Pennsylvania (1978).

Attended and graduated from Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, Missouri.