He has since starred in the Filipino hit television series Princess and I (2012–2013), Got to Believe (2013–2014), Pangako Sa 'Yo (2015–2016), La Luna Sangre (2017–2018), and 2 Good 2 Be True (2022).

He is the son of actors Rommel Padilla and Carla Ford (screen name: Karla Estrada); he is of quarter White American descent from his mother's side.

[8] Carmela "Leila" celebrated her 18th birthday in a lavish party at Blue Lead Pavillion, McKinley Hill.

Due to the tight schedule, he reportedly took the home study program of UST Angelicum College years back.

[12][13] Padilla finally shared his plans to go back to school after his mother, Karla Estrada, announced on Magandang Buhay that she wants all her children to finish their studies.

[14] Padilla was discovered by the late talent manager Douglas Quijano who pushed him to audition on Star Magic.

[16][17] At a press conference in 2013, Padilla said he never imagined ending up in entertainment, but he thinks that he is in show business for a more important reason since his family went through financial difficulties.

[18] Padilla's first acting job was in 2010, in a minor role in Gimik 2010, a remake of the hit 1990s Filipino youth-oriented show, in which he was paired with Julia Montes.

[19] When he joined Star Magic, he used the screen name Daniel Padilla, using the surname of his biological father.

[20] He was next cast as Patrick Rivero in the youth-oriented show, Growing Up, where he first worked with co-star Kathryn Bernardo.

[22][23] His film debut came in 2012 when he was selected to join Star Magic's 20th anniversary ensemble cast movie as Billy Fernandez in 24/7 In Love (2012) with co-star Bernardo.

[32] On March 18, 2013, Padilla released "Kamusta Ka" as the lead single for his first full-length-studio album, DJP.

[74][75] In 2014, Padilla made three films: the action film Sa Ngalan ng Ama Ina at mga Anak with the Padilla clan,[76] his first historical, action drama; Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo; and the box office success, She's Dating the Gangster, with his co-star Bernardo.

[82][83] Padilla's film with Bernardo in 2015 titled Crazy Beautiful You set three records, with P32 million, making it the first Filipino movie to register such a box office gross on its first day.

[85][86][87] Padilla returned to television on May 25, 2015, for the remake of the 90s soap opera Pangako Sa 'Yo as Angelo Buenavista.

[107][check quotation syntax] During the show Padilla with Bernardo promoted their upcoming movie Barcelona: A Love Untold.

[110][111][112][113] Padilla starred as Ely Antonio, which earned him compliments from director Olivia Lamasan and critics.

[114][check quotation syntax] [115][116] George Vail Kabrisante of The Manila Times said that Padilla is one of the worthies to earn 2017 best actor awards.

[118] On November 27, 2016 Star Music head Roxy Liquigan confirmed Padilla's fourth major concert dubbed "DJ’s Classic Back at Araneta".

[124][125] Padilla played the role of Jose Ibarra "Dos" Gonzales Jr. in the romantic-comedy film Can't Help Falling in Love.

[128][129][130][131] Padilla as Kapamilya signed on February 12, 2024 another contract with ABS-CBN's Carlo L. Katigbak-Mark Lopez for 15 years.

[134] On May 1, 2024, Padilla graced the soft launching of his co-owned "J Castles", in Purok 7, Barangay Gonzales, Tanauan, Batangas.

The “first biggest immersive amusement park," has two main zones with each having nine amenities, including Studio and Pop castles.

[135] Kris Lawrence was commissioned by Padilla and co-owners to have created ambient theme music for J Castles (dubbed as "Disneyland of Tanauan") including instrumental and surrealistic soundscape with 3D soundtrack visual effects in each room.

He led the star-studded basketball exhibition "Hoops for Hope" charity game at the court of the Mall of Asia Arena on November 16, 2014.

The charity game aimed to help the children of World Vision Philippines and the Child Haus Foundation.

[166] The show earned him 2013 ASAP Pop Viewers Choice Awards for Top Kapamilya TV Character.

Padilla is the first Pinoy artist to win Kids' Choice Awards for Global Slime Star.

[169] Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay earned him a 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival Awarded for Mavshack Male Star of the Night and a nomination in the Best Actor category.