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Darren Criss

Darren Criss began his stage career as a child, making his professional debut in Fanny (1997), followed by roles in Do I Hear a Waltz? (1998) and Babes in Arms (1999).

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BIO

Darren Criss began his stage career as a child, making his professional debut in Fanny (1997), followed by roles in Do I Hear a Waltz? (1998) and Babes in Arms (1999). He later appeared in productions such as A Christmas Carol, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Voysey Inheritance with the American Conservatory Theater. While attending the University of Michigan, he performed in stage productions including Pride and Prejudice, A Few Good Men, and The Cripple of Inishmaan. In 2009, he began his television career with a role on Eastwick, followed by an appearance on Cold Case.


In 2009, Criss co-founded StarKid Productions and starred as Harry Potter in A Very Potter Musical (2009), A Very Potter Sequel (2010), and A Very Potter Senior Year (2013). He also wrote and composed music for multiple StarKid projects, including Me and My Dick (2009) and Starship (2011). That same year, he released his debut EP Human (2009).

Criss gained wider recognition for his role as Blaine Anderson on Glee, appearing from 2010 and becoming a series regular in 2011. He participated in the Glee Live! In Concert! tour (2011). In 2012, he made his Broadway debut in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and in 2013, he made his feature film debut in Girl Most Likely.

Criss starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway (2015) and later on tour (2016). In 2017, he portrayed Andrew Cunanan in American Crime Story, earning a Primetime Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award. He released the EP Homework (2017) and formed the band Computer Games, releasing the Lost Boys Life EP (2017).

Criss co-created, produced, and starred in Royalties (2020) and appeared in Hollywood (2020) and Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021). He co-wrote “Starting Now” for Brandy (2021) and released a Christmas album in 2021, followed by a tour in 2022. He returned to Broadway in American Buffalo (2022). Since 2024, he has starred in and produced Maybe Happy Ending.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2024
Oliver
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2022
Performer
[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 2021
Seymour [Replacement]
[US Tour]
Broadway National Tour, 0
Hedwig
[Off-Broadway]
New York Premiere Production, 2016
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Hedwig [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2011
J. Pierrepont Finch [Replacement]

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

See how many degrees separate Darren Criss from another Broadway star or creative.

Darren Criss

Darren Criss

Movies

A Very Potter Musical
[ 2009 ] Harry Potter
Me and My Dick
[ 2009 ] Writer
A Very Potter Sequel
[ 2010 ] Harry
Starship
[ 2011 ]
The Chicago 8
[ 2011 ] Yippie Man
Girl Most Likely
[ 2012 ] Lee
A Very Potter Senior Year
[ 2013 ] Harry
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
[ 2013 ] Sutemaru - Voice
The Wind Rises
[ 2013 ] Katayama - Voice
Stan Lee's Mighty 7
[ 2014 ] Micro - Voice
A Very StarKid Reunion
[ 2015 ]
Flop Stoppers
[ 2016 ]
Speech & Debate
[ 2017 ]
All You Ever Wished For
[ 2018 ] Tyler Hutton
Sydney's Adventure
[ 2018 ]
Midway
[ 2019 ] Eugene Lindsey
Music Music Music
[ 2019 ]
Justice Society: World War II
[ 2021 ] Superman / Clark Kent - Voice
Show of titles
[ 2021 ]
Gabby's Dollhouse
[ 2024 ] Marty the Party Cat
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part Three
[ 2024 ] SupermanEarth-2 Superman
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part Two
[ 2024 ] SupermanEarth-2 Superman
Babes
[ 2024 ] Doula as a Man
Hazbin Hotel
[ 2024 ] St. Peter
Radio Play Revival
[ 2024 ] Tip Smith
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One
[ 2024 ] SupermanEarth-2 Superman

TV Shows

Eastwick
[ 2009 ] Josh Burton
Little White Lie
[ 2009 ] Toby Phillips
A Very Potter Musical
[ 2009-2010 ] Harry Potter
Cold Case
[ 2010 ] Reuben Harris '69
Archer
[ 2011 ] Mikey, Tommy
The Cleveland Show
[ 2012 ] Hunter
Web Therapy
[ 2013 ] Augie Sayles
American Horror Story
[ 2015 ] Justin
Glee
[ 2010-2015 ] Blaine Anderson, Noah 'Puck' Puckerman
Transformers: Rescue Bots
[ 2016 ] Sideswipe
:Dryvrs
[ 2017 ] Samual
Supergirl
[ 2017 ] Music Meister
The Flash
[ 2017 ] Music Meister
Transformers: Robots in Disguise
[ 2014-2017 ] Sideswipe, Son
American Crime Story
[ 2018 ] Andrew Cunanan
Hollywood
[ 2020 ] Raymond Ainsley
Royalties
[ 2020 ] Pierce
Wayward Guide
[ 2020 ] Ryan Reynolds
Rick and Morty
[ 2021 ] Naruto, Bruce Chutback
Trese
[ 2021 ] Marco Guerrero, Marco
Yasuke
[ 2021 ] Haruto, Additional Voices
Green Eggs and Ham
[ 2022 ] Looka
Gabby's Dollhouse
[ 2021-2025 ] Marty the Party Cat

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending

Drama League Awards - 2025 - DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE

Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical

Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending


winner
Tony Awards - 2025 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Darren Criss, Maybe Happy Ending

Videos

News

Cinco Paul Receives ASCAP Foundation Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award
by Stephi Wild - Oct 2, 2026

The ASCAP Foundation honored Cinco Paul, creator of the Tony-winning musical SCHMIGADOON, with the Richard Rodgers New Horizons Award for his significant contributions to American musical theater.
Stella Cole to Join MAYBE HAPPY ENDING on Broadway as 'Gil Brentley'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 1, 2026

Jazz vocalist Stella Cole is coming to Broadway as she steps into the role of “Gil Brentley” (pronounced Jill) for a special four-week limited engagement in Maybe Happy Ending.
Interview: Theatre Life with Steven Huynh
by Elliot Lanes - Sep 30, 2026

Today’s subject Steven Huynh is currently living his theatre life on tour as the lead character Oliver in the National Tour of Maybe Happy Ending. The Tony Award winning musical is currently “Hitting the Road” across the country including a stop here in DC at the National Theatre from October 6th to 11th.
MCC Theater’s MISCAST27 Set for April 2027
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 28, 2026

MCC Theater’s annual MISCAST benefit concert returns April 12, 2027, with Broadway performers singing songs from roles they would not traditionally be cast to play.
Video: MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Debuts New 'Hitting The Road' Music Video
by Michael Major - Sep 25, 2026

Zachary Noah Piser and Hannah Kevitt perform 'Hitting the Road' from Maybe Happy Ending aboard a Circle Line Cruises ferry boat circling Manhattan in a new music video.
Ryan Murphy Has Finished Writing a GLEE Reboot Script
by Stephi Wild - Sep 24, 2026

Ryan Murphy has shared that he completed the script for a reboot of Glee, and that original cast members are 'enthusiastic' about the idea. Watch the clip here.
Bernadette Peters, Darren Criss and Ariana DeBose to Join 2nd Annual Fetch Pet Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2026

Bernadette Peters, Darren Criss and Ariana DeBose will headline the Fetch Pet Gala at The Carlyle, a sold-out fundraiser benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Broadway Barks, Wags & Walks and North Shore Animal League America.
Patti LuPone, Shoshana Bean and More Join A CELEBRATION OF RODGERS & HART
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2026

Additional performers join the all-star lineup for the one-night-only concert at Carnegie Hall celebrating the legendary songwriting team of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, including Patti LuPone, Shoshana Bean and more.
Lea Michele Says If She'd Return For A Glee Reboot
by Marissa Faith Curley - Sep 12, 2026

Lea Michele opens up about a possible Glee reboot, telling E! News, 'I love Glee. I will always love Glee' and she'll follow Ryan Murphy anywhere.
Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction Lots Now Open for Early Bidding
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 10, 2026

Broadway fans can now get a jumpstart on the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, as online pre-bidding is open. Participating shows include The Lost Boys, Schmigadoon! and Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), plus more.
Darren Criss Helps Honor Lea Salonga During Walk of Fame Ceremony
by Marissa Faith Curley - Sep 5, 2026

Lea Salonga was honored by getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. During the ceremony fellow Filipino Broadway star Darren Criss took to the podium to share some heartfelt words about the beloved performer.
Video: Tony-Winner Lea Salonga Becomes First Filipina to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 4, 2026

Tony Award-winner Lea Salonga made history this week as the first Filipina to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Darren Criss and Brandy were on hand to celebrate the Tony Award winner and Disney Legend and reflect on her impact on stage and screen.Watch the videos.
GLEE Television Cast: Where Are They Now?
by Michael Gioia - Sep 7, 2026

It’s been more than 17 years since the hit Fox musical series 'Glee' premiered in May 2009. BroadwayWorld looks back on the show, which ran for six seasons from 2009 to 2015.
Darren Criss Will Return Home To San Francisco For One-Night-Only Concert
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 31, 2026

Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award winner Darren Criss returns to his hometown of San Francisco for a special one-night-only concert at ATG San Francisco's Curran Theatre on Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 20, 2026- CHICAGO Welcomes KPOP Star Ivy As 'Roxie Hart' and More
by - Aug 20, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is  August 20, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Darren Criss, Elizabeth Gillies, Lizzy McAlpine and More Set for A CELEBRATION OF RODGERS & HART
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 19, 2026

“A Celebration of Rodgers & Hart” presented at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall will include performances by Darren Criss, Elizabeth Gillies, Lizzy McAlpine and more.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 19, 2026- Aaron Tveit Returns to MOULIN ROUGE! and More
by - Aug 19, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is  August 19, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Darren Criss, James Monroe Iglehart and More Join HIDDEN HEROES: A DESCENDANTS STORY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 18, 2026

Additional casting for “Hidden Heroes: A Descendants Story” was revealed, including award-winning actor and singer Darren Criss, Tony Award-winner James Monroe Iglehart and more.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 18, 2026- PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Begins Broadway Previews and More
by - Aug 18, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 18, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Darren Criss to Join Jimmy Fallon on NBC's PASSWORD
by Rachel Stone - Aug 17, 2026

Darren Criss will appear alongside Jimmy Fallon on NBC's PASSWORD, pairing with contestants for word-guessing rounds hosted by Keke Palmer, with players competing for up to $25,000.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Darren Criss been in?

Darren Criss has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Darren Criss been in?

Darren Criss has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Darren Criss been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE (Drama League Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Maybe Happy Ending.

What awards has Darren Criss won?

Darren Criss won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Maybe Happy Ending.

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