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Ramin Karimloo has burst into this Broadway season, playing everyone's favorite ex-con, Jean Valjean, in the new revival of Les Miserables. This re-imagined production, written by Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg, is currently playing at the Imperial Theatre.
You might not know him yet, but below, BroadwayWorld gives you just a few reasons to love Broadway's newest leading man!
1. He's the new kid on the block.
He's already the darling of this Broadway season (check out his recent reviews here), but Jean Valjean marks his debut role on Broadway. The Iranian-born, Canadian actor is well known in other parts of the world, and has previously been seen in various West End shows, as well as the recent Toronto production of Les Miserables.
2. He's got killer pipes.
If you you've not yet gone on a Ramin Karimloo Youtube-watching spree, now is the time!
3. He's beloved by the best in the business.
Karimloo was hand picked by musical theatre great Andrew Lloyd Webber to lead his sequel to The Phantom of the Opera- Love Never Dies. He was then again chosen by Webber to play the Phantom in the 25th Anniversary production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, which was streamed live to cinemas across the world.
4. He's a man of many hats.
Valjean isn't the only role he's taken on from Les Miserables. Ramin has also played both Marius and Enjolras in the musical. Additionally, he has portrayed both the title role and Raul in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End.
5. He's tight with his predecessor.
Earlier this year, Ramin performed 'Bring Him Home' with his idol (and original Jean Valjean) Colm Wilkinson. The special event raised money for several Toronto charities.
6. His body is a work of art.
Ramin's got quite a few tattoos--ranging from the names of family members to a Canadian maple tree. He told Daily Express: "They say you can get addicted to having tattoos and I can see that. I keep asking myself why but I don't know. Perhaps it is about creatively expressing yourself. I'm already thinking about what my next one will be."
7. He's active on Twitter.
Ramin reguarly keeps his fans posted on the daily happenings at the Imperial theatre. Follow him now @raminkarimloo. Recent tweet:
Two small war wounds already in as many shows. @thewillswenson is no push over. Confrontation leaves marks. Awesome.
8. He's a family man.
Ramin is the father of two sons, Hadley and Jaiden, and marred to the beautiful Mandy (pictured below).
9. He's musically diverse.
Citing influences like The Tragically Hip, Johnny Cash, Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers, Ramin can sing many genres. "I wanted to marry the sounds of rock and country with things that people already know me for." In his album, "Human Heart" Ramin found the perfect marriage, and in his own term "Broadgrass." He has also teamed up with his friend and past co-star Hadley Fraser to form Sheytoons. Human Heart is currently available for purchase and his new EP, The Road to Find Out: East is due for an April release.
10. Did we mention his voice?
Seriously, if you haven't gone on that Youtube-watching spree yet, do it now!
Visit his official website now and become as obsessed as we are!
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