Justin Cooley
Latest News on Justin Cooley:
Photos: First Look at Jon Cryer in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (May 20, 2026)
2026 Drama League Awards Winners- Joshua Henry, MEXODUS, LIBERATION Win Big (May 15, 2026)
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Cancels Thursday Night Performance (May 14, 2026)
Photos: First Look at Jon Cryer in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (May 20, 2026)
2026 Drama League Awards Winners- Joshua Henry, MEXODUS, LIBERATION Win Big (May 15, 2026)
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Cancels Thursday Night Performance (May 14, 2026)
BIO
JUSTIN COOLEY will be making his Broadway debut with Kimberly Akimbo, after originating the role of Seth in the off-Broadway world premiere. A musical theatre student at Texas Christian University from Kansas City, he was a part of the 2021 Jimmy Awards and was featured as a finalist. He has starred in several shows around the Kansas City Metro area and his high school Olathe East. Recent credits include Dmitry in Anastasia, Dennis in All Shook Up, and Terk in Tarzan.
Photos
Aaron Glick, Timothy Bloom, Danny Mefford, Leana Rae Concepcion, Autumn Best, Matt Manuel, Kevin McHale, Lilli Cooper, Justin Cooley, Philippe Arroyo, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jason Kravits, Barbara Whitman
Date:
11/16/2025
From: Photos: The Cast Of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Celebrates Opening Night
Jason Kravits, Cecilia Snow, Kevin McHale, Autumn Best, Justin Cooley, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Philippe Arroyo, Leana Rae Concepcion, Jahbril Cook, Lilli Cooper, Matt Manuel, Emily Nicole Rudolph, Brandon L. Armstrong
Date:
10/28/2025
From: Photos: Meet the Cast of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Off-Broadway
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STAGE CREDITS
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical
Justin Cooley, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical
Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
winner
Theatre World Awards - 2021 - Theatre World Awards
Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
Videos
Video: Amber Riley Joins GLEE Co-Star Kevin McHale in SPELLING BEE
by Michael Major - 2026-03-12 11:44:25
Video: Watch KIMBERLY AKIMBO Perform 'This Time' on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
by Michael Major - 2024-02-07 10:20:35
VIDEO: KIMBERLY AKIMBO's Steven Boyer and Alli Mauzey Talk Food & Drinks Near the Theater
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-15 14:19:54
Video: Victoria Clark Reveals How Her Son Broke Her Tony Award
by Michael Major - 2023-08-28 13:37:51
Video: A Tony Nomination Was Beyond Justin Cooley's Wildest Dreams
by Richard Ridge - 2023-06-02 16:45:31
Video: KIMBERLY AKIMBO Kicks Off CBS MORNINGS' 'Road to the Tonys' Series
by Michael Major - 2023-05-24 10:53:40
Video: Watch KIMBERLY AKIMBO's NPR Tiny Desk Concert With Bonnie Milligan, Victoria Clark & More
by Michael Major - 2023-05-19 13:31:08
Photos & Video: See Adrianna Hicks, J. Harrison Ghee & More at The Shubert Foundation's 2023 High School Theatre Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-03-22 17:45:42
VIDEO: Victoria Clark & KIMBERLY AKIMBO Cast Perform 'Anagram' on the TODAY SHOW
by Michael Major - 2022-12-27 10:26:11
News
Photos: First Look at Jon Cryer in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Nicole Rosky - May 20, 2026
There's a new VP at the bee! Emmy Award-winning comedic legend Jon Cryer just joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Vice Principal Douglas Panch. Check out an exclusive first look at him in action here!
by Nicole Rosky - May 20, 2026
There's a new VP at the bee! Emmy Award-winning comedic legend Jon Cryer just joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Vice Principal Douglas Panch. Check out an exclusive first look at him in action here!
2026 Drama League Awards Winners- Joshua Henry, MEXODUS, LIBERATION Win Big
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway were on hand at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate 92nd Annual Drama League Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Check out a full list of winners here.
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway were on hand at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate 92nd Annual Drama League Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Check out a full list of winners here.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Cancels Thursday Night Performance
by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2026
The Off=Broadway production of The 25th Annual County Spelling Bee has announced the cancellation of tonight's performance due to illness. The production shared the news on a social post earlier this evening.
by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2026
The Off=Broadway production of The 25th Annual County Spelling Bee has announced the cancellation of tonight's performance due to illness. The production shared the news on a social post earlier this evening.
SCHMIGADOON! and THE LOST BOYS Lead 2026 Dorian Award Nominations
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2026
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics announced nominations for the 4th annual Dorian Theater Awards, with SCHMIGADOON! earning nine nods and THE LOST BOYS close behind with eight nominations.
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2026
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics announced nominations for the 4th annual Dorian Theater Awards, with SCHMIGADOON! earning nine nods and THE LOST BOYS close behind with eight nominations.
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Winners- RAGTIME and SCHMIGADOON! Lead the Pack
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026
The Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town, national, and digital news publications, has just announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards. We have the full list.
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026
The Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town, national, and digital news publications, has just announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards. We have the full list.
Jon Cryer Joins Spelling Bee at New World Stages
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026
Jon Cryer steps into The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Vice Principal Douglas Panch starting May 11 at New World Stages.
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026
Jon Cryer steps into The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Vice Principal Douglas Panch starting May 11 at New World Stages.
Photos: Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, Kara Young and More on the 2026 Lucille Lortel Awards Red Carpet
by Jennifer Broski - May 4, 2026
The 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – were presented at the annual ceremony at NYU Skirball. See photos from the red carpet here!
by Jennifer Broski - May 4, 2026
The 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – were presented at the annual ceremony at NYU Skirball. See photos from the red carpet here!
2026 Lucille Lortel Awards Winners
by Nicole Rosky - May 3, 2026
The 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – will be presented at the annual ceremony tonight, May 3, 2026, at NYU Skirball beginning at 7:00pm.
by Nicole Rosky - May 3, 2026
The 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – will be presented at the annual ceremony tonight, May 3, 2026, at NYU Skirball beginning at 7:00pm.
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026
Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026
Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
Jon Cryer to Join THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2026
Emmy Award-winning comedic legend Jon Cryer will return to his theater roots and join the cast as Vice Principal Douglas Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2026
Emmy Award-winning comedic legend Jon Cryer will return to his theater roots and join the cast as Vice Principal Douglas Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
2026 Lucille Lortel Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 1, 2026
Nominations for the 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – were announced by Amber Gray and Harvey Guillén. Check out the full list of nominees here!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 1, 2026
Nominations for the 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – were announced by Amber Gray and Harvey Guillén. Check out the full list of nominees here!
Matt Manuel Shares Backstage Scoop From THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
In this edition of Words From The Wings, we catch up with Matt Manuel, who plays Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off-Broadway, to share some of his favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
In this edition of Words From The Wings, we catch up with Matt Manuel, who plays Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off-Broadway, to share some of his favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
Video: Whitney Leavitt Joins SPELLING BEE as Guest Speller
by Michael Major - Mar 13, 2026
Whitney Leavitt made a special appearance at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee this week. Watch a video of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star and Dancing With the Stars alum as a 'guest speller' on her night off from Chicago.
by Michael Major - Mar 13, 2026
Whitney Leavitt made a special appearance at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee this week. Watch a video of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star and Dancing With the Stars alum as a 'guest speller' on her night off from Chicago.
Video: Amber Riley Joins GLEE Co-Star Kevin McHale in SPELLING BEE
by Michael Major - Mar 12, 2026
There was a special Glee reunion at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! Amber Riley, who played Mercedes Jones in the hit musical series, joined co-star Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams, as a guest speller. Watch the video!
by Michael Major - Mar 12, 2026
There was a special Glee reunion at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! Amber Riley, who played Mercedes Jones in the hit musical series, joined co-star Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams, as a guest speller. Watch the video!
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Extends Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has been extended for a second time, Off-Broadway at New World Stages.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has been extended for a second time, Off-Broadway at New World Stages.
Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda Joins the Competition at THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 13, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway revival recently welcomed a very special guest speller to the competiton, Broadway icon, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Check out video below as Lin takes his turn in the contest.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 13, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway revival recently welcomed a very special guest speller to the competiton, Broadway icon, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Check out video below as Lin takes his turn in the contest.
Video: Daniel Radcliffe Joins SPELLING BEE as Guest Speller
by Michael Major - Nov 25, 2025
Tony-winner Daniel Radcliffe joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway as a 'guest speller.' Watch the Harry Potter alum spell 'THEATRE' and more in a new video!
by Michael Major - Nov 25, 2025
Tony-winner Daniel Radcliffe joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway as a 'guest speller.' Watch the Harry Potter alum spell 'THEATRE' and more in a new video!
Photos: Kevin McHale, Jasmine Amy Rogers and More in SPELLING BEE Portraits
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
The recently extended Off-Broadway production of the cult-hit musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is officially open at New World Stages! See photos from the opening night photo booth!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
The recently extended Off-Broadway production of the cult-hit musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is officially open at New World Stages! See photos from the opening night photo booth!
Review Roundup: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Returns Off-Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 17, 2025
The recently extended Off-Broadway production of the cult-hit musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is now open at New World Stages! Read the reviews here!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 17, 2025
The recently extended Off-Broadway production of the cult-hit musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is now open at New World Stages! Read the reviews here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Justin Cooley been nominated for?
Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kimberly Akimbo, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Kimberly Akimbo, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Kimberly Akimbo and Theatre World Awards (Theatre World Awards) for Kimberly Akimbo.
How many Broadway shows has Justin Cooley been in?
Justin Cooley has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.
How many West End shows has Justin Cooley been in?
Justin Cooley has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Justin Cooley won?
Justin Cooley won the Theatre World Award for his performance in Kimberly Akimbo.
Videos
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