Darren Criss

Darren Criss
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Name	Darren Criss
Caption	Criss in 2019
Birth date	5 February 1987
Birth place	San Francisco, California, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Michigan
Occupation	Actor, singer, songwriter, producer
Years active	1997–present
Spouse	Mia Swier, 2019

Darren Criss is an American actor, singer, songwriter, and producer. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Blaine Anderson on the Fox musical series Glee and later earned critical acclaim for his performance as Andrew Cunanan in the FX anthology series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, winning a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Criss is also a co-founder of Elsie Fest and has had a successful career in theatre, film, and music.

Early life and education

Darren Criss was born in San Francisco, California, to a Filipina mother and an Irish American father. He attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory before pursuing a degree in theater at the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the Michigan Men's Glee Club and co-founded the a cappella group Mosaic. During his time at university, he also wrote and starred in the musical A Very Potter Musical, which became a viral hit on YouTube.

Career

Criss's professional breakthrough came when he was cast as Blaine Anderson on the hit series Glee, a role that showcased his vocal talents and led to successful concert tours like the Glee Live! In Concert! tour. He transitioned to Broadway, starring in productions such as How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. His dramatic turn as serial killer Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story earned him major awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Criss has also appeared in films like The Last Five Years and Midway, and created the musical television series Royalties. He is a co-founder of the outdoor musical festival Elsie Fest and has released several EPs and singles.

Personal life

Darren Criss married producer and writer Mia Swier in 2019 in New Orleans; the couple has one child together. He is an advocate for various charitable causes, including The Trevor Project and the Alzheimer's Association. Criss is also known for his support of Filipino-American representation in the entertainment industry and has been involved with organizations like the East West Players.

Filmography

Criss's film work includes starring roles in musical adaptations such as The Last Five Years opposite Anna Kendrick and the war film Midway directed by Roland Emmerich. His television credits are led by his series regular role on Glee and his award-winning lead performance in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Other notable TV appearances include guest roles on American Horror Story and creating and starring in the Quibi series Royalties.

Discography

His musical releases include the EPs Human and Homework, as well as singles like "This Time" and "Fight for Your Right (Party On!)". Criss has contributed to numerous Glee cast albums and soundtracks, including songs for The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. He has also released music independently and performed at venues like the Hollywood Bowl and Radio City Music Hall.

Awards and nominations

For his role in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Criss won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film. He has also received nominations for a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Critics' Choice Television Award. His work on Glee earned him nominations at the Teen Choice Awards and People's Choice Awards. In theatre, his performance in Hedwig and the Angry Inch was recognized with a Broadway.com Audience Choice Award.

Category:American male singers Category:American male actors Category:1987 births Category:Living people