Darren Criss

Darren Criss
Laviru Koruwakankanamge · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	Darren Criss
Birth date	5 February 1987
Birth place	San Francisco
Occupation	Actor, Singer, Songwriter, Musician
Years active	2005–present
Notable works	Glee; The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story; Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Awards	Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award

Darren Criss is an American actor, singer, songwriter, and musician known for his work in television, theater, and music. He gained prominence through a combination of stage performances, television roles, and original songwriting that intersect with projects tied to University of Michigan, Glee, and American Crime Story. His career spans collaborations with institutions such as Broadway, Los Angeles, New York City, and festivals including SXSW.

Early life and education

Born in San Francisco and raised in San Mateo County, he is the son of Peter and Cerina Criss, with family roots linked to Oahu and the Philippines. He attended Aragon High School before matriculating at the University of Michigan, where he studied at the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and participated in campus groups including a cappella ensembles and theatrical productions. While a student he performed in shows associated with Ann Arbor and collaborated with peers who later worked in Hollywood, Broadway, and the recording industry.

Career

Criss’s career began with collegiate performance and independent music releases, leading to appearances in regional theater in Los Angeles and New York City. He co-founded the musical comedy troupe StarKid Productions and contributed to stage productions that circulated through YouTube, iTunes, and touring circuits. His television breakthrough came with a recurring role on Glee, which connected him to producers from 20th Century Fox Television and directors linked to Ryan Murphy. Subsequently, he was cast in the anthology series American Crime Story portraying a central figure in a season produced by FX and executive produced by Brad Falchuk, Tom Rob Smith, and Darren Aronofsky-adjacent teams. He has since balanced roles across television, film, and stage projects, working with companies such as Netflix, Hulu, and theatrical producers on Broadway.

Music and songwriting

As a songwriter and performer he released material through independent labels and digital platforms, collaborating with musicians associated with Los Angeles studios and producers from Nashville and New York City. He co-wrote songs for cast albums tied to Glee episodes and for original stage works produced by StarKid Productions. His songwriting credits include tracks performed on televised episodes, live concert recordings at venues in Hollywood, and studio singles distributed via iTunes and streaming services. He has worked with arrangers and composers who have credits with Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and theatrical orchestrators active on Broadway.

Acting and stage work

Criss’s stage résumé includes roles in productions that toured between Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York City, and he starred in Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway and in regional engagements. His television acting spans guest and principal parts on series produced by 20th Television, FX, and Netflix. In film he has appeared in independent features screened at festivals such as Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival. He has collaborated with directors and playwrights who have worked with institutions like the Public Theater, Lincoln Center, and long-running companies on Broadway.

Awards and recognition

Criss received critical acclaim for his portrayal in a season of American Crime Story, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film. He has been nominated for awards from organizations including the Screen Actors Guild and covered by outlets such as Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Billboard. His theater work earned nominations and wins from bodies associated with Tony Awards-adjacent critics and regional theater honorifics.

Personal life and advocacy

He has been publicly involved with advocacy around mental health initiatives and arts education, supporting organizations that operate in Los Angeles County, San Francisco Bay Area, and on university campuses such as the University of Michigan. He has participated in benefit concerts alongside artists represented by ASCAP and BMI and has worked with nonprofit organizations that partner with entities like GLAAD and arts foundations. Criss resides between creative hubs including Los Angeles and New York City and continues to engage with collaborative projects spanning television, theater, and music.

Category:American male actors Category:American singers Category:University of Michigan alumni