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Brian d'Arcy James Headshot

Brian d'Arcy James

Birth Place: Saginaw, MI, USA

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BIO

Brian dʼArcy James is an award-winning theater, film, and television actor as well as a recording artist.


Hailed recently as “one of the most celebrated actors of his generation in both straight plays and musicals” (Jeremy Gerard, Deadline), Brian is a three-time Tony nominee, and an Obie and Drama Desk Award winner for his varied and extensive work in the theater on Broadway and off-Broadway.
In 2019 on Broadway, Brian played Quinn Carney in Jez Butterworth’s Tony-award–winning “Best Play” THE FERRYMAN, directed by Sam Mendes.
From April to July 2017, Brian reprised his award-winning role as King George III in Lin-Manuel Mirandaʼs musical HAMILTON at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. He originated the role of King George (“played with vaudevillian brilliance”—Ben Brantley, The New York Times) in the sold-out Off-Broadway run of Hamilton at The Public Theater.
In 2015, immediate following Hamilton, Brian starred in the Broadway musical SOMETHING ROTTEN, for which he was nominated for a 2015 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and Drama League Distinguished Performance Award.
In film, Brian starred in the 2016 Academy Award–winning Best Picture SPOTLIGHT, alongside Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel McAdams as the four-member “Spotlight” columnists for the Boston Globe. Brian was awarded the 2016 SAG Award, Critics Choice Award, Gotham Award and the Independent Spirit’s Robert Altman Award for Best Ensemble for his portrayal of Matt Carroll. Brian also appeared in Steven Spielberg’s 2022 Oscar-nominated film West Side Story as Officer Krupke.
2017 proved to be a busy year with the spring premiere of the Netflix series THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, in which Brian co-stars with Kate Walsh, followed by his appearance in Discovery Channel’s Manhunt:UNABOMBER miniseries. Additionally, he will appear in seven feature films that will be released in 2017 and 2018, including Aaron Sorkinʼs directorial debut MOLLY’S GAME, MARK FELT starring Liam Neeson, ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS, 1922, SONG OF BACK AND NECK, TROUBLE, and REBEL IN THE RYE. More film credits include SISTERS, ADMISSION, GAME CHANGE, and GHOST TOWN among others.
TV audiences will remember Brian as Frank Houston, co-starring opposite Debra Messing in the NBC series SMASH. Additional credits include guest-starring roles in THE GOOD WIFE, THE BIG C and PERSON OF INTEREST, among many others.
A veteran of the stage with more than a dozen Broadway credits to his name, highlights include his Tony award-nominated performances for starring roles in SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS and SHREK THE MUSICAL, as well as roles in Broadway plays such as MACBETH, TIME STANDS STILL and LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE.
Off-Broadway highlights include his Obie-winning solo performance of THE GOOD THIEF, Drama Desk nominations for GIANT and THE WILD PARTY along with originating roles in NEXT TO NORMAL and FLOYD COLLINS, among others.
From Carnegie Hall to the White House, from Madison Square Garden to The Kennedy Center, Brian is an accomplished and sought-after concert performer and has appeared in esteemed concert halls worldwide. He made his highly acclaimed solo debut at the New York City nightclub venue 54 Below with his show UNDER THE INFLUENCE, returning for an encore performance a year later, and performing the solo show internationally.
As a recording artist, Brian has a Grammy nomination for his performance on the Broadway Cast Album of SOMETHING ROTTEN. His solo Christmas album FROM CHRISTMAS EVE TO CHRISTMAS MORN features holiday classics along with three original songs including the popular song “Michigan Christmas.”
Brian dʼArcy James resides in New York City with his wife and daughter. He has supported and performed many times for an organization in his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan, called the Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI). The mission of the FNI is the prevention, early diagnosis, care and cure of neurological diseases, disorders and injuries.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2024
Joe

[Off-Broadway]
Atlantic Theater Company Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2023
Joe

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2022
Baker

The Baker [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2018
Quinn Carney [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
King George III [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Nick Bottom

[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Production, 2015
King George

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Production, 2013
Banquo

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Production, 2012
Bick

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 2010
James Dodd

[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2010
James Dodd

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Dan [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2008
Shrek

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Dermot

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2008
Dan

Dan

[Boston]
Boston Revival, 2007
Bob Wallace

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2006
Flip, the Prince, Charming

Captain Sanjar

Adam

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Brendan

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Brendan

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Revival, 2005
Bob Wallace

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Reporter

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Freddy [Replacement]

[San Francisco (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Bob Wallace

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2004
Michael Bramleigh

Gob Schmidt

[Regional (US)]
Regional Production, 2003
Performer

[New York]
Reading, 2003
Freddy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Sidney

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2000
Burrs

Burrs

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Musicals in Mufti Concert, 1998
Kelly

[New York]
New York Concert, 1998
Freddie

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Frederick Barrett

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1996
Clif Roney/Reporter

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1995
Young Buddy

[Off-Broadway]
1994
Davey Boyd

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1994
Principal

Hudson Livermore

Captain

Jigger Craigin (Understudy)

David Bascombe (Understudy)

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1993
Ensemble [Replacement]

[New York]
Workshop, 2006
Frederick


Movies

Exiled
[ 1999 ] Brinkley
G
[ 2002 ] Lloyd
Neurotica
[ 2004 ] Andrew
Ghost Town
[ 2008 ] Irish Eddie
Friends with Kids
[ 2011 ] Husband in Restaurant
The Fitzgerald Family Christmas
[ 2012 ] Skippy
Admission
[ 2013 ] Christopher Flynn
Shrek the Musical
[ 2013 ] Shrek
Time Out of Mind
[ 2014 ] Mark
Sisters
[ 2015 ] Jerry
Spotlight
[ 2015 ] Matt Carroll
Molly's Game
[ 2017 ] Brad
1922
[ 2017 ] Sheriff Jones
Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House
[ 2017 ] Robert Kunkel
Trouble
[ 2017 ] Logan
Rebel in the Rye
[ 2017 ] Giroux
First Man
[ 2018 ] Joe Walker
Song of Back and Neck
[ 2018 ] Stone
All These Small Moments
[ 2018 ] Tom Sheffield
X-Men: Dark Phoenix
[ 2019 ] President of the United States
The Kitchen
[ 2019 ] Jimmy Brennan
West Side Story
[ 2021 ] Officer Krupke
The Cathedral
[ 2021 ] Richard Damrosch

TV Shows

13 Reasons Why
Andy Baker
Evil
Victor LeConte
Smash
Frank Houston

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

Brian d’Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses

Tony Awards - 2024 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Brian D'Arcy James, Into The Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!

Drama League Awards - 2015 - Distinguished Performance Award

Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Hamilton

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Giant

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Brian d'Arcy James, Giant


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2010 - Best Featured Actor in a Play

Brian d'Arcy James, Time Stands Still

The Lortels - 2009 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Brian d'Arcy James, Port Authority


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Shrek the Musical

Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Brian d'Arcy James, Port Authority


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Sweet Smell of Success

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Sweet Smell of Success

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Brian d'Arcy James, Sweet Smell of Success


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Brian d'Arcy JamesThe Good Thief


winner
Obie Awards - 2001 - Performance

Brian d'Arcy JamesThe Good Thief

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Brian D'Arcy JamesThe Good Thief

Videos

News


Review Roundup: DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES Opens on Broadway

Reviews are in for Days of Wine and Roses starring Kelli O'Hara and Brian D'Arcy James, which opened on Broadway tonight, Sunday, January 28th at Studio 54. The production, directed by Michael Grief, features music and lyrics by Adam Guettel and a book by Craig Lucas. Find out what the critics had to say here!
Lakewood Theatre Company to Stage SHREK, THE MUSICAL JR

Nasty will be nice and Lake Oswego will be ogre-the-moon when Lakewood Theatre Company musical theatre students present a production of Shrek, The Musical JR. May 14-15, 2022, directed by Julie Lane.
David Henry Hwang and Adam Gwon to Join Dramatists Guild Council

The Dramatists Guild of America has welcomed Adam Gwon and David Henry Hwang to its Council. The Guild is governed by a board of directors (Council) elected from its membership. These writers, in various stages of their theatrical careers, meet monthly to decide policy for the Guild.
VIDEO: Watch Ariana DeBose Perform 'America' in New WEST SIDE STORY Music Video

Disney has released a new music video of Academy Award-nominee Ariana DeBose perform 'America' as Anita in Steven Spielberg's award-winning, critically-acclaimed 'West Side Story'. The film also stars Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Rita Moreno, David Alvarez, and more.
Brian Justin Crum & Alaysha Fox to Join GMCLA's QUEEN OF THE NIGHT

Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) announced today that “America’s Got Talent” breakout star Brian Justin Crum (Broadway’s Wicked and Next to Normal) and LA Opera’s rising star Alaysha Fox (LA Opera’s Aida) will be special guest stars for QUEEN of the night, featuring the greatest hits from the critically acclaimed, legendary band Queen.
VIDEO: Ariana DeBose Discusses WEST SIDE STORY Oscar Nomination on THE VIEW

Ariana DeBose appeared on The View this morning to discuss her Oscar-nominated performance in West Side Story. DeBose also discusses the advice she received from Rita Moreno, hosting Saturday Night Live, and where she was when she found out she was nominated for an Oscar. Watch the new interview now!
VIDEO: WEST SIDE STORY Cast Sings 'America' in Scoring Session Featurette

A new West Side Story featurette has revealed a look inside a scoring session for the film, featuring Ariana DeBose and the cast of the film singing 'America.' The the new video also features appearances from Rita Moreno, Steven Spielberg, Rachel Zegler, David Alvarez, and more. Watch the new featurette now!
VIDEO: Watch a Costume Featurette From WEST SIDE STORY Featuring Paul Tazewell

A Costume Featurette from Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” featuring 2022 Critics Choice Nominee and Tony Award® and Emmy Award® winning costume designer, Paul Tazewell, has been released.
Read the Full Screenplay For WEST SIDE STORY

Just last month, director Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story arrived in theaters. The film features a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner and tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. Now, Deadline has gotten the full screenplay for the film, and you can read it now!
Keen Company Awards Its First Commission of a New Musical to Adam Gwon

Keen Company has announced its first musical commission: a new musical by Adam Gwon (Ordinary Days, Scotland, PA). Keen presented Gwon’s Ordinary Days in Fall of 2018 to great acclaim, including a nomination for the 2019 Drama League Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway).
VIDEO: Brian d'Arcy James Talks WEST SIDE STORY and More on GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Brian d’Arcy James appeared as a guest on Good Morning America yesterday, Tuesday December 28. In the interview, the Broadway veteran talked about starring in West Side Story and on his upcoming projects.
VIDEO: Steven Spielberg & Janusz Kamiński Discuss WEST SIDE STORY Cinematography

Steven Spielberg and Janusz Kamiński go behind the scenes of West Side Story, discussing the film's award-winning cinematography. West Side Story recently won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Cinematography. The video features behind-the-scenes looks at 'America,' 'The Rumble,' 'Maria,' and 'Tonight.'
Marvel Releases 'Hawkeye: Vol. 2 (Episodes 4-6)' Soundtrack

Volume 2 includes the all-new original song “Save The City,” composed by Tony , Emmy and Grammy Award-winning composer Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Tony Award-winning lyricist Scott Wittman.  The song is featured in the first episode of the series while Clint Barton is attending “Rogers the Musical” with his family.
VIDEO: Florence Pugh Talks HAWKEYE in New Featurette

In the new featurette “Yelena’s Back,” Florence Pugh and Hailee Steinfeld join directors Rhys Thomas and Bert & Bertie to celebrate the return of Pugh’s fiery assassin to the MCU. The series also features Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d’Arcy James and newcomer Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez. Watch the new featurette now!
Marvel Releases HAWKEYE Vol. 1 (Episodes 1-3) Soundtrack

From Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye,” now streaming on Disney+, the Hawkeye: Vol. 1 (Episodes 1-3) soundtrack with score by Emmy -nominated composer Christophe Beck (“WandaVision,” “Free Guy,” “Frozen 2”) and composer/multi-instrumentalist Michael Paraskevas.
VIDEO: Watch the 'Celebrate Tonight' WEST SIDE STORY Teaser

A new teaser for West Side Story has been released! The 'Celebrate Tonight' trailer features new footage of Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, Josh Andrés Rivera, and David Alvarez in the new film. Watch the new teaser now!
VIDEO: Watch Ariana DeBose Perform 'America' in New WEST SIDE STORY Clip

A new clip of Ariana DeBose performing 'America' in West Side Story has been released! The the new video also features DeBose and David Alvarez discussing the meaning behind the song. West Side story also stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Mike Faist, Rita Moreno, Brian D'Arcy James, and more.
VIDEO: Steven Spielberg Talks David Alvarez as Bernardo in WEST SIDE STORY

In a new West Side Story featurette, Steven Spielberg speaks on casting David Alvarez as Bernardo. 'West Side Story' tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. The cast also includes Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, and Rita Moreno.
WEST SIDE STORY is Now Playing in Theaters

West Side Story is now playing in theaters today, December 10. Watch the trailer for the film here! Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, 'West Side Story' tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City.
VIDEO: Ariana DeBose Talks WEST SIDE STORY Audition on DREW BARRYMORE SHOW

Ariana DeBose sat down with Drey Barrymore to discuss her emotional audition process for Steven Spielberg's upcoming West Side Story scene. In the interview, she also spoke about filming 'America' and her conversations Rita Moreno on set.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Brian d'Arcy James been in?

Brian d'Arcy James has appeared on Broadway in 19 shows.

How many West End shows has Brian d'Arcy James been in?

Brian d'Arcy James has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Brian d'Arcy James been nominated for?

Brian d'Arcy James has received numerous nominations for his performances, including: - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses - Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into The Woods - Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Something Rotten! - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Something Rotten! - Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Something Rotten! - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (The Lortels) for Hamilton - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Something Rotten! - Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Giant - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Giant - Best Featured Actor in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Time Stands Still - Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Port Authority - Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Shrek the Musical - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Port Authority - Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success - Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success - Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Good Thief - Performance (Obie Awards) for The Good Thief - Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Good Thief

What awards has Brian d'Arcy James won?

Brian d'Arcy James has received several awards, including: - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses - Best Featured Actor in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Time Stands Still - Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Shrek the Musical - Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success - Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Good Thief - Performance (Obie Awards) for The Good Thief.

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