Stage actor Brandon Victor Dixon has built a remarkable career as both a compelling performer and a successful producer in the world of musical theater. Known for his powerful stage presence, Dixon has appeared in several acclaimed productions, earning Tony nominations for his roles in The Color Purple and Shuffle Along. In addition to his acting talents, he has made a name for himself as a producer, contributing to Tony-winning shows such as the 2014 Broadway revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Born in 1981 in Gaithersburg, Mississippi, Brandon Victor Dixon was actively involved in both athletics and theater during his time at St. Albans School. His passion for the arts continued to grow as he pursued further education at Columbia University, where he was honored with the I.A.L. Diamond Award for Achievement in the Arts. In 1999, he received a scholarship to attend the British American Drama Academy at Balliol College in Oxford, England—an experience that deepened his theatrical training and prepared him for a professional career.
Returning to the U.S., Brandon Victor Dixon made his professional stage debut in 2003 as the adult Simba in the national tour of The Lion King. His breakthrough came in 2005 when he created the role of Harpo in the Broadway production of The Color Purple, a performance that earned him his first Tony nomination. The success of that show opened doors to more complex and dynamic roles.
In 2007, Dixon portrayed the legendary R&B icon Ray Charles in Ray Charles Live at the Pasadena Playhouse. He then took on the emotionally charged role of Haywood Patterson in the 2010 Off-Broadway production of The Scottsboro Boys, a musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Brandon Victor Dixon once again played Haywood Patterson when the show made its way to the West End in 2014.
In between these performances, Dixon continued to expand his repertoire. He joined the cast of Rent in an Off-Broadway revival in 2011 and returned to Broadway in 2013 playing Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, in Motown: The Musical, a role that earned him a Drama League Award nomination.
Beyond acting, Brandon Victor Dixon has made a significant impact as a producer. In 2014, he co-founded WalkRunFly Productions, a company dedicated to supporting emerging talent in musical theater. The company gained recognition that same year for producing a Drama Desk-nominated revival of Of Mice and Men and the Tony-winning Broadway production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Continuing his dual path in performance and production, Dixon returned to the Broadway stage in 2016 in Shuffle Along; or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed. His portrayal of jazz pioneer Eubie Blake earned him his second Tony nomination, reaffirming Brandon Victor Dixon’s status as one of the most versatile and respected figures in contemporary theater.
So, when it comes to Brandon Victor Dixon’s filmography, there are a few standout moments worth mentioning. Now, if you’re looking at the numbers and audience reception, Brandon Victor Dixon’s highest rated movie is definitely Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert from 2018—yeah, that one really resonated with both critics and viewers alike. It showcased Brandon Victor Dixon’s powerful stage presence and vocal talent, which made a big impact. On the flip side, though, not every project hits the same high notes. For instance, his more recent film 88 released in 2022 ended up being Brandon Victor Dixon’s lowest rated movie so far. While it had its moments, it just didn’t connect as strongly with audiences. Still, all in all, Brandon Victor Dixon continues to be a compelling performer across both stage and screen.