Donny Osmond has had an incredibly diverse and enduring career, one that’s spanned multiple generations and artistic phases. Born in Ogden, Utah in 1957, Donny Osmond grew up in a large, musically talented family. Two of his eight siblings, Virl and Tom, were hearing-impaired, and to help raise funds for their hearing aids, several of the Osmond children formed a barbershop quartet known as The Osmond Brothers. Their tight harmonies quickly caught attention, and by 1962, they were regular performers on The Andy Williams Show (NBC, 1962–69). Donny Osmond joined the group about a year later, bringing youthful energy and helping shape their evolving sound.
As the years went on, Donny Osmond played a key role in transforming the group from a traditional quartet into a full-fledged pop act. By the late ‘60s, they rebranded as The Osmonds and shifted toward a more modern R&B-influenced pop style—similar to other famous sibling groups like the Jackson 5. In 1971, Donny Osmond made his official debut on a band album, the same year he launched his solo career with a self-titled record. Both projects were major hits, cementing Donny Osmond’s status as a rising star.
Over the next few years, Donny Osmond and The Osmonds released numerous successful albums. His popularity soared even higher when, in 1975, he teamed up with his sister Marie for the ABC variety show Donny and Marie (1975–79), which showcased their musical chemistry and charm. But like many teen idols, Donny Osmond saw his fame wane in the early ‘80s, leading him to step back from the spotlight for a time.
Donny Osmond made a strong comeback in 1989 with the adult contemporary album Donny Osmond, featuring the hit single “Soldier of Love.” This marked a new chapter in his career. Then, in the early ‘90s, Donny Osmond took on a bold new challenge—starring as Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Toronto, later moving with the production to Chicago. He remained with the show until 1997 and even reprised the role for a film version two years later. During this period, Donny Osmond also lent his powerful voice to Disney’s Mulan (1998), performing the now-iconic “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” as the singing voice for Captain Shang.
In 2006, Donny Osmond returned to Broadway, taking on the role of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. Not long after, he entered yet another exciting phase: reuniting with Marie for a Las Vegas residency. Starting in 2008 at the Flamingo Hotel, their 90-minute musical revue became a fan favorite, running successfully for eleven years. All the while, Donny Osmond continued exploring new opportunities, including a memorable appearance on The Masked Singer (Fox, 2019–), where he competed as the Peacock and finished as the runner-up—a testament to Donny Osmond’s lasting talent and appeal.
When it comes to Donny Osmond’s career in film and music, fans often look at how his projects have been received over the years. Donny Osmond has been involved in a variety of roles, and one standout in terms of critical response is A Disturbance in The Force (2023), which happens to be Donny Osmond’s highest rated project to date. The film garnered attention not just for its unique storytelling, but also for the way Donny Osmond contributed to its overall impact. On the other end of the spectrum, Donny Osmond was also part of College Road Trip (2008), a movie that ended up receiving more mixed or negative reviews, making it Donny Osmond’s lowest rated work so far. While Donny Osmond brought his signature charm to the role, the film itself didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Still, it’s interesting to see the range in Donny Osmond’s filmography—from well-received documentaries to family comedies that, despite lower ratings, remain part of his diverse artistic journey. Donny Osmond continues to be a notable figure, and each project, whether highly praised or less so, adds to the legacy of Donny Osmond in entertainment.