He made a huge splash on Broadway, and it all started with his unforgettable performance as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. In 2006, he took home the prestigious Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, becoming the first American actor ever to win that honor for a debut role. That same year, he also earned a Drama Desk Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award, and a Theatre World Award—making his breakthrough one of the most celebrated in recent Broadway history. It was a defining moment, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else nailing that role quite like he did.
Before all the spotlight and standing ovations, though, he was just a talented kid with big dreams. He grew up in Plattsburgh, New York, where he graduated high school, and later went on to study at Brown University, earning his degree with honors. Born in Sacramento, California, he comes from a rich cultural background—his father is English, and his mother is Italian—which might explain the depth and versatility he brings to his performances.
Moving to New York after college, he dove headfirst into the world of theatre. But success didn’t come overnight. Believe it or not, he actually missed out on the role of Frankie Valli during the pre-Broadway run of Jersey Boys. It was a setback, sure, but he didn’t give up. After several more auditions over the next year, he finally landed the part—and the rest, as they say, is history. His journey shows that sometimes, timing and persistence matter just as much as talent. And looking back, it’s clear that every step he took led him right where he was meant to be.
He was handpicked by Clint Eastwood to portray the iconic Frankie Valli in the 2014 film adaptation of Jersey Boys, a role that truly showcased his talent. Around that time, in 2013, he earned another major honor when President Barack Obama appointed him to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. It was a significant moment in his career—being recognized not just for his performance skills but also for his contributions to the arts. Clint Eastwood clearly saw something special in him, and so did national leadership. His trajectory continued to rise, with each milestone reinforcing his reputation as a versatile and respected figure in entertainment. Being chosen by Clint Eastwood for such a pivotal role certainly helped elevate his public profile, and the presidential appointment only added to the growing list of accomplishments.