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Darren Criss is an American actor, singer, and songwriter who rose to fame through his dynamic performances on television and stage. He is best known for his role as Blaine Anderson on the hit musical TV show Glee and for his award-winning portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. Criss’s multifaceted talents have made him a versatile figure in Hollywood, equally adept at acting, singing, and composing.
Early Life and Background
Darren Everett Criss was born on February 5, 1987, in San Francisco, California. He is of mixed heritage, with his mother hailing from the Philippines and his father being of Irish descent. Criss grew up in a musically inclined household, where his love for performance blossomed at an early age. His father, Charles Criss, was a businessman and former director of the San Francisco Opera, further nurturing Darren’s passion for the arts.
Criss was classically trained in music from a young age, learning to play various instruments including the violin, piano, guitar, and drums. He attended Stuart Hall for Boys and later graduated from Saint Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco. His academic and artistic interests led him to pursue higher education at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Performance in 2009.
Early Career and Starkid Productions
While still a college student, Criss co-founded the Chicago-based theater company StarKid Productions with fellow University of Michigan students. The group gained national attention with their viral hit A Very Potter Musical (2009), a parody of the Harry Potter series. Criss, who played the lead role of Harry Potter, also composed much of the music for the production. The musical’s viral success on YouTube made Criss an internet sensation and solidified StarKid’s cult following.
Following the success of A Very Potter Musical, Criss continued to work with StarKid, composing music for other productions, including Me and My Dick (2009) and Starship (2011). These projects showcased his musical talents and songwriting abilities, laying the groundwork for his future career in both music and acting.
Breakthrough: Glee
Darren Criss’s major breakthrough came in 2010 when he was cast as Blaine Anderson on the popular Fox television series Glee. Introduced in the second season, Criss’s character was a charismatic, openly gay student from Dalton Academy who becomes the love interest of Kurt Hummel (played by Chris Colfer). Blaine’s charm, confidence, and vocal performances made him an instant fan favorite.
Criss’s first performance on the show, a cover of Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” became one of the most successful singles in the show’s history, debuting at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over his time on Glee, Criss became a series regular and performed numerous memorable musical numbers, further cementing his place as a standout star on the show.
Theater Work
In addition to his work on Glee, Darren Criss is also a seasoned stage actor. In 2012, he made his Broadway debut in the revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, stepping into the lead role of J. Pierrepont Finch, previously played by Daniel Radcliffe. Criss’s performance was well-received, with critics praising his comedic timing and charm.
Criss returned to Broadway in 2015 to play the titular role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, taking over for Neil Patrick Harris. His portrayal of Hedwig, a genderqueer rock star, earned him rave reviews for his fearless and emotionally charged performance.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
In 2018, Darren Criss delivered a career-defining performance as Andrew Cunanan in the FX anthology series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. His chilling portrayal of Cunanan, the infamous serial killer who murdered fashion designer Gianni Versace, showcased his range as an actor and earned him critical acclaim.
Criss’s performance was lauded for its psychological depth and complexity, and he swept the awards circuit that year, winning an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. This role marked a turning point in Criss’s career, propelling him into the upper echelon of Hollywood talent.
Music Career
In addition to acting, Darren Criss is a talented musician and singer-songwriter. He has released several solo singles and an EP titled Homework (2017), which showcased his folk and indie pop influences. His music often reflects his theatrical background, combining storytelling with melodic, acoustic arrangements.
Criss also formed a band called Computer Games with his brother, Chuck Criss, in 2017. The band’s debut EP Lost Boys Life received positive feedback, and they have continued to produce music that blends pop, rock, and electronic elements.
Personal Life
Darren Criss married his longtime girlfriend, Mia Swier, in February 2019. The couple had been together for several years before tying the knot, and Swier, a director and producer, has been a significant supporter of Criss’s career. In 2022, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Bluesy Belle Criss.
Criss is also actively involved in various charitable causes, particularly those supporting LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and education in the arts. His role as Blaine Anderson on Glee made him a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in media, and he has used his platform to speak out on issues affecting marginalized communities.
Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
After the success of The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Criss has continued to work on various film, television, and music projects. In 2020, he starred in and served as executive producer for Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Hollywood, a reimagining of post-World War II Tinseltown. He also returned to Broadway for special performances and has continued to release new music.
In 2021, Criss announced the creation of Miserable Man, a short-form digital series on Quibi that explores his experiences as a performer. His creative versatility, combined with his ability to shift between acting, music, and producing, ensures that Darren Criss will remain a force in the entertainment industry for years to come.
Conclusion
Darren Criss is a multifaceted artist who has proven his talent in numerous arenas, from television and theater to music and film. His ability to portray complex characters, paired with his musical gifts, has established him as a versatile and respected figure in Hollywood. From his early days with StarKid Productions to his Emmy-winning portrayal of Andrew Cunanan, Criss’s career has been defined by a willingness to take risks and push creative boundaries. As he continues to evolve as an artist, Darren Criss remains a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment world.
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