Leslie Odom, Jr.
BFA ACTING/MUSIC THEATER, 2003
Leslie Odom, Jr. graduated from Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in 2003 and has since built a multi-faceted career as an actor, singer, songwriter, producer, and author.
His journey in the entertainment industry began early with a notable Broadway debut in the cast of “Rent.” However, it was his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the groundbreaking musical “Hamilton” that catapulted him to global fame. This role not only earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical but also a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in the same year. This performance was immortalized in the Disney+ live stage recording of “Hamilton,” leading to a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role in a Limited Series or Movie.
In 2023, Leslie produced and starred in the Broadway revival of Ossie Davis’s “Purlie Victorious,” earning two more Tony nominations: one for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Play, and one as producer for Best Revival of a Play.
In addition to his stage successes, Leslie has left his mark on television and film. His most recent notable roles include appearances “Murder on the Orient Express” (2017), “Harriet” (2019), “The Many Saints of Newark” (2021), “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” (2022), and “The Exorcist: Believer” (2023). His portrayal of singer Sam Cooke in “One Night in Miami…” (2020) garnered critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including for the Academy Award, BAFTA Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor. Additionally, he received nominations for the Oscar and Golden Globe for writing the film’s original song “Speak Now.” Leslie’s talents extend to the realm of music, where he has released five original albums. He is also the author of his autobiography “Failing Up,” published in 2018.
“Carnegie Mellon University was everything. I like to say half of my education came from my professors and the other half was from my classmates – these really talented, brilliant kids from all over the country. We learned and stole ideas from each other and challenged each other. It was really good for me, and I think for all of us, the way that we pushed each other.”
-Leslie Odom, Jr.