LESLIE ODOM, JR.
Leslie Odom Jr. (born August 6, 1981) is an American actor and singer. He has performed on Broadway and in television and film, and has released two solo jazz albums. He is known for originating the role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical Hamilton, a performance for which he won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album as a principal vocalist. His television roles included Sam Strickland in the musical series Smash (2012–2013). He is also the author of the 2018 book Failing Up. (More from Wikipedia)
USA Today reported: “The ultra-popular musical Hamilton had a big night, winning 11 honors including best musical, leading actor for Leslie Odom, Jr., featured actress for Renée Elise Goldsberry, and featured actor for Daveed Diggs. It fell one short of The Producers’ record 12 wins in 2001. . . . It was definitely a historical night for diversity: For the first time in the Tonys’ 70 years, all four musical acting honors were awarded to people of color.”
(September 2016)
