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Leslie Odom Jr. Biography

Birth Place:

Queens, New York, United States

Profession

Actor: singer, dancer

Fast Facts

Made his Broadway debut at age 17 in Rent (he cut school to audition for the show)
Originated the character of Isaiah Sturdevant in the 2012 Broadway production of Leap of Faith, and the role won him the 2012 Astaire Award for Outstanding Male Dancer on Broadway
Coached a group of aspiring Broadway hopefuls who were preparing for the 2012 National High School Musical Theater Awards
Attended the same college as Smash costars Christian Borle and Megan Hilty
He and Hilty graduated a year apart and became friends in school
On Smash, he was promoted from recurring status in Season 1 to regular status in Season 2
Narrated the audiobook version of Taylor Branch's The King Years: Historic Moments in the Civil Rights Movement (2013)

2021Independent Spirit Awards-Robert Altman Award: winner
2021Golden Globe-Best Original Song - Motion Picture: nominated
2021Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie: nominated
2020Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: nominated
2020Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
2020Critics' Choice Awards-Best Supporting Actor: nominated
2020Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
2020Oscar-Best Achievement in Music (Original Song): nominated