Leslie Odom Jr.

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).