Anthony Rapp

Anthony Deane Rapp was born on October 26, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois. He began his career in entertainment at an early age, securing his first professional job at nine and making his Broadway debut in 1981 in “The Little Prince and the Aviator.” Rapp gained significant recognition for originating the role of Mark Cohen in Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking Broadway musical “Rent” in 1996, a role he reprised in the 2005 film adaptation and several national tours. This role established him as a significant figure in musical theatre.

Throughout his career, Rapp has taken on diverse roles across stage and screen. His film credits include notable appearances in “Adventures in Babysitting” (1987), “Dazed and Confused” (1993), and “A Beautiful Mind” (2001). On television, he is widely known for his portrayal of Lt. Commander Paul Stamets in the science fiction series “Star Trek: Discovery,” a role he held from 2017 to 2024, making history as the franchise’s first openly gay character.

In addition to his acting work, Rapp is an accomplished author and musician. He released a solo album, “Look Around,” in 2000, and published his memoir, “Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent,” in 2006. This memoir was later adapted into a successful one-man stage show, further demonstrating his artistic versatility and personal storytelling. Rapp continues to be an active presence in theatre, film, and television, consistently contributing to various projects.