Derek Klena

Derek Anthony Klena was born on October 3, 1991, in San Dimas, California. He grew up in West Covina, California, with his two younger siblings and attended South Hills High School. During his time at the University of California, Los Angeles, he initially pursued theater before switching his major to psychology. In his freshman year, he also played baseball, demonstrating a diverse range of interests before fully committing to acting. His early career included participation in regional Southern California theater from 2009 to 2011 and an appearance on the ninth season of *American Idol*.

Klena’s Broadway career began with his debut as Fiyero in the 10th-anniversary production of *Wicked* in 2013. He originated roles such as Eddie Birdlace in the stage adaptation of *Dogfight*, Michael Johnson in *The Bridges of Madison County* (2014), and Dmitry in *Anastasia*, which premiered in Hartford, Connecticut, in 2016 and opened on Broadway in 2017. A significant milestone in his career was originating the role of Nick Healy in *Jagged Little Pill*, a musical based on Alanis Morissette’s music. This role earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2020. He has also made recurring appearances in television series like *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt*, *The Code*, and *Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin*.

More recently, Klena has taken on the role of Christian in *Moulin Rouge! The Musical* on Broadway, a role he has periodically returned to since May 2022. In 2023, he starred as Joe Gillis in *Sunset Boulevard* at the Kennedy Center. His consistent presence in major theatrical productions and television roles showcases his versatility and commitment to his craft. He is married to Elycia Scriven, and they have one child.