Odom was born on August 6, 1981, in Queens, New York City. He grew up in a family of musicians and artists, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his love of music and theater. He attended New York City’s prestigious LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts, where he honed his skills as a performer.
After high school, Odom attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where he studied drama. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, but he quickly realized he missed the theater. He returned to New York to pursue stage work, and he made his Broadway debut in “Rent” in 1998.
Odom went on to star in several Broadway productions, including “Leap of Faith” and “Venice.” But it was his performance as Aaron Burr in the hit musical “Hamilton” that made him a household name. Odom received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Burr, and the role earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2016.
In addition to his stage work, Odom has also made a name for himself on screen. He has appeared in several films and TV shows, including “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Harriet,” and “Central Park.” He also starred in the TV series “Smash” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
But Odom’s talent doesn’t stop at acting. He is also a talented singer and songwriter, and he has released several albums throughout his career. His self-titled jazz album, “Leslie Odom Jr.,” was released in 2014, and he released a holiday album, “Simply Christmas,” in 2016. He also released a second jazz album, “Mr,” in 2019.
In addition to his work in the arts, Odom is also a bestselling author. He wrote the memoir “Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning,” which was released in 2018. The book shares Odom’s own journey to success and includes personal anecdotes and life lessons.
Odom’s talent and hard work have earned him several accolades throughout his career. In addition to his Tony Award, he has also won a Grammy Award and an Emmy Award. He was also named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2016.
But Odom’s success hasn’t come without its challenges. In an interview with NPR, he discussed the challenges of being a Black performer in Hollywood and the entertainment industry. He emphasized the importance of representation and the need for more opportunities for people of color.
Despite these challenges, Odom remains determined to succeed and to use his platform to make a difference. He is a vocal supporter of Black Lives Matter and has been actively involved in social justice movements.
Leslie Odom Jr. is a true icon in the entertainment industry, and his talent and passion for his work continue to inspire audiences around the world. With his impressive range of talents and his dedication to making a difference, Odom is sure to remain a force in the industry for years to come.