Brian d'Arcy James
Birth Place: Saginaw, MI, USA
Review Roundup: DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES Opens on Broadway (Jan 28, 2024)
Lakewood Theatre Company to Stage SHREK, THE MUSICAL JR (May 3, 2022)
David Henry Hwang and Adam Gwon to Join Dramatists Guild Council (Mar 4, 2022)
BIO
Brian d'Arcy James earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 2002 for his performance as Sidney Falco in Sweet Smell of Success opposite John Lithgow. He also received an Obie Award for his acclaimed performance in The Good Thief.
His Broadway credits include Titanic, Carousel, Blood Brothers, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and The Apple Tree opposite Kristin Chenoweth. Off-Broadway, he appeared in The Wild Party alongside Julia Murney and Idina Menzel, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination, as well as productions of Floyd Collins and Pardon My English.
In 2004, James released the Christmas album From Christmas Eve to Christmas Morn and starred as Bob Wallace in White Christmas. He later played Dan Goodman in Next to Normal both Off-Broadway and on Broadway, and earned widespread acclaim starring as the title character in Shrek The Musical. For his performance, he won the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical and received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
James later appeared in Time Stands Still, NBC’s Smash, and the Public Theater production of Giant, earning additional Drama Desk and Drama League nominations. In 2015, he originated the role of King George III in the Off-Broadway production of Hamilton before being succeeded by Jonathan Groff. That same year, he starred in Something Rotten!, receiving his third Tony nomination, and appeared in the Academy Award-winning film Spotlight.
His later screen work includes roles in 13 Reasons Why, First Man, and Hawkeye. In 2022, he starred as the Baker in the Broadway revival of Into the Woods, earning another Tony nomination. He then originated the role of Joe Clay in Days of Wine and Roses Off-Broadway and on Broadway, receiving both a Tony nomination and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical.
In 2025, James starred as Chris Christopherson in a revival of Anna Christie alongside Michelle Williams and Tom Sturridge at St. Ann's Warehouse.
Photos
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STAGE CREDITS
Movies
[ 1999 ] Brinkley
[ 2002 ] Lloyd
[ 2004 ] Andrew
[ 2008 ] Irish Eddie
[ 2011 ] Husband in Restaurant
[ 2012 ] Skippy
[ 2013 ] Christopher Flynn
[ 2013 ] Shrek
[ 2014 ] Mark
[ 2015 ] Jerry
[ 2015 ] Matt Carroll
[ 2017 ] Brad
[ 2017 ] Giroux
[ 2017 ] Logan
[ 2017 ] Robert Kunkel
[ 2017 ] Sheriff Jones
[ 2018 ] Joe Walker
[ 2018 ] Stone
[ 2018 ] Tom Sheffield
[ 2019 ] Jimmy Brennan
[ 2019 ] President of the United States
[ 2021 ] Officer Krupke
[ 2021 ] Richard Damrosch
[ 2024 ] Dennis
TV Shows
Andy Baker
Victor LeConte
Frank Houston
[ 2021-2024 ] Victor LeConte
[ 2021-2024 ] Victor LeConte
Awards and Nominations
winner
Brian d’Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses
Brian d'Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses
Brian d'Arcy James, Days of Wine and Roses
Brian D'Arcy James, Into The Woods
Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!
Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!
Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!
Brian d'Arcy James, Hamilton
Brian d'Arcy James, Something Rotten!
Brian d'Arcy James, Giant
Brian d'Arcy James, Giant
winner
Brian d'Arcy James, Time Stands Still
Brian d'Arcy James, Port Authority
winner
Brian d'Arcy James, Shrek the Musical
Brian d'Arcy James, Port Authority
winner
Brian d'Arcy James, Sweet Smell of Success
Brian d'Arcy James, Sweet Smell of Success
Brian d'Arcy James, Sweet Smell of Success
winner
Brian d'Arcy JamesThe Good Thief
winner
Brian d'Arcy JamesThe Good Thief
Brian D'Arcy JamesThe Good Thief
Videos
VIDEO: Watch Ariana DeBose Perform 'America' in New WEST SIDE STORY Music Video
by Michael Major - 2022-03-02 11:29:56
VIDEO: Ariana DeBose Discusses WEST SIDE STORY Oscar Nomination on THE VIEW
by Michael Major - 2022-02-21 14:31:02
VIDEO: WEST SIDE STORY Cast Sings 'America' in Scoring Session Featurette
by Michael Major - 2022-02-01 11:25:30
VIDEO: Watch a Costume Featurette From WEST SIDE STORY Featuring Paul Tazewell
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-01-20 16:56:34
VIDEO: Brian d'Arcy James Talks WEST SIDE STORY and More on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Stephi Wild - 2021-12-29 08:02:45
VIDEO: Steven Spielberg & Janusz Kamiński Discuss WEST SIDE STORY Cinematography
by Michael Major - 2021-12-28 11:40:54
VIDEO: Watch Ariana DeBose Perform 'America' in New WEST SIDE STORY Clip
by Michael Major - 2021-12-10 10:19:46
VIDEO: Steven Spielberg Talks David Alvarez as Bernardo in WEST SIDE STORY
by Michael Major - 2021-12-09 15:11:34
VIDEO: Ariana DeBose Talks WEST SIDE STORY Audition on DREW BARRYMORE SHOW
by Michael Major - 2021-12-09 13:05:35
VIDEO: Spielberg Talks Rita Moreno in WEST SIDE STORY Featurette
by Michael Major - 2021-12-08 16:49:02
VIDEO: Watch the Stars of WEST SIDE STORY on the Red Carpet at the Los Angeles Premiere
by Michael Major - 2021-12-08 12:59:14
VIDEO: Spielberg Talks Ariana DeBose as Anita in New WEST SIDE STORY Featurette
by Michael Major - 2021-12-07 17:02:20
VIDEO: WEST SIDE STORY Cast Talks Sondheim & More in Sirius XM Town Hall
by Michael Major - 2021-12-07 12:44:01
VIDEO: Rachel Zegler & Drew Barrymore Talk Working With Steven Spielberg
by Michael Major - 2021-12-07 11:38:14
VIDEO: Steven Spielberg Talks Rachel Zegler as Maria in New WEST SIDE STORY Featurette
by Michael Major - 2021-12-07 09:15:10
VIDEO: Rachel Zegler Talks WEST SIDE STORY on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2021-12-02 11:23:31
VIDEO: Rita Moreno Demonstrates WEST SIDE STORY Dance on TONIGHT SHOW
by Michael Major - 2021-12-01 09:20:31
News
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 28, 2024
Reviews are in for Days of Wine and Roses starring Kelli O'Hara and Brian D'Arcy James, which opened on Broadway tonight, Sunday, January 28th at Studio 54. The production, directed by Michael Grief, features music and lyrics by Adam Guettel and a book by Craig Lucas. Find out what the critics had to say here!
by Marissa Tomeo - May 3, 2022
Nasty will be nice and Lake Oswego will be ogre-the-moon when Lakewood Theatre Company musical theatre students present a production of Shrek, The Musical JR. May 14-15, 2022, directed by Julie Lane.
by Marissa Tomeo - Mar 4, 2022
The Dramatists Guild of America has welcomed Adam Gwon and David Henry Hwang to its Council. The Guild is governed by a board of directors (Council) elected from its membership. These writers, in various stages of their theatrical careers, meet monthly to decide policy for the Guild.
by Michael Major - Mar 2, 2022
Disney has released a new music video of Academy Award-nominee Ariana DeBose perform 'America' as Anita in Steven Spielberg's award-winning, critically-acclaimed 'West Side Story'. The film also stars Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Rita Moreno, David Alvarez, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 22, 2022
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) announced today that “America’s Got Talent” breakout star Brian Justin Crum (Broadway’s Wicked and Next to Normal) and LA Opera’s rising star Alaysha Fox (LA Opera’s Aida) will be special guest stars for QUEEN of the night, featuring the greatest hits from the critically acclaimed, legendary band Queen.
by Michael Major - Feb 21, 2022
Ariana DeBose appeared on The View this morning to discuss her Oscar-nominated performance in West Side Story. DeBose also discusses the advice she received from Rita Moreno, hosting Saturday Night Live, and where she was when she found out she was nominated for an Oscar. Watch the new interview now!
by Michael Major - Feb 1, 2022
A new West Side Story featurette has revealed a look inside a scoring session for the film, featuring Ariana DeBose and the cast of the film singing 'America.' The the new video also features appearances from Rita Moreno, Steven Spielberg, Rachel Zegler, David Alvarez, and more. Watch the new featurette now!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 20, 2022
A Costume Featurette from Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” featuring 2022 Critics Choice Nominee and Tony Award® and Emmy Award® winning costume designer, Paul Tazewell, has been released.
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - Jan 19, 2022
Just last month, director Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story arrived in theaters. The film features a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner and tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. Now, Deadline has gotten the full screenplay for the film, and you can read it now!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 12, 2022
Keen Company has announced its first musical commission: a new musical by Adam Gwon (Ordinary Days, Scotland, PA). Keen presented Gwon’s Ordinary Days in Fall of 2018 to great acclaim, including a nomination for the 2019 Drama League Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Broadway or Off-Broadway).
by Stephi Wild - Dec 29, 2021
Brian d’Arcy James appeared as a guest on Good Morning America yesterday, Tuesday December 28. In the interview, the Broadway veteran talked about starring in West Side Story and on his upcoming projects.
by Michael Major - Dec 28, 2021
Steven Spielberg and Janusz Kamiński go behind the scenes of West Side Story, discussing the film's award-winning cinematography. West Side Story recently won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Cinematography. The video features behind-the-scenes looks at 'America,' 'The Rumble,' 'Maria,' and 'Tonight.'
by Michael Major - Dec 22, 2021
Volume 2 includes the all-new original song “Save The City,” composed by Tony , Emmy and Grammy Award-winning composer Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Tony Award-winning lyricist Scott Wittman. The song is featured in the first episode of the series while Clint Barton is attending “Rogers the Musical” with his family.
by Michael Major - Dec 20, 2021
In the new featurette “Yelena’s Back,” Florence Pugh and Hailee Steinfeld join directors Rhys Thomas and Bert & Bertie to celebrate the return of Pugh’s fiery assassin to the MCU. The series also features Vera Farmiga, Fra Fee, Tony Dalton, Zahn McClarnon, Brian d’Arcy James and newcomer Alaqua Cox as Maya Lopez. Watch the new featurette now!
by Michael Major - Dec 10, 2021
From Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye,” now streaming on Disney+, the Hawkeye: Vol. 1 (Episodes 1-3) soundtrack with score by Emmy -nominated composer Christophe Beck (“WandaVision,” “Free Guy,” “Frozen 2”) and composer/multi-instrumentalist Michael Paraskevas.
by Michael Major - Dec 10, 2021
A new teaser for West Side Story has been released! The 'Celebrate Tonight' trailer features new footage of Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, Josh Andrés Rivera, and David Alvarez in the new film. Watch the new teaser now!
by Michael Major - Dec 10, 2021
A new clip of Ariana DeBose performing 'America' in West Side Story has been released! The the new video also features DeBose and David Alvarez discussing the meaning behind the song. West Side story also stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Mike Faist, Rita Moreno, Brian D'Arcy James, and more.
by Michael Major - Dec 9, 2021
In a new West Side Story featurette, Steven Spielberg speaks on casting David Alvarez as Bernardo. 'West Side Story' tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. The cast also includes Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, and Rita Moreno.
by Taylor Brethauer-Hamling - Dec 10, 2021
West Side Story is now playing in theaters today, December 10. Watch the trailer for the film here! Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, 'West Side Story' tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City.
by Michael Major - Dec 9, 2021
Ariana DeBose sat down with Drey Barrymore to discuss her emotional audition process for Steven Spielberg's upcoming West Side Story scene. In the interview, she also spoke about filming 'America' and her conversations Rita Moreno on set.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Brian d'Arcy James has appeared on Broadway in 19 shows.
Brian d'Arcy James has not appeared in the West End.
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into The Woods, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Something Rotten!, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Something Rotten!, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Something Rotten!, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (The Lortels) for Hamilton, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Something Rotten!, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Giant, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Giant, Best Featured Actor in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Time Stands Still, Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Port Authority, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Shrek the Musical, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Port Authority, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success , Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Good Thief, Performance (Obie Awards) for The Good Thief and Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Good Thief.
Brian d'Arcy James has won several prestigious awards, including: - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses - Best Featured Actor in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Time Stands Still - Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Shrek the Musical - Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweet Smell of Success - Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for The Good Thief - Performance (Obie Awards) for The Good Thief.
Videos
