Jay O. Sanders
Birth Place: Austin, TX, USA
Latest News on Jay O. Sanders:
Video: Tom Hanks Discusses the Joys of Performing Live in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW (Nov 26, 2025)
Tom Hanks to Talk THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS (Nov 25, 2025)
Jay O. Sanders, Jess Gabor, And Alison Cimmet Set To Star In ANY MINUTE NOW At HERE Arts Center (Nov 21, 2025)
Video: Tom Hanks Discusses the Joys of Performing Live in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW (Nov 26, 2025)
Tom Hanks to Talk THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS (Nov 25, 2025)
Jay O. Sanders, Jess Gabor, And Alison Cimmet Set To Star In ANY MINUTE NOW At HERE Arts Center (Nov 21, 2025)
BIO
Currently in: Primary Trust. Past Roundabout as Doolittle in Pygmalion. He was most recently seen as Falstaff in TFANA’s open workshop of Henry IV parts 1&2, Nick Laine in Conor McPherson’s Girl From The North Country, and David Michaels in Richard Nelson’s What Happened?: The Michaels Abroad, which completed The Rhinebeck Panorama; a cycle of 12 new plays which began at the Public Theater in 2010, on which he collaborated with his wife, Maryann Plunkett. Sanders notably played the title roles in Uncle Vanya for Hunter Theater Project and Cyrano de Bergerac at the Guthrie Theater, as well as appearing in numerous television projects (True Detective, Sneaky Pete, The Sinner, Law & Order, Manhunt), films; (The Day After Tomorrow, JFK, Kiss the Girls, Edge of Darkness, Tumbleweeds, and most recently Alejandro Iñárritu’s BARDO and Jesse Eisenberg’s When You Finish Saving The World), and has narrated a long list of documentaries, mostly for PBS. As a writer, his play, Unexplored Interior, delving into the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, was the inaugural production of Washington D.C.’s Mosaic Theater.
STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
1976
Westmoreland
Exeter (Understudy)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
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Productions
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Playe
Jay O. Sanders, Henry IV (Theatre for a New Audience)
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play
Jay O. Sanders, Primary Trust
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play
Jay O. Sanders, Primary Trust
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Actor in a Play
Jay O. SandersUncle Vanya
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Ensemble Performance
Jay O. SandersSweet and Sad
winner
Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance
Jay O. SandersSweet and Sad
The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Lead Actor
Jay O. Sanders, Titus Andronicus
Videos
Video: Tom Hanks Discusses the Joys of Performing Live in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-26 10:43:11
Video: Tom Hanks, Kelli O'Hara, & Kenny Leon Talk THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on CBS MORNINGS
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-11-18 12:39:49
Video: Tom Hanks Previews New Play THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW at The Shed
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-06 11:38:37
Video: Go Behind the Scenes of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Ahead of PBS Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-22 10:25:14
Video: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Cast Performs 'Like A Rolling Stone'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-15 10:12:46
Video: Watch an All New Montage of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-12-28 14:04:02
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares His Daughter's Reaction to PURLIE VICTORIOUS on FALLON
by Michael Major - 2023-10-13 10:15:19
Video: Stars Walk the Red Carpet on Opening Night of PURLE VICTORIOUS
by Red Carpet - 2023-10-12 15:22:50
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS Is a 'Very Rare Piece'
by Michael Major - 2023-09-27 11:34:41
Video: What is PURLIE VICTORIOUS All About? The Cast Explains!
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-08-13 16:00:20
Video: Watch Highlights of William Jackson Harper in Roundabout's PRIMARY TRUST
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-06-02 09:07:48
VIDEO: Mare Winningham & Jeannette Bayardelle Discuss Their Meeting With Bob Dylan on WENDY
by Michael Major - 2022-05-26 16:22:58
VIDEO: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Chronicles Their Journey on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-05-10 14:46:08
VIDEO: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Cast Spreads Holiday Cheer With 'Winter Wonderland' Performance
by Stephi Wild - 2021-12-20 10:02:21
VIDEO: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Celebrates its Grammy Nomination
by Stephi Wild - 2021-11-24 09:50:49
VIDEO: THE GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Cast on the Importance of Thanksgiving
by Stephi Wild - 2021-11-22 09:38:56
VIDEO: Watch the Cast of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Perform on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2021-10-15 09:49:25
News
Video: Tom Hanks Discusses the Joys of Performing Live in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 26, 2025
Oscar-winner Tom Hanks is in New York for the fall, starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, a new play he co-wrote. During a recent visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers, the beloved actor spoke about the rewarding process of performing in live theater as an actor. Watch the interview now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 26, 2025
Oscar-winner Tom Hanks is in New York for the fall, starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, a new play he co-wrote. During a recent visit to Late Night with Seth Meyers, the beloved actor spoke about the rewarding process of performing in live theater as an actor. Watch the interview now.
Tom Hanks to Talk THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025
Tom Hanks, currently starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, will visit Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday to discuss the production. Tune in to NBC on Tuesday, November 25, at 12:35/11:35c to see Hanks' appearance.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2025
Tom Hanks, currently starring in This World of Tomorrow at The Shed, will visit Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday to discuss the production. Tune in to NBC on Tuesday, November 25, at 12:35/11:35c to see Hanks' appearance.
Jay O. Sanders, Jess Gabor, And Alison Cimmet Set To Star In ANY MINUTE NOW At HERE Arts Center
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2025
'Any Minute Now' has announced its first workshop production hosted by HERE Arts Center and reveals the complete cast and creative team. Performances begin January 15th at the Dorothy B. Williams Theater at HERE Arts Center and continue through February 1st.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2025
'Any Minute Now' has announced its first workshop production hosted by HERE Arts Center and reveals the complete cast and creative team. Performances begin January 15th at the Dorothy B. Williams Theater at HERE Arts Center and continue through February 1st.
Photos: The Cast of INITIATIVE Celebrates Opening Night
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 21, 2025
The Public Theater recently celebrated opening night of the world premiere of INITIATIVE, an epic new play by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by The Public Theater’s inaugural Directing Fellow Emma Rosa Went. Check out photos from the red carpet!
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 21, 2025
The Public Theater recently celebrated opening night of the world premiere of INITIATIVE, an epic new play by Emerging Writers Group alumnus Else Went and directed by The Public Theater’s inaugural Directing Fellow Emma Rosa Went. Check out photos from the red carpet!
HERE Arts Center Unveils Winter & Spring 2026 Programming
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2025
HERE Arts Center has announced additional programming for its Spring 2026 season, including the HARP world premiere of Dream Feed by The HawtPlates as part of the Under the Radar Festival.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 21, 2025
HERE Arts Center has announced additional programming for its Spring 2026 season, including the HARP world premiere of Dream Feed by The HawtPlates as part of the Under the Radar Festival.
Tickets Now On Sale For HERE Arts Center Winter and Spring 2026 Programming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
HERE Arts Center has revealed additional programming for their Spring 2026 lineup including the HARP world premiere of DREAM FEED by The HawtPlates as part of the Under the Radar Festival and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
HERE Arts Center has revealed additional programming for their Spring 2026 lineup including the HARP world premiere of DREAM FEED by The HawtPlates as part of the Under the Radar Festival and more.
Photos: Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara Take Bows in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW at The Shed
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 20, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. See photos from their opening night bows!
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 20, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. See photos from their opening night bows!
Video: Tom Hanks, Kelli O'Hara, & Kenny Leon Talk THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW on CBS MORNINGS
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 18, 2025
Tom Hanks is back on stage in This World of Tomorrow, now running at The Shed. The Oscar-winner, along with co-star Kelli O'Hara and director Kenny Leon, spoke to CBS Mornings about the show, which he also co-wrote. Check out the interviews now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 18, 2025
Tom Hanks is back on stage in This World of Tomorrow, now running at The Shed. The Oscar-winner, along with co-star Kelli O'Hara and director Kenny Leon, spoke to CBS Mornings about the show, which he also co-wrote. Check out the interviews now.
Videos: Tom Hanks Performs a Jingle About Getting to The Shed for THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 4, 2025
During a visit to The Late Show, Tom Hanks shared a diddy to help audiences remember how to get to The Shed, where his new play, This World of Tomorrow, is in previews. Check out the interview now, where he also discusses the differences between stage and screen.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 4, 2025
During a visit to The Late Show, Tom Hanks shared a diddy to help audiences remember how to get to The Shed, where his new play, This World of Tomorrow, is in previews. Check out the interview now, where he also discusses the differences between stage and screen.
Interview: Kelli O'Hara Talks Boston Concert, Co-Starring with Tom Hanks in his New Play and More
by R. Scott Reedy - Oct 29, 2025
Kelli O’Hara will star alongside Academy Award winner Tom Hanks in the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow, a new play by Hanks and James Glossman based on Hanks’ short stories, about a lonely scientist from the future who travels through time in search of true love.
by R. Scott Reedy - Oct 29, 2025
Kelli O’Hara will star alongside Academy Award winner Tom Hanks in the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow, a new play by Hanks and James Glossman based on Hanks’ short stories, about a lonely scientist from the future who travels through time in search of true love.
Photos: Tom Hanks, Kelli O'Hara and More in Rehearsal For THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
All new photos have been released from rehearsals for the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow, starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks, alongside Kelli O'Hara and more.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
All new photos have been released from rehearsals for the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow, starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks, alongside Kelli O'Hara and more.
Video: Tom Hanks Previews New Play THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW at The Shed
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 6, 2025
Tom Hanks will soon return to the stage in the new play, This World of Tomorrow, which opens at The Shed later this month. During a visit to Jimmy Kimmel Live, Hanks spoke about the genesis of the play, which he wrote based on two of his own short stories. Watch the interview!
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 6, 2025
Tom Hanks will soon return to the stage in the new play, This World of Tomorrow, which opens at The Shed later this month. During a visit to Jimmy Kimmel Live, Hanks spoke about the genesis of the play, which he wrote based on two of his own short stories. Watch the interview!
All the Off-Broadway Shows to See in Fall 2025 - A Complete Guide
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025
BroadwayWorld is here with your fall 2025 guide to all the shows lighting up New York’s stages. From world premieres to long-awaited revivals, this season’s Off-Broadway lineup delivers something for every kind of theater fan!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 17, 2025
BroadwayWorld is here with your fall 2025 guide to all the shows lighting up New York’s stages. From world premieres to long-awaited revivals, this season’s Off-Broadway lineup delivers something for every kind of theater fan!
Kelli O'Hara Joins Tom Hanks in THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW at The Shed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 30, 2025
The Shed has revealed the full cast for the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow. As part of The Shed’s 2025 programming, this new play is written by Tom Hanks and James Glossman. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 30, 2025
The Shed has revealed the full cast for the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow. As part of The Shed’s 2025 programming, this new play is written by Tom Hanks and James Glossman. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!
Photos: Brooke Shields, Francis Jue and More at 2025 Actors' Equity Foundation Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 27, 2025
The Actors’ Equity Foundation held its 2025 awards presentation on Monday, June 23, hosted by Tony Award-winner BD Wong. Check out photos from the event.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 27, 2025
The Actors’ Equity Foundation held its 2025 awards presentation on Monday, June 23, hosted by Tony Award-winner BD Wong. Check out photos from the event.
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Coming to Blu-ray and DVD in the UK
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 20, 2025
Following its debut on PBS's Great Performances in May, the official proshot of Broadway's Girl From the North Country will be making its way to physical media in the UK.
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 20, 2025
Following its debut on PBS's Great Performances in May, the official proshot of Broadway's Girl From the North Country will be making its way to physical media in the UK.
THE RIGHTEOUS Reading to Take Place at The Center At West Park
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2025
The cast is complete for Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen's historical drama 'The Righteous' - a reading to benefit The Center at West Park. See who is starring and learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2025
The cast is complete for Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen's historical drama 'The Righteous' - a reading to benefit The Center at West Park. See who is starring and learn more!
Photos: On the Red Carpet at the 2025 Drama Desk Awards
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 2, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at 7:30pm ET at NYU Skirball. See photos from the red carpet here! Learn more about the awards here!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 2, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at 7:30pm ET at NYU Skirball. See photos from the red carpet here! Learn more about the awards here!
2025 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 1, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at NYU Skirball. Check out the full list of winners from the big night here!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 1, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at NYU Skirball. Check out the full list of winners from the big night here!
Photos: Amas Musical Theatre 56th Anniversary Benefit Reunion Concert
by Emmy Rice - Jun 1, 2025
Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff, Artistic Producer), New York City’s award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts, celebrated its 56th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 19, 2025.
by Emmy Rice - Jun 1, 2025
Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff, Artistic Producer), New York City’s award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts, celebrated its 56th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 19, 2025.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Jay O. Sanders been in?
Jay O. Sanders has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.
How many West End shows has Jay O. Sanders been in?
Jay O. Sanders has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Jay O. Sanders been nominated for?
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Playe (Drama Desk Awards) for Henry IV (Theatre for a New Audience), Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Primary Trust, Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Primary Trust, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Outstanding Ensemble Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweet and Sad, Performance (Obie Awards) for Sweet and Sad and Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Titus Andronicus.
What awards has Jay O. Sanders won?
Jay O. Sanders has won several notable awards, including Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Primary Trust. He received Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Uncle Vanya and was part of the Outstanding Ensemble Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for Sweet and Sad. Additionally, he earned recognition for his Performance at the Obie Awards for Sweet and Sad.
Videos