Jay O. Sanders Headshot

Jay O. Sanders

Birth Place: Austin, TX, USA

Get Jay O. Sanders Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Jay O. Sanders 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.

Jay O. Sanders Photos

Jay O. Sanders STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2023
Ol' Cap'n Cotchipee

[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2023
Clay

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Nick Laine

[New York]
Public Theater Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
David Michael

[Off-Broadway]
Public World Premiere Production, 2016
George Gabriel

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Original Off-Broadway Production, 2016
George Gabriel

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park, 2014
Kent

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Production, 2012
Richard Apple

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Production, 2011
Titus Andronicus

[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2009
Sir Toby Belch

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Ghost of Hamlet's Father/ Player King/ Gravedigger

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
Alfred Doolittle

[Off-Broadway]
2007
Bottom

[Off-Broadway]
2006
George W. Bush

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Phillip

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Sergeant John Falstaff

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2004
Falstaff

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1993
Dunois

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Bobby Jr.

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Phillip

[Off-Broadway]
1986
MacDuff

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Seargant Wolff

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1983
Lt. Stephen Maryk

[Off-Broadway]
1982
Milo McGee McGarr [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1981
Performer

Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Orsino

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Performer

[Broadway]
1979
Doug

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Bradley

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Barnardine

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Westmoreland

Exeter (Understudy)

Jay O. Sanders Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2017]
Director

Jay O. Sanders Awards and Nominations

Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance

Jay O. SandersSweet and Sad

The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Jay O. Sanders, Titus Andronicus

Jay O. Sanders Videos

Jay O. Sanders News


Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS Is a 'Very Rare Piece'

Ahead of the opening night of Purlie Victorious, Leslie Odom Jr. appeared on CBS Mornings to discuss why the play is a 'very rare piece.' Odom Jr. also discussed why the play is 'meant to be seen' and not read, how he identifies with the character, and being a producer on the show with his wife, Nicolette Robinson. Watch the video!

Interview: Noah Pyzik Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS is 'Church, Group Therapy, Community & Family'

Get an inside look at Noah Pyzik's Broadway debut in Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch. Discover his thoughts on landing the role and what audiences can expect from this hilarious and relevant show.

Photos: Inside Opening Night of TRIPPING ON LIFE at Theatre Row

All new photos have been released from opening night of Tripping on Life at Theatre Row. Check out the photos here!

Photos: First Look at Leslie Odom, Jr. & More in PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway

Get a first look at Leslie Odom Jr. and more in PURLIE VICTORIOUS: A Non-Confederate Romp Through The Cotton Patch. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Rush Tickets Available For Lin Shaye's TRIPPING ON LIFE

Emmy-winner Lin Shaye’s award-winning solo show,  Tripping on Life, offers RUSH tickets for only $22 exclusively sold on the TodayTix app. Learn more about how to get discounted tickets to Tripping on Life here!

MEDEA: RE-VERSED World Premiere, THE COUNTRY WIFE & More Set for Red Bull Theater 2023-24 Season

RED BULL THEATER has unveiled its 2023-’24 season, including a world premiere opening Off-Broadway and much more. See full programing and learn how to purchase tickets!

Best Broadway Shows in 2023

Not sure about which Broadway show to see in 2023? Check out a full list of what's new on Broadway and which productions to catch before they're gone for good!

Samuel L. Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Kerry Washington & More Join PURLIE VICTORIOUS as Producers

Don't miss out on the exciting collaboration between Hollywood heavyweights Samuel L. Jackson, Phylicia Rashad, Kerry Washington, and others for the upcoming Broadway production of PURLIE VICTORIOUS. Get all the details about this highly anticipated musical that is set to make a splash on the theater scene.

Meet the Cast of PURLIE VICTORIOUS, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!

The first Broadway revival of the American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by legendary Ossie Davis will officially open on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at The Music Box Theatre. Meet the cast of Purlie Victorious here!

Photos: Inside Opening Night of PAY THE WRITER At Pershing Square Signature Center

Craig Bierko, Bebe Neuwirth, Maryann Plunkett, Jay O. Sanders, Maulik Pancholy, Noah Ricketts, Sharon Brown, Seth Rudetsky, Erik Bottcher, Julian Elijah Martinez, Kevyn Morrow, and Frank Wood among others, attended Opening Night of Pay the Writer on August 21, 2023. See photos from the opening night celebration!

Photos: See Portraits of the Company of PURLIE VICTORIOUS

Explore a collection of stunning portraits featuring the talented cast of PURLIE VICTORIOUS. Get to know the actors bringing this hit show to life.

Lin Shaye Brings TRIPPING ON LIFE to New York

Following a sold-out, award-winning Hollywood production of Tripping on Life, legendary, Emmy-winning actress Lin Shaye is bringing her solo show to New York City. Directed by Robert Galinsky, Tripping on Life will begin previews on September 8 in advance of its opening night on Monday, September 18, at 6:30 PM. It will run through October 8, 2023 at Theatre Row, located at 410 West 42 Street.

Video: What is PURLIE VICTORIOUS All About? The Cast Explains!

What's Purlie Victorious all about? In this video, watch as Kenny Leon and cast explain!

National Black Theatre Joins PURLIE VICTORIOUS Producing Team

Learn about the exciting collaboration between National Black Theatre and the production team of PURLIE VICTORIOUS. Discover how this partnership is set to enhance the upcoming show and bring a unique experience to audiences.

Photos: Leslie Odom, Jr. and Cast of PURLIE VICTORIOUS Meet the Press

Rehearsals are now underway for the first Broadway revival of the American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by legendary Ossie Davis will officially open on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at The Music Box Theatre. Check out photos of the cast!

Bill Irwin and Jacob Ming-Trent to Join Eden Espinosa & More at WTF Cabaret

Don't miss the incredible lineup featuring Bill Irwin and Jacob Ming-Trent, joining Eden Espinosa and more at the highly anticipated WTF Cabaret. Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary performances and talent on display.

PURLIE VICTORIOUS Starring Leslie Odom, Jr. Sets September Opening Night Date on Broadway

The first Broadway revival of the American comedy Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch by legendary Ossie Davis will officially open in September. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Eden Espinosa, Alison Pill, Asmeret Ghebremichael & More Join Williamstown Theatre Festival Programming

Williamstown Theatre Festival has revealed the lineup for the WTF Cabaret, a cabaret series curated in partnership with Tony Award nominee and Festival mainstay Christopher Fitzgerald. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

Playing On Air Reveals Summer 2023 Season Of Audio Plays Featuring John Patrick Shanley, Debra Messing & More

Playing on Air has revealed its Summer 2023 podcast season, featuring an exciting lineup of nine audio plays curated and produced by Founder and Consulting Director Claudia Catania.

Richard Kind & James Pickens, Jr. to Star in A TAILOR NEAR ME at The New Jersey Repertory Company This Summer

The New Jersey Repertory Company will present the world premiere of Michael Tucker's comedy A Tailor Near Me, directed by James Glossman. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets!

Jay O. Sanders FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Jay O. Sanders's next show will be Purlie Victorious which opens on 9/27/2023 on Broadway.

Jay O. Sanders has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

Jay O. Sanders has not appeared in the West End

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 .

Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya Outstanding Ensemble Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweet and Sadand Performance (Obie Awards) for Sweet and Sad.

Get Jay O. Sanders Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You