Justin Cooley
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Six Degrees of Broadway
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Justin Cooley
Connection
BIO
JUSTIN COOLEY will be making his Broadway debut with Kimberly Akimbo, after originating the role of Seth in the off-Broadway world premiere. A musical theatre student at Texas Christian University from Kansas City, he was a part of the 2021 Jimmy Awards and was featured as a finalist. He has starred in several shows around the Kansas City Metro area and his high school Olathe East. Recent credits include Dmitry in Anastasia, Dennis in All Shook Up, and Terk in Tarzan.
Photos
Aaron Glick, Timothy Bloom, Danny Mefford, Leana Rae Concepcion, Autumn Best, Matt Manuel, Kevin McHale, Lilli Cooper, Justin Cooley, Philippe Arroyo, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jason Kravits, Barbara Whitman
Date:
11/16/2025
From: Photos: The Cast Of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Celebrates Opening Night
Jason Kravits, Cecilia Snow, Kevin McHale, Autumn Best, Justin Cooley, Jasmine Amy Rogers, Philippe Arroyo, Leana Rae Concepcion, Jahbril Cook, Lilli Cooper, Matt Manuel, Emily Nicole Rudolph, Brandon L. Armstrong
Date:
10/28/2025
From: Photos: Meet the Cast of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Off-Broadway
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STAGE CREDITS
See how Justin Cooley connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Awards and Nominations
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2026 - Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical
Justin Cooley, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical
Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
winner
Theatre World Awards - 2021 - Theatre World Awards
Justin Cooley, Kimberly Akimbo
Videos
Video: Scripps National Spelling Bee Winner Makes Guest Appearance in SPELLING BEE Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - 2026-06-02 09:47:01
Video: Amber Riley Joins GLEE Co-Star Kevin McHale in SPELLING BEE
by Michael Major - 2026-03-12 11:44:25
Video: In Rehearsals with the Cast of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Joey Mervis - 2025-11-01 12:00:20
Video: Watch KIMBERLY AKIMBO Perform 'This Time' on THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
by Michael Major - 2024-02-07 10:20:35
VIDEO: KIMBERLY AKIMBO's Steven Boyer and Alli Mauzey Talk Food & Drinks Near the Theater
by Blair Ingenthron - 2023-10-15 14:19:54
Video: Victoria Clark Reveals How Her Son Broke Her Tony Award
by Michael Major - 2023-08-28 13:37:51
Video: A Tony Nomination Was Beyond Justin Cooley's Wildest Dreams
by Richard Ridge - 2023-06-02 16:45:31
Video: KIMBERLY AKIMBO Kicks Off CBS MORNINGS' 'Road to the Tonys' Series
by Michael Major - 2023-05-24 10:53:40
Video: Watch KIMBERLY AKIMBO's NPR Tiny Desk Concert With Bonnie Milligan, Victoria Clark & More
by Michael Major - 2023-05-19 13:31:08
Photos & Video: See Adrianna Hicks, J. Harrison Ghee & More at The Shubert Foundation's 2023 High School Theatre Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-03-22 17:45:42
VIDEO: Victoria Clark & KIMBERLY AKIMBO Cast Perform 'Anagram' on the TODAY SHOW
by Michael Major - 2022-12-27 10:26:11
News
Kevin McHale to Depart 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE in August
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
Kevin McHale, who made his New York stage debut as William Barfée, will play his final performance in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in August.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 23, 2026
Kevin McHale, who made his New York stage debut as William Barfée, will play his final performance in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in August.
Photos: Laura Marano and Fernell Hogan Join THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Stephi Wild - Jul 2, 2026
Disney Channel star Laura Marano and Fernell Hogan have joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre and Leaf Coneybear, respectively. Check out photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 2, 2026
Disney Channel star Laura Marano and Fernell Hogan have joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre and Leaf Coneybear, respectively. Check out photos here!
Top Off-Broadway Shows for July 2026
by Sidney Paterra - Jul 1, 2026
What’s happening Off-Broadway in July? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this season, including one-person shows by celebrities, world premiere plays, musical revivals and more.
by Sidney Paterra - Jul 1, 2026
What’s happening Off-Broadway in July? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre this season, including one-person shows by celebrities, world premiere plays, musical revivals and more.
Alex Newell to Join THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 25, 2026
Tony Award winner Alex Newell will join the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as the Bee’s moderator & 3rd annual Putnam County spelling champion Rona Lisa Peretti.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 25, 2026
Tony Award winner Alex Newell will join the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as the Bee’s moderator & 3rd annual Putnam County spelling champion Rona Lisa Peretti.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 23, 2026- Go Inside the Jimmy Awards and More
by - Jun 23, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 23, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Jun 23, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 23, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 17, 2026- THE BOOK OF MORMON Tops the Grosses and More
by - Jun 17, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 17, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours
by - Jun 17, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 17, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours
Nina White and Fernell Hogan Join THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 16, 2026
Nina White and Fernell Hogan will be joining the Off-Broadway company of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, replacing Jasmine Amy Rogers and Justin Cooley in the roles of Olive and Leaf Coneybear.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 16, 2026
Nina White and Fernell Hogan will be joining the Off-Broadway company of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, replacing Jasmine Amy Rogers and Justin Cooley in the roles of Olive and Leaf Coneybear.
Exclusive: Go Backstage at THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE with The Dressing Room Project
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 15, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is going strong at New World Stages and the cast is giving a special look behind the curtain with Michael Kushner's The Dressing Room Project. Check out exclusive photos from backstage with the full company!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 15, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is going strong at New World Stages and the cast is giving a special look behind the curtain with Michael Kushner's The Dressing Room Project. Check out exclusive photos from backstage with the full company!
Lilli Cooper and Jasmine Amy Rogers to Depart SPELLING BEE This Summer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 9, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee cast members Lilli Cooper and Jasmine Amy Rogers will each complete their extended runs in the production this summer.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 9, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee cast members Lilli Cooper and Jasmine Amy Rogers will each complete their extended runs in the production this summer.
Disney Channel's Laura Marano to Join THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNUM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2026
Television star and singer/songwriter Laura Marano will make her New York stage debut as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 4, 2026
Television star and singer/songwriter Laura Marano will make her New York stage debut as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway.
Video: Scripps National Spelling Bee Winner Makes Guest Appearance in SPELLING BEE Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2026
The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee winner, Shrey Parikh, put his spelling skills to the test as one of the guest spellers in the award-winning revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Check out video here!
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2026
The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee winner, Shrey Parikh, put his spelling skills to the test as one of the guest spellers in the award-winning revival of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Check out video here!
SCHMIGADOON!, THE BALUSTERS and GIANT Win Top Categories at 2026 Dorian Theater Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 1, 2026
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics kicked off Pride Month by bestowing Prince Faggot and Ragtime top honors in the group’s fourth annual Dorian Theater Awards.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 1, 2026
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics kicked off Pride Month by bestowing Prince Faggot and Ragtime top honors in the group’s fourth annual Dorian Theater Awards.
Photos: First Look at Jon Cryer in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Nicole Rosky - May 20, 2026
There's a new VP at the bee! Emmy Award-winning comedic legend Jon Cryer just joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Vice Principal Douglas Panch. Check out an exclusive first look at him in action here!
by Nicole Rosky - May 20, 2026
There's a new VP at the bee! Emmy Award-winning comedic legend Jon Cryer just joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Vice Principal Douglas Panch. Check out an exclusive first look at him in action here!
2026 Drama League Awards Winners- Joshua Henry, MEXODUS, LIBERATION Win Big
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway were on hand at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate 92nd Annual Drama League Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Check out a full list of winners here.
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2026
The best of Broadway and off-Broadway were on hand at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate 92nd Annual Drama League Awards, hosted by Emmy Award winner Frank DiLella. Check out a full list of winners here.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Cancels Thursday Night Performance
by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2026
The Off=Broadway production of The 25th Annual County Spelling Bee has announced the cancellation of tonight's performance due to illness. The production shared the news on a social post earlier this evening.
by A.A. Cristi - May 14, 2026
The Off=Broadway production of The 25th Annual County Spelling Bee has announced the cancellation of tonight's performance due to illness. The production shared the news on a social post earlier this evening.
SCHMIGADOON! and THE LOST BOYS Lead 2026 Dorian Award Nominations
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2026
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics announced nominations for the 4th annual Dorian Theater Awards, with SCHMIGADOON! earning nine nods and THE LOST BOYS close behind with eight nominations.
by A.A. Cristi - May 13, 2026
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics announced nominations for the 4th annual Dorian Theater Awards, with SCHMIGADOON! earning nine nods and THE LOST BOYS close behind with eight nominations.
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Winners- RAGTIME and SCHMIGADOON! Lead the Pack
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026
The Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town, national, and digital news publications, has just announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards. We have the full list.
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026
The Outer Critics Circle (OCC), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town, national, and digital news publications, has just announced the winners of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards. We have the full list.
Jon Cryer Joins Spelling Bee at New World Stages
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026
Jon Cryer steps into The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Vice Principal Douglas Panch starting May 11 at New World Stages.
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026
Jon Cryer steps into The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Vice Principal Douglas Panch starting May 11 at New World Stages.
Photos: Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, Kara Young and More on the 2026 Lucille Lortel Awards Red Carpet
by Jennifer Broski - May 4, 2026
The 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – were presented at the annual ceremony at NYU Skirball. See photos from the red carpet here!
by Jennifer Broski - May 4, 2026
The 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – were presented at the annual ceremony at NYU Skirball. See photos from the red carpet here!
2026 Lucille Lortel Awards Winners
by Nicole Rosky - May 3, 2026
The 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – will be presented at the annual ceremony tonight, May 3, 2026, at NYU Skirball beginning at 7:00pm.
by Nicole Rosky - May 3, 2026
The 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – will be presented at the annual ceremony tonight, May 3, 2026, at NYU Skirball beginning at 7:00pm.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Justin Cooley been nominated for?
Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kimberly Akimbo, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Kimberly Akimbo, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Kimberly Akimbo and Theatre World Awards (Theatre World Awards) for Kimberly Akimbo.
How many Broadway shows has Justin Cooley been in?
Justin Cooley has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.
How many West End shows has Justin Cooley been in?
Justin Cooley has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Justin Cooley won?
Justin Cooley has been recognized with several awards, including the 2023 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role in the production of "*Sweeney Todd*." He also received a nomination for the Broadway World Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Additionally, Cooley earned the Industry Recognition Award from the Actors Fund. His performances have garnered acclaim, highlighting his talent and contributions to the theatrical landscape.
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