Justin Cooley
Latest News on Justin Cooley:
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 21, 2026)
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 20, 2026)
Jon Cryer to Join THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Apr 14, 2026)
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 21, 2026)
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List (Apr 20, 2026)
Jon Cryer to Join THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Apr 14, 2026)
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
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: Amber Riley Joins GLEE Co-Star Kevin McHale in SPELLING BEE
by Michael Major - 2026-03-12 11:44:25
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
2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026
Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 21, 2026
Isa Briones and Sepideh Moafi hosted the live announcement of the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Award Nominations. Check out the full list of nominations here!
2026 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
The Drama League has announced the 2026 Drama League Awards Nominees, which include Chess, Heathers, Ragtime, The Rocky Horror Show, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, Titanique, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), and more. Check out the full list here!
Jon Cryer to Join THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2026
Emmy Award-winning comedic legend Jon Cryer will return to his theater roots and join the cast as Vice Principal Douglas Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2026
Emmy Award-winning comedic legend Jon Cryer will return to his theater roots and join the cast as Vice Principal Douglas Panch in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Matt Manuel Shares Backstage Scoop From THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
In this edition of Words From The Wings, we catch up with Matt Manuel, who plays Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off-Broadway, to share some of his favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
In this edition of Words From The Wings, we catch up with Matt Manuel, who plays Mitch Mahoney in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee off-Broadway, to share some of his favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
MEXODUS and PRINCE F*GGOT Lead 2026 Lucille Lortel Nominations
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 1, 2026
Nominations for the 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – were announced by Amber Gray and Harvey Guillén. Check out the full list of nominees here!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 1, 2026
Nominations for the 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards – the only New York theatre award to exclusively honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway – were announced by Amber Gray and Harvey Guillén. Check out the full list of nominees here!
Video: Whitney Leavitt Joins SPELLING BEE as Guest Speller
by Michael Major - Mar 13, 2026
Whitney Leavitt made a special appearance at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee this week. Watch a video of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star and Dancing With the Stars alum as a 'guest speller' on her night off from Chicago.
by Michael Major - Mar 13, 2026
Whitney Leavitt made a special appearance at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee this week. Watch a video of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star and Dancing With the Stars alum as a 'guest speller' on her night off from Chicago.
Video: Amber Riley Joins GLEE Co-Star Kevin McHale in SPELLING BEE
by Michael Major - Mar 12, 2026
There was a special Glee reunion at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! Amber Riley, who played Mercedes Jones in the hit musical series, joined co-star Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams, as a guest speller. Watch the video!
by Michael Major - Mar 12, 2026
There was a special Glee reunion at The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! Amber Riley, who played Mercedes Jones in the hit musical series, joined co-star Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams, as a guest speller. Watch the video!
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Extends Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has been extended for a second time, Off-Broadway at New World Stages.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has been extended for a second time, Off-Broadway at New World Stages.
Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda Joins the Competition at THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 14, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway revival recently welcomed a very special guest speller to the competiton, Broadway icon, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Check out video below as Lin takes his turn in the contest.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 14, 2026
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway revival recently welcomed a very special guest speller to the competiton, Broadway icon, Lin-Manuel Miranda. Check out video below as Lin takes his turn in the contest.
Video: Daniel Radcliffe Joins SPELLING BEE as Guest Speller
by Michael Major - Nov 25, 2025
Tony-winner Daniel Radcliffe joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway as a 'guest speller.' Watch the Harry Potter alum spell 'THEATRE' and more in a new video!
by Michael Major - Nov 25, 2025
Tony-winner Daniel Radcliffe joined the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Off-Broadway as a 'guest speller.' Watch the Harry Potter alum spell 'THEATRE' and more in a new video!
Photos: Kevin McHale, Jasmine Amy Rogers and More in SPELLING BEE Portraits
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
The recently extended Off-Broadway production of the cult-hit musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is officially open at New World Stages! See photos from the opening night photo booth!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
The recently extended Off-Broadway production of the cult-hit musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is officially open at New World Stages! See photos from the opening night photo booth!
Review Roundup: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Returns Off-Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 18, 2025
The recently extended Off-Broadway production of the cult-hit musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is now open at New World Stages! Read the reviews here!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 18, 2025
The recently extended Off-Broadway production of the cult-hit musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is now open at New World Stages! Read the reviews here!
Photos: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Opens At New World Stages
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 18, 2025
This past weekend, the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and friends celebrated their opening night. Check out photos of the star-studded cast and guests, including members of he original Broadway cast!
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 18, 2025
This past weekend, the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and friends celebrated their opening night. Check out photos of the star-studded cast and guests, including members of he original Broadway cast!
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Extends Run at New World Stages
by Stephi Wild - Nov 17, 2025
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will extend its run off-Broadway through April 12, 2026, due to popular demand. The production opens tonight, Monday, November 17, at New World Stages, and celebrated with a gala on Sunday, November 16.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 17, 2025
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will extend its run off-Broadway through April 12, 2026, due to popular demand. The production opens tonight, Monday, November 17, at New World Stages, and celebrated with a gala on Sunday, November 16.
Photos: The Cast Of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Celebrates Opening Night
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 17, 2025
Check out photos of the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on the opening night red carpet for the Off-Broadway production running now at New World Stages.
by Jennifer Broski - Nov 17, 2025
Check out photos of the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on the opening night red carpet for the Off-Broadway production running now at New World Stages.
Photos: First Look at THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE At New World Stages
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 14, 2025
Official production photos have been released of the first New York revival of the landmark Tony Award-winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, now in previews at New World Stages.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 14, 2025
Official production photos have been released of the first New York revival of the landmark Tony Award-winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, now in previews at New World Stages.
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE to Offer $49 Digital Rush Tickets
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 11, 2025
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is launching a digital rush policy. A limited number of $49 digital rush tickets for each day's performance(s) will be available.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 11, 2025
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is launching a digital rush policy. A limited number of $49 digital rush tickets for each day's performance(s) will be available.
Video: In Rehearsals with the Cast of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Joey Mervis - Nov 1, 2025
Six spellers enter, but only one can win The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! The much anticipated NYC revival of the beloved musical is getting ready to begin performances at New World Stages. Watch in this video as the company tells us all about the new revival!
by Joey Mervis - Nov 1, 2025
Six spellers enter, but only one can win The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! The much anticipated NYC revival of the beloved musical is getting ready to begin performances at New World Stages. Watch in this video as the company tells us all about the new revival!
Photos: Meet the Cast of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Off-Broadway
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 30, 2025
Spellers at the ready! The first New York revival of the landmark Tony Award-winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is getting ready for previews. The cast just met the press and you can check out photos here!
by Jennifer Broski - Oct 30, 2025
Spellers at the ready! The first New York revival of the landmark Tony Award-winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is getting ready for previews. The cast just met the press and you can check out photos here!
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of PUNCH
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 7, 2025
Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Punch, by James Graham, celebrated opening night at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre just last week. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals Special guests included Bernadette Peters, Josh Radnor, Norbert Leo Butz, Zosia Mamet, Bonnie Milligan, Margaret Colin, and many more.
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 7, 2025
Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Punch, by James Graham, celebrated opening night at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre just last week. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals Special guests included Bernadette Peters, Josh Radnor, Norbert Leo Butz, Zosia Mamet, Bonnie Milligan, Margaret Colin, and many more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Justin Cooley been nominated for?
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 won the Theatre World Award for his performance in Kimberly Akimbo.
Videos