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Thom Sesma

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BIO

"I was born in Sasebo, Japan, and raised in San Diego, California. My dad was an American Naval officer and my mother was from a traditional Japanese family. I attended UC San Diego where I studied Modern European Intellectual History. Fully convinced that my degree had somehow qualified me for a life in show business, I began my acting career not long after, moving to New York where I made my Broadway debut in the original production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. Since then I’ve managed to spend most of my life in rehearsal studios, on stages large and small, in front of cameras on tv and film sets around the country, in works ranging from classical theatre to splashy musical comedies, from police procedurals and hospital dramas to soap operas and sitcoms.



I’m very proud of my Basque-American and Japanese heritage, and I am a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in every field of our profession. The challenges that I’ve faced as an actor of color have influenced and continue to influence my work in what I hope are positive ways, and if that has changed even one person’s mind - one who could never before have imagined an Asian-American Sweeney Todd, or an Asian-American Tolstoy, or a designer of RMS Titanic, a Christie murder mystery suspect with an incomprehensible Italian accent, or a drag queen in St Tropez, any of whom could be portrayed by an Asian American - that will be enough."

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Dead Outlaw Dead Outlaw
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2025
Coroner Noguchi ()
Dead Outlaw Dead Outlaw
[Off-Broadway]
Audible Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2024
Performer
Performer
Arden of Faversham Arden of Faversham
[Off-Broadway]
Red Bull Theatre Off-Broadway Production, 2023
Franklin [Replacement]
Franklin [Replacement]
A Man Of No Importance A Man Of No Importance
[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Off-Broadway Production, 2022
Mr. Carney
Mr. Carney
Unknown Soldier Unknown Soldier
[Off-Broadway]
Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway Premiere, 2020
Doctor
Doctor
Superhero Superhero
[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theater World Premiere, 2019
Vic
Vic
The Enchanted Cottage The Enchanted Cottage
[Off-Broadway]
Gingold Theatrical Group Reading, 2018
Performer
Performer
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Off-Broadway Revival, 2018
Givola
Givola
A Woman of No Importance A Woman of No Importance
[Off-Broadway]
One Night Only Concert Presentation Production, 2017
Performer
Performer
Captain Brassbound's Conversion
[Off-Broadway]
Concert Presentation, 2017
Performer
Performer
The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickins and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickins and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord
[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 2017
Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy
Pacific Overtures Pacific Overtures
[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Off-Broadway Revival, 2017
Performer
Performer
Sweeney Todd Sweeney Todd
[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Transfer from London Production, 2016
Sweeney Todd [Replacement]
Sweeney Todd [Replacement]
Waterfall Waterfall
[Regional (US)]
5th Avenue Theatre Production, 2015
Chao-Khun
Chao-Khun
Craving for Travel Craving for Travel
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2014
Gary
Gary
A Hard Heart
[Off-Broadway]
2007
Performer
Performer
The Times They are A-Changin' The Times They are A-Changin'
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Captain Ahrab
Captain Ahrab
The Times They are A-Changin'
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2006
Capt. Arab
Capt. Arab
Man of La Mancha Man of La Mancha
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2002
Juan
Juan
Dr. Carrasco (Understudy)
Dr. Carrasco (Unknown)
Dr. Carrasco (Unknown)
Dr. Carrasco (Unknown)
Dr. Carrasco (Unknown)
Dr. Carrasco (Unknown)
Dr. Carrasco (Unknown)
Othello
[Off-Broadway]
2001
Montano
Montano
Romeo and Juliet
[St. Paul, MN (Regional)]
World Premiere, 1999
Lord Capulet
Lord Capulet
Cymbeline
[Off-Broadway]
1998
Caius Lucius
Caius Lucius
As Thousands Cheer
[Off-Broadway]
1998
Performer
Performer
Face Value
[Broadway]
0
Randall Lee (Saint Tome (Sao Tome) and Principe)
Randall Lee (St. Louis, MO (Regional))
Randall Lee (Standby)
Search and Destroy
[Broadway]
1992
Lee
Lee
Nick & Nora
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1991
Yukido
Performer
Yukido
Performer
Merrily We Roll Along
[Regional (US)]
Regional Production, 1990
Ruben
Photographer
Ensemble
Ruben
Photographer
Ensemble
Baba Goya
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Criminal
Criminal
Chu Chem
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1989
The Prince
The Prince
In a Pig's Valise
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Root Choyce
Root Choyce
Chu Chem
[Off-Broadway]
1988
The Prince
The Prince
Rashomon
[Off-Broadway]
1988
Priest
Priest
La Cage aux Folles
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Pepe [Replacement]
Pepe [Replacement]
Jacob (Understudy) [Replacement]
Jacob (Unknown) [Replacement]
Jacob (Unknown) [Replacement]
Jacob (Unknown) [Replacement]
Jacob (Unknown) [Replacement]
Jacob (Unknown) [Replacement]
Jacob (Unknown) [Replacement]
Chaplin
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1983
Performer
Performer

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical

Thom Sesma, Dead Outlaw


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical

Thom Sesma, Dead Outlaw

The Lortels - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical

Thom Sesma, Dead Outlaw

The Lortels - 2018 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical

Thom Sesma, Pacific Overtures

Helen Hayes Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Musical

Thom SesmaMiss Saigon

Videos

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News


PBS's STAGEBOUND Sets Andrew Durand for Episode 2; Release Date Revealed Photo
PBS's STAGEBOUND Sets Andrew Durand for Episode 2; Release Date Revealed
by Josh Sharpe - May 19, 2025

Great Performances has unveiled new details about the second episode of Stagebound, the digital series that follows Broadway performers on their journey to opening night. The upcoming episode will feature Dead Outlaw's Andrew Durand and is set to debut Wednesday, May 21 at 12 p.m.
Video: 'Killed a Man in Maine' From DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway Photo
Video: 'Killed a Man in Maine' From DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2025

Seven-time Tony Award-nominated new musical Dead Outlaw released a never-before-seen video of leading man, Tony Award nominee Andrew Durand, performing “Killed a Man in Maine.” Watch the video here!
Videos You Missed This Week: Meet the Tony Nominees and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: Meet the Tony Nominees and More
by Sidney Paterra - May 16, 2025

The 2024-25 Broadway season is officially complete and awards season has begun. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending May 16, 2025 with videos from Death Becomes Her, Sunset Boulevard, and more!
Art Lab Presents Third Annual TOAST TO BROADWAY This June Photo
Art Lab Presents Third Annual TOAST TO BROADWAY This June
by A.A. Cristi - May 16, 2025

Art Lab will present its third annual Toast to Broadway, celebrating the New York theatrical season and honoring the artists who make it happen. The event takes place on Monday, June 16, 2025 starting at 6 p.m. at The Players NYC (16 Gramercy Park South).
Video: DEAD OUTLAW Cast Performs 'Something From Nothing' and 'Normal' on TODAY Photo
Video: DEAD OUTLAW Cast Performs 'Something From Nothing' and 'Normal' on TODAY
by Josh Sharpe - May 15, 2025

As part of The Today Show's ongoing Broadway showcase, the cast of Dead Outlaw visited the morning show to perform a selection of songs from the musical. Watch them now!
Video: Highlights from DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway Photo
Video: Highlights from DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - May 12, 2025

Dead Outlaw just released a first look at the 7-time Tony Award-nominated production featuring Tony Award nominees Andrew Durand, Jeb Brown, Julia Knitel and the full company including Eddie Cooper, Dashiell Eaves, Ken Marks, Trent Saunders, and Thom Sesma. Watch the vide0 here!
2025 Outer Critics Circle Awards Winners- The Full List Photo
2025 Outer Critics Circle Awards Winners- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - May 12, 2025

The Outer Critics Circle has announced the winners for the 2025 Outer Critics Circle Awards, honoring the 2024-2025 Broadway and Off-Broadway season. Check out the full list here!
DEAD OUTLAW Cancels Appearance at the Library of Congress Photo
DEAD OUTLAW Cancels Appearance at the Library of Congress
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 9, 2025

The Broadway production of Dead Outlaw has cancelled their upcoming appearance at the Library of Congress. Read the company's statement here and learn more about the production.
Listen: First Seven Songs Released From DEAD OUTLAW Photo
Listen: First Seven Songs Released From DEAD OUTLAW
by Stephi Wild - May 2, 2025

The first seven songs have been released from the seven-time Tony Award-nominated new musical Dead Outlaw, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna. Listen here!
DEAD OUTLAW Releases New Block of Tickets Photo
DEAD OUTLAW Releases New Block of Tickets
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025

A new block of tickets for Dead Outlaw is now on sale. Written by Itamar Moses, featuring music and lyrics from David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, and directed by David Cromer, Dead Outlaw opened at the Longacre Theatre on Sunday, April 27.
Photos: DEAD OUTLAW Cast Takes Opening Night Bows Photo
Photos: DEAD OUTLAW Cast Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 28, 2025

Dead Outlaw officially opened on Broadway on April 27 at the Longacre Theatre. BroadwayWorld was there for opening night and you can check out photos of the cast taking their bows here!
Review Roundup: DEAD OUTLAW Opens on Broadway Photo
Review Roundup: DEAD OUTLAW Opens on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 27, 2025

Dead Outlaw has offically opened on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre! The new musical features a book by Itamar Moses, music and lyrics from David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, and is directed by David Cromer. Let's see what the critics are saying about the new musical...
Photos: First Look at DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway Photo
Photos: First Look at DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 27, 2025

Ahead of its opening at the Longacre Theatre, Dead Outlaw has just released new production images. Check out new photos here!
Interview: Jeb Brown’s Not Dead Photo
Interview: Jeb Brown’s Not Dead
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 25, 2025

Jeb Brown is very much alive, as audiences at the Longacre Theatre can attest. This spring he returns to the stage (in his 10th Broadway show) in Dead Outlaw, the weird and wonderful new musical that is shaking up this theatre season. Ahead of opening night Brown checked in with BroadwayWorld to discuss the show’s journey to Broadway, why why feels so at home with this company, and so much more.
Artifacts From DEAD OUTLAW Will be Added to Library of Congress Photo
Artifacts From DEAD OUTLAW Will be Added to Library of Congress
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2025

BroadwayWorld has just learned that the award-winning Dead Outlaw will be formally enshrined into the Library of Congress collections in Washington, D.C. on Monday, May 12, 2025. We have all of the details here.
Photos: Elvis Costello Visits DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway Photo
Photos: Elvis Costello Visits DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 23, 2025

Music legend Elvis Costello visited the company of Dead Outlaw backstage after seeing the Broadway Musical. See photos here and learn more about the production.
DEAD OUTLAW Will Give Free Performance at the Library of Congress Photo
DEAD OUTLAW Will Give Free Performance at the Library of Congress
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2025

The Library of Congress will welcome Tony Award-winning composer David Yazbek and company members from Broadway’s 'Dead Outlaw' to the Coolidge Auditorium for an exclusive performance of selections from the show.
Photos: Andrew Durand and More in DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway Photo
Photos: Andrew Durand and More in DEAD OUTLAW on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 21, 2025

You can now get a first look at production photos for the Broadway premiere of Dead Outlaw, with a book by Itamar Moses, featuring music and lyrics from David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna. Check out photos here!
Photos: DEAD OUTLAW Begins Broadway Previews Photo
Photos: DEAD OUTLAW Begins Broadway Previews
by Stephi Wild - Apr 14, 2025

On Saturday, the new musical, Dead Outlaw, played its first performance on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre. Check out photos from the first preview here!
Meet the Cast of DEAD OUTLAW, Now Playing on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of DEAD OUTLAW, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Apr 12, 2025

Broadway performances are now underway for Dead Outlaw, written by Itamar Moses, featuring music and lyrics from David Yazbek and Erik Della Penna, and directed by David Cromer. Meet the cast of Dead Outlaw!
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Thom Sesma been in?

Thom Sesma has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.

How many West End shows has Thom Sesma been in?

Thom Sesma has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Thom Sesma been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical (The Lortels) for Dead Outlaw, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (The Lortels) for Pacific Overtures and Outstanding Lead Actor, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for Miss Saigon.

What awards has Thom Sesma won?

Thom Sesma won the Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for his role in Dead Outlaw.

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