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Benjamin Schiff Platt (born September 24, 1993) is an American actor and singer. The son of film and theater producer Marc Platt and philanthropist , he began his acting career in as a child and appeared in productions of The Sound of Music (2006) and The Book of Mormon (2012–2015), rising to prominence for originating the in the coming-of-age musical Dear Evan Hansen (2015–2017). His performance in the latter earned him multiple accolades, including the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical (making him the youngest solo recipient of the award at the time), a Daytime Emmy, and a Grammy Award. Platt reprised the role of Evan Hansen in the 2021 film adaptation of the musical, produced by his father. His portrayal of in the 2023 Broadway revival of Parade earned him nominations for a Tony and a Grammy.

Platt's film credits include the Pitch Perfect film series (2012–2017), Ricki and the Flash (2015), Run This Town (2019), and (2023), the latter of which he also co-wrote. Since 2019, he has starred in the comedy-drama series The Politician, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

Platt signed with in 2017 and released his debut studio album Sing to Me Instead in March 2019. In May 2020, the concert film Ben Platt Live from Radio City Music Hall debuted on Netflix. Platt's second studio album Reverie was released on August 13, 2021. After signing with in 2023, Platt's third studio album was released on May 31, 2024.

In 2017, Platt was included on the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.


Early life
Platt was born in Los Angeles, the fourth of five children of and Marc Platt. His father is a film, television, and theater producer whose credits include , Into the Woods, La La Land, Mary Poppins Returns, the musical Wicked, and its film adaptation. He has two sisters and two brothers, including actor Jonah Platt. He and his family are Jewish.

He attended the Adderley School for Performing Arts in Pacific Palisades, performing in productions like Bye Bye Birdie and Into the Woods. Platt attended Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, graduating in 2011. He then enrolled at Columbia University in New York but dropped out after seven weeks to fulfill his contract with The Book of Mormon. During his time at Columbia, he was a member of the campus musical group Nonsequitur.


Career

2002–2014: Early stage and The Book of Mormon
At 9 years old, Platt played Winthrop Paroo in The Music Man at the alongside Kristin Chenoweth. At 11, he appeared in a brief national tour of Caroline, or Change, by and . At 17, he played Jean Valjean in Kidz Theater's production of Les Misérables. His other early roles include the role of Claude Bukowski in Columbia University's production of . He has also collaborated on a workshop of Alice by Heart, by and , a new take on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

In 2012, Platt was cast as Elder Arnold Cunningham in the Chicago production of The Book of Mormon. The show premiered at the Bank of America Theatre on December 19, 2012, after a week of previews. The production was well received and closed on October 6, 2013. Critics lauded Platt's performance, calling him a "true revelation in this brand new Chicago production... He really leans into this part, throwing himself out there with the abandonment of youth". Platt later reprised his role as Elder Cunningham on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre from January 7, 2014, to January 6, 2015.


2015–2017: Film work and Dear Evan Hansen
In 2012, Platt had a supporting role in the musical comedy , loosely based on the non-fiction book Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory. Platt played the magic-loving Benji Applebaum, alongside an ensemble cast including , , , , , and . The film emerged as a major commercial success and received mostly positive reviews from critics. He was subsequently nominated at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards in the Choice Movie Scene Stealer category for his work. In 2015, Platt reprised his role as Benji Applebaum in the sequel, Pitch Perfect 2, followed by appearances in the films Ricki and the Flash and Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk.

Platt became attached to and Pasek and Paul's then Untitled P&P Project in 2014, participating in early read-throughs and workshops. By 2015, the musical, titled Dear Evan Hansen, had begun production in Washington, D.C. at the with Platt originating the . The show premiered on July 9, 2015, and it closed on August 23, 2015. The overwhelming positive reception toward the production and Platt's performance resulted in the show being transferred to .

In 2016, Platt once again originated the role of Evan Hansen at Second Stage Theatre. Platt and the cast played a month of previews, beginning on March 26, 2016, before premiering on May 1, 2016. The limited engagement sold out its entire run with Platt playing his last performance on May 26, 2016.

In December 2016, Platt originated the title role in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre. Critics hailed his work, calling it "historic" and "one of the greatest leading male performances I've ever seen in a musical". For his performance, Platt won numerous awards including the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. At age 23, Platt was the youngest solo recipient of the Tony Award in the category until won the award in 2022. Platt played his final performance on November 19, 2017.


2017–2020: Debut album and The Politician
In 2017, Platt signed a record deal with . On January 28, 2018, he performed Leonard Bernstein's "Somewhere" live at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards accompanied by and Adele Stein and arranged by .

On March 19, 2018, Platt and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda released "Found/Tonight", a mashup of the Hamilton song "The Story of Tonight" and the Dear Evan Hansen song "You Will Be Found". Platt donated a portion of the proceeds to support the March for Our Lives anti-gun-violence initiative, and also performed on stage with Miranda at the rally in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2018. Platt starred opposite , , and in the historical fiction thriller Run This Town. The casting of Platt caused minor controversy, over allegations that the filmmakers were appropriating the story of female reporter . On March 1, 2018, Platt was confirmed to star in the indie drama opposite , Yvette Nicole Brown, , and . The film premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on April 1, 2021, and was released in the United States on July 23, 2021.

In January 2019, Platt announced that his debut studio album Sing to Me Instead was scheduled for release on March 29, 2019. It was made available for pre-order, along with the songs "Bad Habit" and "Ease My Mind" a few days later. Following the release of his debut album, Platt embarked on his first North American tour in May 2019. The tour ended on September 29, 2019, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, in which the concert there was taped for release on Netflix. Platt released a new single "Rain" on August 23, 2019, followed by a music video on September 10, 2019. On April 21, 2020, Platt revealed on Instagram that the taping of his Radio City concert, in the form of a TV special entitled Ben Platt Live from Radio City Music Hall, would be released on Netflix on May 20, 2020.

On August 29, 2019, it was announced that Platt would be starring in Richard Linklater's film adaptation of Merrily We Roll Along alongside and . The project is set to be shot over the course of twenty years, with principal photography of the first sequence of the film having already been completed prior to the announcement. On January 10, 2023, it was announced that Jenner would be replaced by .

Platt starred as Payton Hobart on the comedy-drama series The Politician, which tells the story of a very driven teen convinced that he's destined to become President of the United States. Platt's casting was announced in March 2018, and the series premiered on September 27, 2019. He received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy for his performance in the series' first season.

Platt released a new single, "So Will I", on May 8, 2020. On May 20, 2020, Platt released Sing to Me Instead (Deluxe), which includes "So Will I", "Rain", and six songs recorded live at Radio City Music Hall, including cover versions of 's "The Joke" and 's "Take Me to the Pilot". On June 8, 2020, Platt released "Everything I Did to Get to You", a new single written by David Davis, which he picked as the winner of his episode of 's songwriting competition show .


2021–present: Reverie, Parade and other projects
In April 2021, Platt teased the chorus of his new single, "Imagine", on . The complete song was released on April 23, 2021, followed by a remix by Dutch electronic producer Tiësto on May 28, 2021. In July, he announced on Twitter that his second studio album, Reverie, for which "Imagine" was released as its first single, would be released on August 13, 2021. The second single, "Happy to Be Sad", was released on July 16, 2021. The Reverie tour was announced on August 13, 2021, spanning 27 stops in North America beginning February 23, 2022, and concluding at the Hollywood Bowl on April 8, 2022. The tour was later postponed due to the COVID pandemic and rescheduled to begin on September 3, 2022, in , Washington before concluding in Hollywood, Florida on October 7, 2022, for a total of 20 stops.

On June 25, 2021, Platt released a cover version of the song "Yoü and I" by , as part of the tenth anniversary of the Born This Way album.

On November 29, 2018, it was announced that Universal Pictures and Platt's father, Marc Platt, secured the film rights to Dear Evan Hansen. On June 18, 2020, Platt confirmed that he was set to reprise his role as Evan Hansen in the film, which would be directed by from a screenplay by Levenson. It premiered as the Opening Night Gala Presentation of the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2021, followed by a release in theaters on September 24, 2021, in time for Platt's 28th birthday. Upon the release of the film's first trailer on May 18, 2021, the casting of Platt as Evan Hansen and the appearance of the film's version of the character received substantial criticism, with viewers commenting that he, at age 27, was too old to play a high schooler. Platt, however, dismissed the response, comparing his age to those of actors who played high school students in the 1978 film Grease. The criticism against the casting went even further, with emerging claims that was involved in the decision. On August 8, 2021, in an interview with on his YouTube talk show, Platt said "I think the reaction is largely from people who don't understand the context of the piece — the fact that I created the role and workshopped it for three years ... Were I not to do the movie, it probably wouldn't get made. And so, I think, my defensive response is to want to go onto Twitter and be like, 'F you, guys. You don't even know that this wouldn't exist without me.' Of course, that's not true entirely and not my place to say. All I have to do is let the work speak for itself."

On March 2, 2021, it was announced that Platt was in talks to star in the film adaptation of 's novel The People We Hate at the Wedding. His casting was announced on July 8, 2021, along with being confirmed to produce the film. The film began production in September 2021 and was released worldwide on streaming platform Amazon Prime Video on November 18, 2022 .

On May 17, 2022, it was announced that Platt would play in the New York City Center production of Parade as the gala production of its 2022/2023 season after playing the role in a workshop conducted by Roundabout Theatre Company in 2018.Rosky, Nicole. "Ben Platt, Micaela Diamond to Star in Parade at New York City Center", Playbill, May 17, 2022Culwell-Block, Logan. "BWW Exclusive: Ben Platt, Michaela Diamond & More Lead Michael Arden-Helmed PARADE Reading", BroadwayWorld, December 27, 2022 Performances ran from November 1 to 6, 2022, and critics responded positively to Platt's return to the theatre stage. A limited Broadway run was announced on January 10, 2023, with Platt continuing his role as Leo Frank. The revival began previews on February 22, 2023, and opened on March 16, 2023, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. The limited run concluded on August 6, 2023. High demand for tickets on the first day of sale resulted in temporarily crashing the Telecharge ticket site, resulting in error messages and queues of an hour long. On the night of the show's first preview, members of the neo-Nazi group National Socialist Movement protested against the production outside the theater. "Antisemitic Protestors Chant at Audience Outside First Preview of Parade", Playbill, February 21, 2023 The cast album for the production was released by Interscope Records on March 23, 2023.Gans, Andrew. "Cast Album of Broadway's Parade, Starring Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, Sets Release Date", Playbill, March 20, 2023 For his performance as Leo Frank, Platt received his second Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.

On June 9, 2022, it was announced that Platt would produce and star in the musical comedy film , inspired by the 2020 short film of the same name he co-wrote with , , and . The film had its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2023, and was acquired shortly after by Searchlight Pictures for a theatrical release beginning July 14, 2023. The movie soundtrack featuring original songs written by Platt, Galvin, Gordon, and Lieberman was released on the same day by Interscope Records. The film was released on streaming service and on September 14, 2023.

On August 31, 2022, before kicking off the , Platt confirmed that he was working on new solo music and was a third of the way through completing his next album. On May 11, 2023, Platt signed with Interscope Records for his future music releases and to operate an imprint for which he will sign and develop talent. On March 12, 2024, Platt announced that his third album would be released on May 31, 2024, with the first single "Andrew" released on March 14, 2024. On March 18, 2024, it was announced that Platt would hold a three-week residency at the Palace Theatre, the first announced event at the theater since its renovations began in 2018. The residency ran for 18 performances between May 28, 2024, and June 15, 2024, and included special guests , Kristin Chenoweth, , , , , , , and Brian d'Arcy James. On April 11, 2024, the second single "Cherry on Top" was released alongside the announcement of The Honeymind Tour, a 21-city North American tour that began on June 18, 2024, in and concluded July 27, 2024, in Seattle.


Personal life
Platt is gay. He told his family when he was twelve years old, and publicly in 2019. On January 12, 2020, Platt began a relationship with (whom he first met in 2015 and the latter succeeded Platt in the title role in Dear Evan Hansen in 2017). They announced their engagement on November 25, 2022, and were married over the Labor Day weekend on September 1, 2024. In April 2025, Platt publicly expressed support for fellow actor, 's speech at the Human Rights Campaign's Visibility Award when she condemned Israel's actions in Gaza. He also stated that his Jewish identity is not defined by Israel. Platt voted for in the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary.


Acting credits

Theater
2002The Music ManLos Angeles
2004MamePatrick Denis
Caroline, or ChangeNoah GellmanNational Tour
2005CamelotTom of WarwickHollywood BowlLos Angeles
Dead EndPhilip GriswaldAhmanson TheatreRegional
2006The Sound of MusicFriedrich von TrappHollywood BowlLos Angeles
2012The Power of DuffRicky DuffRegional
The Black SuitsChris ThurserBarrington Stage CompanyRegional
2012–13The Book of MormonElder Arnold CunninghamChicago
2014–15Eugene O'Neill Theatre
2015Dear Evan HansenWashington, D.C.
Alice by Heart / Alfred Hallam / Workshop
2016The Secret GardenDickon SowerbyDavid Geffen Hall25th Anniversary Concert
Dear Evan HansenEvan HansenSecond Stage TheatreOff-Broadway
2016–17Music Box TheatreBroadway
2018ParadeRoundabout Theatre CompanyWorkshop
2022New York City CenterOff-Broadway
2023Bernard B. Jacobs TheatreBroadway
Gutenberg! The Musical!The Producer
(One night only)
James Earl Jones Theatre
2025' Big Broadway Dream!
(One night only)
HimselfSt. James Theatre


Film
2006Red Riding HoodBoy Scout No. 1
2012Benji Applebaum
2015Pitch Perfect 2
Ricki and the FlashDaniel
2016Billy Lynn's Long Halftime WalkJosh
2017The Female BrainJoel
2019Run This TownBram Shriver
Jason Johnson
2020Ben Platt Live from Radio City Music HallHimselfAlso executive producer
Theater CampAngelo BassettShort film; also writer and producer
Father of the Bride, Part 3(ish)George "Georgie" Banks-MacKenzieShort film
2021Scott
Dear Evan HansenEvan Hansen
2022The People We Hate at the WeddingPaul
2023Amos KlobucharAlso writer and producer
2024ChowMikeShort film
The Technique Filming
Merrily We Roll AlongCharley KringasFilming


Television
Will & GraceBlakeEpisode: "Who's Your Daddy"
2019–20The PoliticianPayton HobartLead role (15 episodes); also executive producer
2020HimselfEpisode: "Ben Platt"
2020Television special
2020Blake (voice)Episode: "Three Dreams Denied"
2020HimselfTelevision special
2021Big Brother 23Episode: "Episode 24"
2021Ethan StreiberEpisode: "Social Justice Sex Tape"
2022RuPaul's Drag Race All StarsHimselfGuest judge; Season 7
Episode: "Dance Like Drag Queen"
2023The Other TwoEpisode: "Brooke Hosts a Night of Undeniable Good"
2023Teenage EuthanasiaPhineas (voice)Episode: "Sexually Educated"


Discography

Studio albums
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.


Soundtrack and cast albums
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.


Singles
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.


Promotional singles


Other charted and certified songs
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released.


Notes

Tours and residency
Headlining tours
  • Sing to Me Instead Tour (2019)
  • (2022)
  • Honeymind Tour (2024)

Residency

  • Ben Platt: Live at the Palace (2024)


Awards and nominations
Platt was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award, a Drama League Distinguished Performance Award, and won the for Distinguished Performance by an Actor and Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical for Dear Evan Hansen's run in 2016.

On May 19, 2017, at the 83rd annual Drama League Awards, it was announced that Platt had won the organization's Distinguished Performance Award. This award, which recognizes a performance on the New York stage in the past year, can only be won once in a performer's career. In winning at the age of 23, for his work in Dear Evan Hansen, Platt became the youngest winner in the award's history. Platt earned a Daytime Emmy Award, a , and a for his performance in Dear Evan Hansen. On June 11, at the 71st Tony Awards, 23-year-old Platt won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, at the time becoming the youngest actor to win this award solo. Platt reprised the role in the 2021 film adaptation earning a nomination for the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor of the year.

Platt received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in the series The Politician in 2020. At the 76th Tony Awards, Platt received his second Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical nomination for his portrayal of in the 2023 musical revival of Parade.

Having received an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony, Platt is just the Oscar away from achieving the EGOT.

2013Teen Choice AwardsChoice Movie: Male Scene Stealer
2016Drama League AwardsDistinguished PerformanceDear Evan Hansen
Outer Critics Circle AwardsBest Leading Actor in a Musical
Distinguished Performance by an Actor
2017Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Drama League AwardsDistinguished Performance
Lucille Lortel AwardsOutstanding Lead Actor in a Musical
Broadway.com Audience AwardsFavorite Leading Actor in a Musical
Favorite Onstage Pair
2018Best Musical Theater Album
Daytime Emmy AwardsOutstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program
(with the cast of Dear Evan Hansen)
"You Will Be Found" (performed on The Today Show)
2020Golden Globe AwardsBest Actor – Television Series Musical or ComedyThe Politician
Hasty Pudding Man of the Year
2021Golden Raspberry AwardsWorst ActorDear Evan Hansen
Worst Screen Combo
2023Tony AwardsBest Actor in a Leading Role in a MusicalParade
2024Grammy AwardsBest Musical Theater Album
Independent Spirit AwardsBest First Screenplay


See also
  • LGBT culture in New York City


Notes

External links

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