35 Facts About Darren Criss

Early Life and Background

Darren Criss, a multi-talented artist, has a fascinating background that shaped his career. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early life.

1. Born on February 5, 1987, in San Francisco, California, Darren Everett Criss grew up in a culturally rich environment.
2. His mother, Cerina Bru, is of Filipino descent, while his father, Charles William Criss, is of English, German, and Irish ancestry.
3. Darren has an older brother named Charles "Chuck" Criss, who is also a musician and a member of the indie rock band Freelance Whales.
4. He attended Stuart Hall for Boys and later graduated from Saint Ignatius College Preparatory in 2005.
5. Darren showed an early interest in music and theater, starting violin lessons at the age of five and later learning to play guitar, piano, and drums.

Education and Early Career

Darren's education and early career choices played a significant role in his rise to fame. Here are some key points from this period.

6. He pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Performance at the University of Michigan, graduating in 2009.
7. During his college years, Darren co-founded StarKid Productions, a musical theater company, with his friends.
8. StarKid's first major success was "A Very Potter Musical," a parody of the Harry Potter series, in which Darren played the lead role of Harry Potter.
9. The musical went viral on YouTube, garnering millions of views and catapulting Darren and StarKid to internet fame.
10. Darren also wrote most of the music and lyrics for "A Very Potter Musical," showcasing his songwriting talent.

Breakthrough with Glee

Darren Criss became a household name thanks to his role on the popular TV show "Glee." Let's explore some facts about his time on the show.

11. Darren joined the cast of "Glee" in its second season, playing the role of Blaine Anderson, an openly gay student at Dalton Academy.
12. His first performance on the show was a cover of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," which became an instant hit and topped the Billboard charts.
13. Darren's character, Blaine, eventually became a series regular and a love interest for Kurt Hummel, played by Chris Colfer.
14. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Blaine, earning several award nominations, including a Teen Choice Award.
15. Darren's involvement in "Glee" significantly boosted his career, leading to more opportunities in television and film.

Broadway and Theater

Darren's passion for theater has led him to perform on some of the biggest stages. Here are some highlights from his theater career.

16. In 2012, Darren made his Broadway debut as J. Pierrepont Finch in the revival of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."
17. He replaced Daniel Radcliffe in the role and received positive reviews for his performance.
18. Darren returned to Broadway in 2015, starring as Hedwig in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," a role he reprised in the national tour.
19. His performance as Hedwig earned him a Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Male Replacement.
20. Darren also starred in the Hollywood Bowl production of "The Little Mermaid" as Prince Eric in 2016.

Music Career

Darren Criss is not just an actor but also a talented musician. Let's look at some key moments from his music career.

21. In 2010, Darren released his first EP, "Human," which featured five original songs.
22. He signed with Sony Music Entertainment in 2013 and released his debut full-length album, "Homework," in 2017.
23. "Homework" debuted at number one on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.
24. Darren has performed at numerous music festivals and events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and Elsie Fest.
25. He has collaborated with various artists, including his brother Chuck Criss, with whom he formed the band Computer Games.

Awards and Recognition

Darren's talent has earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Here are some of the most notable ones.

26. In 2018, Darren won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his role as Andrew Cunanan in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story."
27. He also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for the same role.
28. Darren received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie.
29. He was honored with a GLAAD Media Award for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community through his work on "Glee" and other projects.
30. Darren has been recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Darren Criss is not just a talented artist but also a dedicated philanthropist. Here are some facts about his personal life and charitable efforts.

31. Darren married his longtime girlfriend, Mia Swier, in February 2019. Mia is a director and producer.
32. The couple co-owns a piano bar in Los Angeles called Tramp Stamp Granny's, which they opened in 2018.
33. Darren is an advocate for various charitable causes, including The Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.
34. He has participated in numerous charity events and fundraisers, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
35. Darren is also involved in environmental causes, supporting organizations like the Environmental Media Association and Global Green USA.

Darren Criss: A Multifaceted Talent

Darren Criss has proven himself a versatile performer. From his breakout role as Blaine Anderson on Glee to his Emmy-winning portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Criss has shown he can tackle a wide range of characters. Beyond acting, he's a talented musician, co-founding StarKid Productions and releasing his own music. His dedication to his craft and ability to connect with audiences make him a standout in the entertainment industry.

Criss's journey is a testament to hard work and passion. Whether he's on stage, screen, or behind a microphone, he brings a unique energy that captivates fans. As he continues to evolve, there's no doubt Darren Criss will keep surprising and inspiring us. Keep an eye on this multi-talented artist; his story is far from over.