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. 01Born on February 5, 1987, in San Francisco, California, Darren Everett Criss grew up in a culturally rich environment.
2. 02His mother, Cerina Bru, is of Filipino descent, while his father, Charles William Criss, is of English, German, and Irish ancestry.
3. 03Darren has an older brother named Charles "Chuck" Criss, who is also a musician and a member of the indie rock band Freelance Whales.
4. 04He attended Stuart Hall for Boys and later graduated from Saint Ignatius College Preparatory in 2005.
5. 05Darren 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. 06He pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Performance at the University of Michigan, graduating in 2009.
7. 07During his college years, Darren co-founded StarKid Productions, a musical theater company, with his friends.
8. 08StarKid'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. 09The musical went viral on YouTube, garnering millions of views and catapulting Darren and StarKid to internet fame.
10. 10Darren 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. 11Darren joined the cast of "Glee" in its second season, playing the role of Blaine Anderson, an openly gay student at Dalton Academy.
12. 12His 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. 13Darren's character, Blaine, eventually became a series regular and a love interest for Kurt Hummel, played by Chris Colfer.
14. 14He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Blaine, earning several award nominations, including a Teen Choice Award.
15. 15Darren'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. 16In 2012, Darren made his Broadway debut as J. Pierrepont Finch in the revival of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."
17. 17He replaced Daniel Radcliffe in the role and received positive reviews for his performance.
18. 18Darren returned to Broadway in 2015, starring as Hedwig in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," a role he reprised in the national tour.
19. 19His performance as Hedwig earned him a Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Male Replacement.
20. 20Darren 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. 21In 2010, Darren released his first EP, "Human," which featured five original songs.
22. 22He signed with Sony Music Entertainment in 2013 and released his debut full-length album, "Homework," in 2017.
23. 23"Homework" debuted at number one on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.
24. 24Darren has performed at numerous music festivals and events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival and Elsie Fest.
25. 25He 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. 26In 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. 27He also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for the same role.
28. 28Darren received a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie.
29. 29He was honored with a GLAAD Media Award for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community through his work on "Glee" and other projects.
30. 30Darren 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. 31Darren married his longtime girlfriend, Mia Swier, in February 2019. Mia is a director and producer.
32. 32The couple co-owns a piano bar in Los Angeles called Tramp Stamp Granny's, which they opened in 2018.
33. 33Darren is an advocate for various charitable causes, including The Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.
34. 34He has participated in numerous charity events and fundraisers, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
35. 35Darren 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.