Christian Borle
About
Biography
Filmography
Biography
As Broadway composer Tom Levitt on the showbiz drama "Smash," long-time stage actor Christian Borle finally achieved mainstream success. Not to say that he was unsuccessful in the theater: Borle received the 2005 Broadway.com Audience Award for his portrayal of multiple characters in the original run of "Spamelot" and earned a Tony nomination for originating the role of Emmett in "Legally Blonde: The Musical." Like many actors, he knew that he was going to be a performer from a young age, and participated in theater as much as possible, beginning in elementary school. Borle's encouraging parents helped him graduate from Carnegie Mellon University before moving to New York in 1995 to pursue his dream. He debuted on Broadway in 1999 as an understudy for Willard in "Footloose," and quickly found more understudy opportunities in shows including "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "Amour." As a member of the original "Spamelot" cast, Borle caught the attention of audiences and critics with his energetic and hilarious performance, leading to his well-known turn as the romantic lead in "Legally Blonde." Amidst these high-profile theater roles, Borle found a handful of opportunities to act on screen, with a small part on an episode of "Law & Order" and a supporting role in the panned romantic comedy "The Bounty Hunter." Shortly before debuting in "Smash" and spending most of his screen time opposite Debra Messing, Borle starred in a Broadway revival of "Angels in America."
Filmography
Cast (Feature Film)
Life Events
1999
Made his Broadway debut understudying the role of Willard in the stage adaptation of the film "Footloose" (1984)
2000
Was featured in the revival of "Jesus Christ Superstar"
2001
Feature acting debut with a minor role in "The Accident"
2003
Replaced Gavin Creel in the role of Jimmy in "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
2007
Had his breakthrough Broadway role, playing Emmett Forrest in the musical production of "Legally Blonde," for which he earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical
2010
Landed a minor role as a golf caddy in the action comedy "The Bounty Hunter," starring Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston
2012
Cast as the writer of a Broadway musical on NBC's "Smash"
