The Rise of Jefferson Mays: Exploring the Versatile Career of a Tony Award-Winning Actor
There are a few people lucky enough to find their passion early on in life. Jefferson Mays is one of those lucky individuals whose fascination with acting started when he was a kid. He has come a long way since then, becoming a household name in the entertainment industry. In this blog post, we’ll explore Jefferson Mays’ versatile career and how he rose to fame.
Early Life and Education
Jefferson Mays was born on June 8, 1965, in Connecticut. As a child, he was fascinated by theater and acting. He would often put on plays for his friends and family, showcasing his innate talent. After high school, he pursued a degree in Drama and English from Yale University. His passion for acting started to take shape as he honed his skills at the university.
First Steps in Acting
After graduating from Yale, Mays decided to move to New York City to pursue his acting career. He started off doing commercials and small roles in off-Broadway productions. He credits these roles for giving him the opportunity to showcase his acting skills and learn from other experienced actors.
Tony Award-Winning Performance
Mays’ big break came in 2004 when he played nine different characters in I Am My Own Wife. His breathtaking performance received rave reviews from both critics and audiences, earning him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. The play was a huge commercial success, and Mays was catapulted to stardom overnight.
Television and Film
Mays’ acting chops weren’t limited to the stage, as he made a smooth transition to television and film. He appeared in popular TV shows, including Law & Order: SVU, The Blacklist, and The Americans. In 2013, he played the iconic role of Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s movie, Lincoln. This was a dream come true for Mays as he had always wanted to play this role.
Voice Acting
Mays’ versatility extends to voice acting, where he has lent his voice to several audiobooks, video games, and animated shows. He voiced the character of Mr. Freeze in the popular video game, Batman: Arkham City. He’s also lent his voice to animated shows such as The Venture Bros. and American Dad!.
Personal Life
Mays is married to Australian actress Susan Lyons, and they have two children. He credits his wife for being his pillar of support and for helping him strike a balance between his personal and professional life.
FAQs
1. What is the name of the play that earned Jefferson Mays a Tony Award?
Mays won a Tony Award for his role in the play I Am My Own Wife.
2. In which Steven Spielberg movie did Jefferson Mays play Abraham Lincoln?
Mays played Abraham Lincoln in the 2013 Steven Spielberg movie, Lincoln.
3. Is Jefferson Mays involved in voice acting?
Yes, Mays has lent his voice to several video games, audiobooks, and animated shows.
4. Who is Jefferson Mays married to?
Mays is married to Australian actress Susan Lyons.
5. Did Jefferson Mays start his acting career in New York City?
Yes, Mays started his acting career in New York City, doing small roles in off-Broadway productions.
6. What is Jefferson Mays’ educational background?
Mays pursued a degree in Drama and English from Yale University.
7. How many characters did Jefferson Mays play in I Am My Own Wife?
Mays played nine different characters in I Am My Own Wife.
Conclusion
Jefferson Mays’ passion for acting started at a young age and has been the driving force behind his versatile career. He’s played various roles on stage, television, film, and even as a voice actor, proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. His dedication and hard work have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. Jefferson Mays is an inspiration to aspiring actors and a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.