Cheyenne Jackson
Cheyenne David Jackson (born July 12, 1975) is an American actor and singer-songwriter recognized for leading roles in Broadway musicals such as All Shook Up, Xanadu, and Damn Yankees, alongside television appearances in series including Glee, 30 Rock, and American Horror Story.[1][2][3] Jackson's career encompasses stage performances earning him a Theatre World Award for his Broadway debut in All Shook Up (2005), Grammy nomination for a collaboration on West Side Story with the San Francisco Symphony, and Emmy nomination for his role in Julie and the Phantoms.[2][4] His work extends to film roles in United 93 and The Women, concert appearances at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, and original music releases blending jazz, pop, and folk influences.[3][4] Openly gay, Jackson has discussed personal challenges including addiction recovery, with a noted relapse after nearly a decade of sobriety in 2023.[5][6]Early life
Upbringing and family background
Cheyenne David Jackson was born on July 12, 1975, in Newport, Washington, to David and Sherri Jackson.[3] His father, a police officer and undersheriff with an affinity for Westerns, named him after the 1950s television series Cheyenne.[7][8] As the third of four children—two brothers and one sister—Jackson spent his early years in Oldtown, Idaho, a small rural mill town near the Washington border.[7] The family's home lacked running water and featured an outhouse, emblematic of the austere conditions in their isolated rural environment.[7] Raised in a conservative religious household, Jackson navigated formative tensions between familial expectations and his emerging awareness of his sexual orientation, which clashed with the traditional values of the community.[9] These pressures contributed to internalized struggles during his pre-teen and adolescent years in the homogeneous, insular setting.[10]Education and initial pursuits
Jackson graduated from Newport High School in 1993, where he excelled in high school and regional choirs, fostering his early interest in music and performance.[8][11] After high school, Jackson moved to Spokane, Washington, and briefly attended a local community college, during which time he began exploring acting opportunities.[12] He later relocated to Seattle, where he performed in regional theater productions while sustaining himself through odd jobs such as bank teller, waiter, health club receptionist, and advertising work.[13][3] The September 11, 2001, attacks prompted Jackson to commit seriously to a professional theater career, leading him to move to New York City in early 2002 with scant savings.[12] There, he supported himself via service industry roles like waiting tables while pursuing auditions for off-Broadway shows and understudy positions amid the city's intense competition, enduring repeated rejections that honed his perseverance in the pre-professional phase.[13][3]Professional career
Stage and theater work
Jackson made his Broadway debut in the 2002 musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, initially serving as an understudy for the male leads before taking on replacement roles in the ensemble and as the dishwasher.[14] His first leading role came in the 2005 jukebox musical All Shook Up, where he portrayed Chad, a role that earned him the Theatre World Award for outstanding Broadway debut.[15] In 2007, Jackson starred as Sonny in the Broadway production of Xanadu, a comedic adaptation of the 1980 film, which ran at the Helen Hayes Theatre and received Drama Desk Award nominations for the show, including aspects of its book and choreography.[14] The following year, he appeared in the New York City Center Encores! concert staging of Damn Yankees as Joe Hardy, the young baseball player central to the Faustian plot.[16] Jackson returned to Broadway in the 2009 revival of Finian's Rainbow at the St. James Theatre, playing Woody, the farm owner romanced by the Irish immigrant's daughter; for this performance, he received a Drama Desk Award nomination for outstanding actor in a musical.[15] Off-Broadway, he starred in Neil LaBute's The Heart of the Matter in 2012 at MCC Theater's Lucille Lortel Theatre, a benefit production featuring interconnected short plays exploring relationships.[17] More recently, Jackson joined the Broadway run of the dark comedy Oh, Mary! at the Lyceum Theatre starting October 14, 2025, as Mary's Teacher opposite Jane Krakowski's Mary Todd Lincoln; the production, which originated off-Broadway in 2024, extended its run through January 4, 2026, with Jackson's participation.[18] Reviews highlighted the show's sharp ensemble dynamics and Jackson's contribution to its satirical edge on historical figures.[19]Television and film roles
Jackson's television debut came with a guest appearance as Bryce in the NBC series Lipstick Jungle, specifically in the episode "Chapter Fifteen: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Prada," which aired on May 7, 2008.[20] He followed this with a recurring role on NBC's 30 Rock from 2009 to 2013, portraying Danny Baker, a Canadian street performer turned cast member on the fictional sketch show TGS with Tracy Jordan, appearing in seven episodes across seasons 4 through 6.[21] In 2010, Jackson guest-starred on Fox's Glee as Dustin Goolsby, the authoritarian coach of rival glee club Vocal Adrenaline, in two episodes of the second season, contributing to the series' ensemble dynamics amid its peak viewership of over 15 million for season premieres.[22] His involvement in the musical comedy highlighted his vocal talents in group performances but positioned him as a supporting antagonist rather than a lead. Beginning in 2015, Jackson appeared in four consecutive seasons of FX's anthology series American Horror Story, showcasing range from horror to camp: as fashion designer Will Drake in season 5 (Hotel), reality TV producer Sidney Aaron James in season 6 (Roanoke), cult enthusiast Rudy Vincent in season 7 (Cult), and astronaut John Henry Moore in season 8 (Apocalypse).[23] These roles, often recurring across 4–7 episodes per season, emphasized ensemble interplay in the series' high-profile, effects-heavy narratives, with Hotel drawing 5.1 million premiere viewers.[24] Later television work included a three-episode arc as René, the estranged husband of Jessie Spano, in the 2020 Peacock reboot of Saved by the Bell, blending nostalgia with modern satire in an ensemble format.[25] In 2019, he portrayed Hades, the flamboyant underworld ruler and father to Mal, in Disney Channel's Descendants 3, a musical TV film that attracted 2.5 million viewers on premiere and underscored his suitability for charismatic villainy in youth-oriented franchises.[26] From 2021 to 2023, Jackson held a main role as Max, the affable bartender and love interest, in Fox's Call Me Kat, appearing in all 29 episodes of the sitcom adaptation of the British series Miranda.[27] In film, Jackson has taken supporting parts, such as a flight attendant in the 2006 thriller United 93, which depicted the real-life events of September 11 and earned critical acclaim for its realism, grossing $76 million worldwide on a $15 million budget.[4] He appeared in the 2013 HBO biographical film Behind the Candelabra as Matt, a minor role in the ensemble exploring Liberace's life, contributing to its Emmy-winning production viewed by 2.4 million on premiere. More recent credits include voice work and supporting turns in Werewolves Within (2021), a horror-comedy with 86% Rotten Tomatoes approval, and Borderlands (2024), a video game adaptation featuring him amid a star-studded cast.[28] These roles reflect steady ensemble contributions across genres, prioritizing collaborative screen presence over lead billing.Music career and recordings
Cheyenne Jackson launched his recording career with the independent release of his debut album This Is Cheyenne Jackson on September 14, 2010, which included a blend of original compositions and covers of standards, produced under his own oversight without major label backing. The album showcased his baritone vocals in cabaret and pop styles but achieved limited commercial traction, reflecting his niche positioning outside mainstream charts.[29] In 2016, Jackson followed with Renaissance, another self-released effort emphasizing personal songwriting and theatrical influences from his stage background, further establishing his output as independent endeavors focused on live-performance appeal rather than broad market penetration. Post-2020 singles, such as "Celebrate Your Face" in 2022, continued this trajectory with collaborations and remixes, amassing modest streaming figures—under 2 million plays for key tracks on platforms like Spotify—indicative of dedicated but specialized fan engagement in cabaret and adult contemporary genres.[30][29] Jackson's vocal prowess, honed through musical theater, transitioned into solo concert formats, including the intimate "Signs of Life" show debuted in 2024 and extended into 2025 with performances at venues like Benaroya Hall on June 20 and Carnegie Hall on December 8.[31][32] These outings featured autobiographical storytelling intertwined with covers of artists like Sam Cooke, prioritizing emotional connection over recorded sales. His Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album in 2021, tied to a symphonic West Side Story recording, underscored recognition for vocal interpretation, though his solo discography remained outside major industry awards for pop output.[33]Public engagement
Activism and philanthropy
Jackson has participated in numerous fundraising events for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, including the organization's annual flea markets, where he signed autographs and engaged with fans to raise funds for AIDS services and arts education programs.[34][35] He has also performed in benefit productions such as Broadway Bares and the Red Bucket Follies, contributing to the group's efforts that have collectively raised tens of millions for HIV/AIDS initiatives and performer support since the 1980s, though specific amounts from his appearances remain undocumented in public records.[36][37] In support of HIV/AIDS research, Jackson released the charity single "Find The Best of Me" in 2018, with all proceeds directed to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, which funds global studies aimed at preventing, treating, and ultimately eradicating HIV/AIDS.[38] Earlier, in 2010, he recorded "Blessing" to benefit two unspecified gay youth charities, highlighting his focus on targeted aid for at-risk populations affected by the epidemic.[39] Jackson serves as an international ambassador for amfAR, leveraging his platform to promote research funding, though measurable impacts from his ambassadorship, such as incremental donation increases, are not publicly quantified.[40] Prior to the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, Jackson advocated for marriage equality through participation in events like the 2009 Action = Marriage Equality Rally organized by the Human Rights Campaign, which mobilized public support for legislative changes in New York.[41] He joined performers from the Hair revival cast in a 2011 rally backing New York State's marriage equality bill, sponsored by Senator Tom Duane, contributing to visibility efforts that preceded the law's passage that June.[42] Additionally, in October 2009, he endorsed the Love Unites Shepard Fairey Equality Project, a public art initiative promoting same-sex marriage rights.[43] Jackson has supported broader LGBTQ+ causes via organizations like GLAAD, attending their 40th Anniversary Gala in October 2025 to raise awareness and funds for media advocacy against discrimination.[44] His philanthropy extends to groups such as UNICEF and AIDS Project Los Angeles, focusing on child welfare and HIV services, with documented event appearances underscoring direct aid delivery rather than abstract endorsements.[45] These efforts emphasize empirical giving, such as concert proceeds and single sales, over ideological pronouncements.Political views and endorsements
Jackson has expressed strong support for Democratic candidates and causes, particularly in the context of U.S. presidential elections. In a October 2020 interview, he predicted a "blue fucking wave" in the upcoming election, attributing public galvanization to the "roughest four years" under President Trump, and emphasized the importance of voting amid widespread dissatisfaction.[46] This aligns with his participation in celebrity-driven efforts supporting Democratic figures, such as appearing alongside Lance Bass and others in a July 2024 TikTok video enlisted by Kamala Harris to deliver a message countering Donald Trump during her presidential campaign. His political commentary often intersects with LGBTQ+ advocacy, framing electoral engagement as a duty inspired by historical pioneers who faced persecution. In a November 2020 discussion tied to his role in the HBO series Equal, Jackson urged contemporaries to emulate the bravery of figures like Dale Jennings by openly declaring political stances, noting that even in 2020, many remained "wary and scared" to reveal their voting preferences on social media ahead of the "historic election."[47] He has stated he does not personally know any gay supporters of Trump, reflecting a view that such alignment contradicts community interests amid polarizing rhetoric.[46] Jackson's endorsements and expressions remain consistent with prevailing Hollywood and LGBTQ+ activist norms, showing no documented shifts toward bipartisanship or engagement with conservative arguments, such as those concerning parental rights in education or critiques of identity-based policies.[46] His public statements prioritize mobilization for progressive outcomes without direct involvement in debates or cross-aisle dialogues.Media portrayal and public perception
Cheyenne Jackson's media portrayal frequently emphasizes his role as a prominent openly gay performer, with profiles in LGBTQ+-oriented publications like the Washington Blade depicting him as an approachable "normal guy" advancing queer visibility through diverse projects such as American Horror Story and RuPaul's Drag Race.[48] Such coverage, often celebratory, underscores a trailblazing narrative aligned with community advocacy, though it reflects the outlets' focus on progressive representation amid broader institutional biases favoring affirmative LGBTQ+ stories over neutral scrutiny. Mainstream entertainment sources, including Variety, highlight Jackson's versatility across stage, television, and voice work—spanning musicals like La Cage aux Folles to dramatic roles—while acknowledging risks of typecasting in charismatic, vocally demanding musical theater parts that leverage his 4½-octave range.[49][50][51] Public perception positions Jackson as an affable, resilient figure, particularly following his 2018 marriage and fatherhood, with outlets portraying him as a balanced family man amid career demands.[52] His candid 2023 Instagram disclosure of relapsing after nearly a decade of sobriety—attributed to accumulated pressures—drew supportive responses and measured coverage in tabloid-style sites like TooFab and People, framing it as a humanizing vulnerability rather than scandal, which contrasted with potential for exploitative sensationalism in less restrained media environments.[53][5][54] Critiques of Jackson's reception occasionally surface in niche contexts, such as online fandom backlash against his American Horror Story portrayal, perceived by some as mismatched or overly polished.[55] He has also faced intra-community pushback for assuming straight characters, prompting defenses of acting range over identity-bound casting.[56] Broader conservative commentary rarely singles out Jackson but situates performers of his profile within patterns of Hollywood's left-leaning dominance, where unchallenged progressive narratives in entertainment media may overlook dissenting audience segments or empirical variances in talent evaluation.[46]Personal life
Marriages and family dynamics
Jackson married Monte Lapka, a physicist, in a private ceremony in New York on September 10, 2011, after 11 years together.[57] The couple separated in 2013, announcing their mutual decision to divorce on July 31 after two years of marriage; Jackson described the split as "a sad thing."[58][59] On September 13, 2014, Jackson married Jason Landau, an entrepreneur, in Encino, California.[60] The couple welcomed fraternal twins, sons Willow and Ethan, on October 7, 2016, via gestational surrogacy involving an egg donor and sperm from both men, with each child biologically related to one father under the contractual arrangement.[61][62] Jackson took six months off from work to serve as a stay-at-home parent following the births.[63] The family resides in Los Angeles, where Jackson has occasionally shared details of the surrogacy process and early parenting experiences publicly, though long-term outcomes for the children remain undocumented in available records.[64][65]Health and personal struggles
Jackson has long battled alcoholism, which he described as stemming from social anxiety and the high-pressure environment of the entertainment industry, where heavy partying became a coping mechanism during his early career.[66][67] In interviews, he characterized himself as a high-functioning alcoholic prior to seeking help around 2013, after which he achieved sobriety through participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings.[68][69] He has credited AA not only for his recovery but also for meeting his husband, Jason Landau, at a meeting, emphasizing the program's role in addressing the emotional underpinnings of his addiction, including depression and anxiety.[69][10] By early 2023, Jackson had maintained nearly a decade of sobriety, marking significant milestones such as five years in 2018 and seven years amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, during which family support helped sustain his progress despite heightened stressors.[67][68] However, in April 2023, he publicly disclosed a relapse, attributing it to accumulated shame and vulnerabilities resurfacing after prolonged abstinence, without detailing specific triggers beyond the inherent challenges of sustained recovery in a profession rife with substance availability.[5][54] In an Instagram post, he expressed feelings of vulnerability and isolation but noted an outpouring of supportive responses from peers and fans, underscoring the prevalence of relapse in addiction recovery—estimated to affect 40-60% of individuals in long-term sobriety per clinical data—while recommitting to his sobriety efforts.[70][71] No legal issues or career disruptions arose from the relapse, which he framed as a personal setback rather than a defining failure.[5]Artistic works
Discography
Jackson's recorded discography features vocal pop and standards interpretations, with releases primarily through boutique labels specializing in theater-adjacent artists. His output includes collaborative and solo studio albums, alongside sporadic singles, though none achieved significant commercial chart performance on major platforms like Billboard.[2]Studio albums
| Title | Artist(s) | Release date | Label | Format(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Power of Two | Cheyenne Jackson with Michael Feinstein | November 3, 2009 | PS Classics | CD, digital download |
| This Is Cheyenne Jackson | Cheyenne Jackson | February 2, 2010 | Independent | CD, digital download |
| I'm Blue, Skies | Cheyenne Jackson | June 24, 2013 | Independent | CD, digital download |
| Renaissance | Cheyenne Jackson | June 3, 2016 | PS Classics | CD, digital download[72] |
Singles and EPs
- "Drive" / "Before You" (2012, digital single; precursors to I'm Blue, Skies)[2]
- "Celebrate Your Face" (2022, digital single; includes remixes by CG5 and Zach Wallis)[74]
- Celebrate Your Face (Remixes) (2022, EP; digital)[75]
Filmography
Jackson made his film debut portraying Mark Bingham, a passenger who helped thwart the hijacking of United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, in Paul Greengrass's United 93 (2006). Subsequent feature film roles include supporting parts in independent dramas like The Green (2011) as Daniel, a gay man navigating relationships, and Price Check (2012) as Ernie, a grocery store manager. He played Billy Leatherwood, a young escort, in the HBO television film Behind the Candelabra (2013), directed by Steven Soderbergh and depicting the life of Liberace. In musical and fantasy projects, Jackson voiced Hades in the Disney Channel television movie Descendants 3 (2019). His horror and genre work encompasses multiple characters across seasons of American Horror Story: Dr. Rudy Vincent in season 5 (Hotel, 2015), Sidney in season 6 (Roanoke, 2016), Will Drake in season 5, and John Henry Moore in season 8 (Apocalypse, 2018).[76] Recent credits include Devon Wolfson in the comedy-horror Werewolves Within (2021), Jakobs in the action film Borderlands (2024), and the recurring role of Max in the Fox sitcom Call Me Kat (2021–2023).[27]| Year | Title | Role | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | United 93 | Mark Bingham | Feature film |
| 2011 | The Green | Daniel | Feature film |
| 2012 | Price Check | Ernie | Feature film |
| 2012 | Lola Versus | Roger | Feature film |
| 2013 | Behind the Candelabra | Billy Leatherwood | TV movie |
| 2014 | Love Is Strange | Ted | Feature film |
| 2014 | Mutual Friends | Christoph | Feature film |
| 2015–2018 | American Horror Story (seasons 5, 6, 8) | Dr. Rudy Vincent / Sidney / John Henry Moore / Will Drake | TV series (4 seasons, multiple episodes) |
| 2019 | Descendants 3 | Hades (voice) | TV movie |
| 2021 | Werewolves Within | Devon Wolfson | Feature film |
| 2021–2023 | Call Me Kat | Max | TV series (recurring) |
| 2024 | Borderlands | Jakobs | Feature film |
| 2025 | Queens of the Dead | Jimmy | Feature film (upcoming) |
| TBA | Doctor Odyssey | Brian | TV series (upcoming) |
Stage credits
Jackson's early stage experience included understudy roles in Broadway productions, marking his entry into New York theater. In 2002, he served as an understudy for the male leads in Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Marquis Theatre.[14] He also understudied Radames in Aida at the Palace Theatre in 2003.[2] His first originating role came off-Broadway in the New York Musical Theatre Festival workshop of Altar Boyz in 2004, where he played Matthew, later transferring to the full off-Broadway production at the 47th Street Theatre in 2005.[2] Transitioning to Broadway leads, Jackson portrayed Chad in All Shook Up at the Palace Theatre from 2005 to 2006.[14] In 2007, he starred as Sonny in Xanadu at the Helen Hayes Theatre.[77] He appeared in the Encores! staging of Damn Yankees in 2008 before taking the role of Woody Mahoney in the Broadway revival of Finian's Rainbow at the St. James Theatre from October 2009 to January 2010.[14][2] Later credits include off-Broadway performances in Once Upon a Mattress and The Secret Garden.[2] In 2024, Jackson joined the Broadway production of Oh, Mary! at the Lyceum Theatre as Mary's Teacher, beginning October 14, 2025, in a replacement capacity through at least January 2026.[15]| Year | Production | Role | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Thoroughly Modern Millie | Understudy (male leads) | Marquis Theatre, Broadway |
| 2003 | Aida | Standby (Radames) | Palace Theatre, Broadway |
| 2004–2005 | Altar Boyz | Matthew (original) | 47th Street Theatre, Off-Broadway |
| 2005–2006 | All Shook Up | Chad | Palace Theatre, Broadway |
| 2007 | Xanadu | Sonny | Helen Hayes Theatre, Broadway |
| 2008 | Damn Yankees | Performer | New York City Center, Encores! |
| 2009–2010 | Finian's Rainbow (revival) | Woody Mahoney | St. James Theatre, Broadway |
| 2024– | Oh, Mary! | Mary's Teacher (replacement) | Lyceum Theatre, Broadway |
Accolades and legacy
Awards and nominations
Jackson earned the Theatre World Award for his performance as Chad in the Broadway production of All Shook Up in 2005, recognizing outstanding Broadway debuts.[78] For the same role, he received nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor from the Drama League Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards.[3]| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Performance of the Year by a Leading Actor | All Shook Up | Nominated[2] |
| 2005 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Actor in a Musical | All Shook Up | Nominated[2] |
| 2005 | Theatre World Awards | Outstanding Broadway Debut | All Shook Up | Won[78] |
| 2008 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Actor in a Musical | Xanadu | Nominated[14] |
| 2008 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance | Xanadu | Nominated[79] |
| 2010 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Actor in a Musical | Finian's Rainbow | Nominated[14] |
| 2015 | Grammy Awards | Best Musical Theater Album | West Side Story (cast recording) | Nominated[80] |
| 2021 | Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Performer in a Children's or Young Teen or Family Viewing Series or Special | Julie and the Phantoms (as Caleb Covington) | Nominated[78] |