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Jarrod Spector

Jarrod Spector (born April 16, 1981) is an American actor and singer best known for his Tony Award-nominated performance as in the musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Spector grew up in , , as one of three children born to Chuck and Beth Spector, and made his early entertainment debut at age six on a popular . After graduating from in 1999, he attended for two years, studying economics, before leaving to pursue acting full-time; he later trained at the Atlantic Theater Company Conservatory in . His Broadway debut came in 1991 as Gavroche in Les Misérables, followed by national tours of that production and Jersey Boys. Spector originated the role of Frankie Valli in the Chicago and San Francisco productions of Jersey Boys before joining the Broadway cast as a replacement in 2008, performing over 1,500 shows in the role. In 2014, Spector originated Barry Mann opposite Jessie Mueller's Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, earning a 2014 Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical. He next originated Sonny Bono in The Cher Show (2018–2019), and since 2023, has portrayed King George III in a replacement capacity in Hamilton, with his tenure extending into 2025. Beyond Broadway, Spector has appeared in off-Broadway productions such as Hamlet and regional theater roles including Irving Radovich in Roman Holiday and Bert Berns in Piece of My Heart. He has released two solo albums and frequently performs concerts, including duets with his wife, actress Kelli Barrett, whom he married in 2014.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Jarrod Spector was born on April 16, 1981, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to parents Chuck and Beth Spector. He is one of three children in the family. Raised in a Reform Jewish household in the suburban Philadelphia communities of Meadowbrook and Rydal, Spector experienced an everyday family life centered in the region's close-knit neighborhoods. This supportive home environment in the Philadelphia area provided the foundational context for his early years before his interests turned toward performance.

Early performances and influences

Spector's introduction to the occurred at the age of six, when he competed on the television talent show , performing renditions of classic songs such as "Splish Splash" by and advancing to the semi-finals. This early exposure, supported by his family in , marked his initial foray into professional performance and showcased his precocious vocal talent. During his elementary school years, Spector began performing regionally as in productions of , starting with a run at the Forrest Theater in when he was nine years old. He subsequently joined the national tour in before transitioning to , where he made his debut in the role in July 1991 as part of the long-running original production. These demanding engagements, involving eight shows a week, required him to balance schoolwork with rigorous rehearsals and performances. The experiences from and his roles in profoundly shaped Spector's early career, fostering his vocal technique through challenging songs like "" and building essential stage presence amid high-pressure environments. Spector later reflected on the exhilaration of these moments, noting how they taught him resilience and the principle that "," even during frightening or taxing scenes.

Academic pursuits

Following his graduation from Germantown Academy in 1999, Jarrod Spector enrolled at to study , intending to pursue a career in business as a practical alternative to his early theatrical interests. During his two years there, Spector balanced rigorous academic coursework with active participation in the university's extracurricular musical comedy club, where he wrote, sang, and performed, reflecting his ongoing passion for performance amid growing doubts about a finance-oriented path. By 2001, at age 20, Spector decided to leave Princeton without completing his degree, prioritizing his aspiration to become a professional over finishing his studies. This pivot was influenced by his childhood experiences in regional theater productions, which had ignited a deep commitment to the stage that academic life could no longer contain. After departing Princeton, Spector relocated to and enrolled in the Atlantic Theater Company Conservatory, where he underwent intensive two-and-a-half years of acting training under instructors including and . This program provided the foundational skills he sought to transition fully into professional theater, marking the end of his formal academic pursuits.

Professional career

Theatre roles and productions

Jarrod Spector's theatre career gained prominence with his breakout role as in the , which chronicles the rise of the . He first originated the role in regional productions before transferring to , where he performed it in multiple stints, showcasing his vocal range and ability to embody the falsetto-driven lead character. Spector began his professional association with in 2006 as an ensemble member on the first national tour. He then took on the lead role of in the Chicago production from late 2006 to early 2007 at the LaSalle Bank Theatre, followed by the second company in 2007 at the . On at the , he replaced Michael Longoria as Valli starting September 30, 2008, continuing through 2009, and returned for further runs from August 1, 2011, to July 1, 2012, and October 2 to December 30, 2012. In 2013, Spector starred as songwriter opposite Jessie Mueller's in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the on . He originated the role on November 21, 2013, and remained with the production until February 28, 2016, delivering performances that highlighted Mann's collaborative songwriting partnership with . Spector portrayed detective L in the 2014 New York demo recording of Death Note: The Musical, a rock musical adaptation of the manga series composed by , duetting with Jeremy Jordan's on tracks like "Playing His Game." This studio project preceded full productions in and elsewhere. He returned to Broadway in 2018 as in The Cher Show at the , originating the role from December 3, 2018, to August 18, 2019, and capturing the entertainers' tumultuous partnership through songs like "." In regional theatre, Spector appeared as Bert Berns in Piece of My Heart at Stage and Film's Powerhouse Season in 2014, Michael in Presto Change-O at Barrington Stage Company, and Irving Radovich in at the . In 2023, Spector reprised the role of in the regional premiere of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at in from June 12 to 18. More recently, he played in the world premiere of Bruce, a musical about the making of the film , at Repertory Theatre's Bagley Wright Theatre from May 27 to June 26, 2022. Since September 12, 2023, Spector has performed as III in Hamilton at Broadway's , infusing the monarch's sardonic numbers like "" with his signature wry humor; he continues in the role as of November 2025.

Music recordings and concerts

Jarrod Spector released his debut solo album, Minor Fall, Major Lift, on October 1, 2012, featuring 15 original tracks blending , and soul influences, including mashups like "Motown Mash: Where Did My Baby Go / / ." The album was celebrated with a live performance at in on the same day, directed by Eric Michael Gillett, showcasing much of its material. In 2014, Spector issued his second solo album, A Little Help from My Friends - Live at 54 Below, a live recording captured during his November 2013 cabaret show at Feinstein's/54 Below, produced by Broadway Records and featuring covers of songs by artists such as Billy Joel, Freddie Mercury, and Paul McCartney. The album, released digitally and on CD on March 25, 2014, highlighted Spector's vocal versatility post his extensive run as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys. Spector has contributed vocals to several Broadway cast recordings, including Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (2014), where he portrayed on the original cast album released by Ghostlight Records. He also appeared on The Cher Show original Broadway cast recording (2019), singing as on tracks like "" alongside , produced by Warner Classics. Additionally, he featured on the 2007 special release Seasons Greetings: A Jersey Boys Christmas, performing on songs such as "" with the ensemble. Beyond albums, Spector has toured the with critically acclaimed solo concerts, including the premiere of his show (con)artist at in on April 15, 2019, featuring guests like . These performances often draw from his experience while exploring personal musical narratives. Spector frequently collaborates with his wife, , on duet tours and shows, notably This Is Dedicated: Music's Greatest Marriages, which debuted at Feinstein's/ in October 2015 and toured venues like Wharton Center in February 2017, celebrating songs tied to famous musical partnerships. Their joint performances continued with acts such as Look At It My Way at in April 2016, blending personal stories with duets. In 2014, Spector provided voice work for the English demo recording of : The Musical, portraying the character in songs like "The Game Begins" alongside Jeremy Jordan as , composed by with lyrics by Jack Murphy. This demo contributed to early development of the musical adaptation of the series.

Film and television work

Spector's foray into film and television has been selective, complementing his extensive theatre career with a handful of notable screen appearances that showcase his versatility as a performer. His television roles often blend dramatic acting with musical elements, reflecting his roots while adapting to the visual medium. In the 2021 Netflix miniseries , directed by Dan Minahan, Spector portrayed , the co-owner of , appearing in two episodes that depicted the nightlife scene central to the fashion designer's world. The series, starring as Roy Halston Frowick, earned critical acclaim for its portrayal of 1970s , with Spector's performance highlighting Rubell's flamboyant energy amid the club's cultural significance. Spector made an earlier television appearance in the 2017 docudrama , directed by , where he played Bill Hayes, a , in one episode. The series investigates the mysterious death of CIA scientist , incorporating reenactments and interviews; Spector's role contributed to the narrative's exploration of mid-20th-century theatre culture within the broader context. In 2020, during the , Spector starred as George Murderer in the digital musical series A Killer Party: A Murder Mystery Musical, a remotely produced nine-episode production streamed on On Demand. Created by Joe Iconis and others, the series featured a cast of performers including and , blending interactive mystery elements with original songs in a format adapted for virtual viewing. Spector also appeared as himself in a 2016 concert episode of the public television series The Kate, performing selections from his repertoire at the Cultural Arts Center. This appearance earned a nomination for a Regional Emmy Award in the category, recognizing the episode's production quality and Spector's engaging performance. Additional minor screen credits include brief cameos and self-appearances in theatre-related programming, such as broadcasts where he performed with the Jersey Boys cast in 2006, 2007, and 2009. Up to 2025, no further major film or television roles have been announced, underscoring Spector's primary focus on stage work.

Personal life

Marriage and collaborations

Jarrod Spector married actress on October 26, 2014, in . The couple first met in 2010 during a developmental reading of the musical , where they portrayed a married couple on stage, though both were in other relationships at the time. Their friendship deepened over the years through shared circles, eventually evolving into a romantic partnership that emphasized mutual professional encouragement. Spector and Barrett have since collaborated on several joint projects, blending their talents as performers to create intimate -style shows that explore themes of , and artistic synergy. Their debut duo concert, This Is Dedicated: Music's Greatest Marriages, launched in 2015 at Feinstein's/, featuring duets from iconic musical theater couples and drawing on their own newlywed experiences. This was followed by Look At It My Way in 2017, a narrative-driven performance recounting their personal journey from friendship to marriage, interspersed with songs that highlight their evolving bond. In 2021, they presented Funny How It Happens, an evening of celebrating serendipitous career parallels and shared insights, performed at venues like in Springs. These collaborations extend to shared tours and appearances, such as their 2022 launch of Artists, a bicoastal booking agency that represents fellow performers and reflects their commitment to nurturing artistic communities. Throughout their partnership, Spector and Barrett have provided each other with professional support during high-profile runs, including Spector's Tony-nominated role in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Barrett's performances in shows like , fostering a dynamic where personal and career milestones intertwine.

Family and residence

Spector resides in , where he balances his Broadway career with life. His parents, Chuck and Beth Spector, live in , and Spector has made visits there to spend time with them, including bringing his solo show to perform locally.

Awards and nominations

Theatre honors

Jarrod Spector earned notable acclaim for his performance as in the production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, which premiered in 2014. For this role, he received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Performance by a in a Musical, recognizing his portrayal of the songwriter and musician alongside 's journey. This nomination highlighted Spector's ability to capture Mann's wit and partnership in the hit musical, which itself garnered multiple Tony nods. Additionally, Spector was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical in 2014 for the same performance. The Outer Critics Circle honors, presented by drama critics from major publications, underscored the critical appreciation for his comedic timing and vocal delivery in the production. For his portrayal of in The Cher Show (2018–2019), Spector received a 2020 BroadwayWorld Theatre Fans' Choice Award nomination for Best Featured Performer in a Musical of the Decade. These nominations marked significant milestones in Spector's career, affirming his standing among Broadway's featured performers.

Music and other recognitions

Spector has pursued a parallel career in music outside of theatre, releasing two solo albums that showcase his vocal range and interpretive style. His debut album, Minor Fall, Major Lift, was released in 2012 by Entertainment and features a collection of covers spanning pop, Motown, and standards, including mashups like "Where Did My Baby Go / / ." The album highlights Spector's signature falsetto and ability to blend genres, drawing from influences across decades of American music. In 2014, he followed with the live recording A Little Help from My Friends: Live at 54 Below, issued by Broadway Records, which captures performances from his cabaret residency at the venue and includes tracks exploring the history of the male falsetto, from to contemporary artists. These releases underscore his transition from stage roles to standalone musical performances, emphasizing personal storytelling through song. Beyond recordings, Spector has earned recognition in the and variety scene for his concert work. In 2016, he shared the Bistro Award for Major Engagement with his wife, , for their collaborative show This Is Dedicated: Music's Greatest Marriages at Feinstein's/. The Bistro Awards, established to honor excellence in New York , , and , celebrated the duo's tribute to iconic musical partnerships, blending humor, vocals, and narrative. This honor reflects Spector's versatility in intimate settings, where he has toured with solo and duet concerts featuring original arrangements and biographical elements from his career. His appearances, often directed by figures like Eric Michael Gillett, have been noted for their critical acclaim in specialized outlets, positioning him as a bridge between and contemporary vocal .

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