Kyle Selig
Kyle Selig is an American actor, singer, and dancer best known for originating the role of Aaron Samuels in the Broadway musical Mean Girls in 2018.[1] Born on September 28, 1992, in Orange County, California, Selig grew up in Huntington Beach and graduated from Huntington Beach High School in 2010, where he studied musical theater.[2][3] At age 17, he won the Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a High School Musical, earning a $10,000 scholarship that supported his further training.[4][5] Selig attended the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, making his Broadway debut as an understudy in The Book of Mormon during his junior year in 2013.[1] He later replaced Andrew Rannells as Elder Price in the same production from 2015 to 2016.[4] Following his graduation, Selig's career expanded with leading roles, including Jacob Jankowski in the 2024 Broadway musical Water for Elephants, which he joined in September 2024.[4] In 2025, he appeared as a performer in the revue Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends.[4] Beyond theater, Selig has ventured into television and film, portraying Ryan Karloski in FBI: International (2021), Mr. Komos in Monster High: The Movie (2022), and Lucas in Cat Person (2023).[2] As a singer-songwriter, he has released three albums: And the Tree Was Happy (2013), She Breathes (2016), and Careful Days (2021).[6] In his personal life, Selig married actress Erika Henningsen on May 22, 2023.[2]Early life and education
Early life
Kyle Andrew Selig was born on September 28, 1992, in Orange County, California.[2] He grew up in Huntington Beach.[7] Selig's interest in performing arts began in childhood, sparked by watching his older sister in a local play, which ignited his passion for theater.[7] By fifth grade, he had caught the "performing bug" through participation in a production staged by the local Boys and Girls Club, marking his early exposure to acting, dancing, and singing on stage.[8] During high school at Huntington Beach High School, Selig immersed himself in musical theater productions, honing his skills in school performances.[9] His standout role as Don Lockwood in Singin' in the Rain earned him the 2010 National High School Musical Theatre Award, also known as the Jimmy Award, for Best Performance by an Actor, recognizing his talent at age 17. The award included a $10,000 scholarship to support his further training.[10][3][9] Following this achievement, Selig transitioned to formal training at Carnegie Mellon University.[9]Education
Selig graduated from Huntington Beach High School in 2010.[3] Following high school, Selig enrolled at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama, where he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre, graduating in 2014.[11][12] The BFA program provided Selig with intensive, conservatory-style training in acting, dance, and voice, emphasizing side-by-side instruction for acting and music theater students with a core focus on performance skills.[12] This included private voice lessons throughout all four years, dance classes tailored to musical theater demands, and courses in acting a song, cabaret performance, and music theater history, alongside foundational work in movement and speech.[13] Students like Selig participated in mainstage productions and scene study to hone these disciplines under professional faculty guidance, fostering a collaborative environment that integrated technical proficiency with artistic expression.[12] This comprehensive education at Carnegie Mellon directly prepared Selig for professional opportunities, equipping him with the versatile skills in vocal technique, physicality, and character development essential for immediate entry into the industry upon earning his degree.[12][11]Career
Theatre career
Kyle Selig made his Broadway debut in 2013 as the standby for Elder Kevin Price in The Book of Mormon, a role he performed during his time as a student at Carnegie Mellon University. This early involvement marked his entry into the professional theatre world, where he balanced understudy duties with ensemble appearances, gaining valuable experience in a Tony Award-winning production.[4] Following his debut, Selig expanded his resume with regional and touring roles that showcased his versatility as a performer. In 2014, he starred as the title character in the U.S. national tour of Pippin, directed by Diane Paulus, bringing youthful energy to the acrobatic revival of the Stephen Schwartz musical.[14] By 2016, he appeared as Baby John in a concert staging of West Side Story at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, alongside stars like Jeremy Jordan and Karen Olivo. The following year, Selig took on the role of the Dauphin in the Off-Broadway world premiere of Joan of Arc: Into the Fire at The Public Theater, directed by Alex Timbers with music by David Byrne, further honing his dramatic range in a contemporary musical exploration of historical sainthood. Selig's breakthrough came in 2018 when he originated the role of Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls, the Broadway musical adaptation of Tina Fey's film, which earned 12 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. His portrayal of the charming high school heartthrob was praised for its affable sincerity and strong vocal presence, contributing to the show's sharp comedic tone and its resonance with audiences navigating themes of social dynamics and identity.[15] The production, which ran at the August Wilson Theatre, solidified Selig's status as a leading man, but it faced an abrupt end on March 12, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown of Broadway, interrupting a successful run after over 800 performances and leaving performers like Selig to adapt to an uncertain industry landscape. In recent years, Selig has continued his ascent with prominent lead roles, demonstrating artistic growth from ensemble and understudy positions to starring turns. He starred as Jacob Jankowski in the Broadway production of Water for Elephants from September 3, 2024, until its closure on December 8, 2024, the young protagonist in the Tony-nominated musical based on Sara Gruen's novel, bringing emotional depth to the circus-set story of love and loss.[16] Earlier in 2025, he performed in the Broadway transfer of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, a revue celebrating the composer's catalog alongside Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, where his contributions to the ensemble harmonies highlighted his vocal precision and stage presence.[17] Throughout his career trajectory, Selig has evolved from supporting roles that built his technical foundation to originating characters that demand star-level charisma, earning consistent acclaim for his boy-next-door appeal and commitment to ensemble-driven storytelling amid the profession's inherent instability.[18]Film and television career
Selig made his television debut in 2021 with a guest role as Ryan Karloski in the CBS series FBI: International, marking his initial foray into scripted screen acting following years on stage.[2] He reprised the role in the 2024 episode "Red Light". This appearance showcased his ability to adapt his theatrical training to the concise demands of episodic television, where scenes are captured in single takes rather than live performances.[19] In 2022, Selig expanded into voice acting with the role of Mr. Komos, a half-human, half-monster teacher, in Nickelodeon's live-action musical adaptation Monster High: The Movie.[20] He reprised the role in the 2023 sequel Monster High 2, also voicing Edward "Eddy" Hyde Jr. The project, based on the Mattel toy franchise, allowed him to blend singing and character work in an animated-hybrid format, drawing on his Broadway vocal expertise for musical sequences like "Monster Heart."[21] Directed by Todd Holland, the film premiered on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon, highlighting Selig's versatility in family-oriented content.[22] That same year, Selig secured a recurring role as Dylan in the Fox mockumentary comedy [Welcome to Flatch](/page/Welcome_to_Flatc h), appearing in 12 episodes across its two seasons through 2023. Created by Jenny Bicks and Paul Feig, the series followed small-town life in Ohio, with Selig's character contributing to the ensemble's humorous dynamics in episodes like the pilot and "That Old Flatch Magic."[23] His involvement in this project represented a step toward sustained television presence, contrasting the immediacy of live theater with the collaborative, multi-camera shooting style.[24] In 2023, he guest-starred as Magneto in the Netflix animated series Mulligan. Selig transitioned to feature film in 2023 with the supporting role of Lucas in Cat Person, an indie drama adapted from Kristen Roupenian's New Yorker short story and directed by Susanna Fogel.[25] Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, the film explored modern dating dynamics, with Selig's performance adding to the ensemble alongside Emilia Jones and Nicholas Braun; it received attention for its timely themes and received a limited theatrical release later that year.[26] In interviews at Sundance, Selig discussed how his stage background informed his approach to on-screen subtlety, emphasizing emotional authenticity over exaggerated gestures.[27] Throughout these screen projects, Selig has balanced film and television commitments with his ongoing theater work, leveraging his Broadway experience—such as originating roles in Mean Girls and The Book of Mormon—as a foundation for building nuanced on-camera presence.[1] This dual career path has allowed him to explore diverse formats while maintaining a focus on character-driven storytelling, though he has noted the logistical challenges of transitioning between live rehearsals and pre-recorded shoots.[23]Music career
Selig's music career began with collaborative projects during his early professional years. In 2013, he co-created the concept album And the Tree Was Happy with composer Joe Mendick, a 10-track work inspired by Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree, exploring themes of growth, sacrifice, and friendship through original songs.[28] Three years later, Selig and Mendick released She Breathes, a 12-song album delving into emotional introspection and human connection, featuring additional collaborators like vocalist Tory Trowbridge on select tracks.[29] These independent releases marked Selig's transition from stage acting to songwriting and recording, showcasing his vocal range beyond theatrical ensembles. His singing intersected with musical theatre through contributions to cast recordings, where his performances enhanced character interpretations. On the 2018 Mean Girls Original Broadway Cast Recording, Selig voiced Aaron Samuels in key numbers like "Someone Gets Hurt" and "More Is Better," delivering a smooth, earnest tenor that underscored the role's romantic innocence and vulnerability.[30] He also appeared on holiday compilations, including Broadway's Carols for a Cure, Volume 20 (2018) and Volume 21 (2019), where his duet with Renée Rapp on "Baby, It's Cold Outside" highlighted his ability to blend pop sensibility with Broadway polish.[31] In 2021, Selig released his debut solo album Careful Days on March 16, reflecting on personal growth, connection, and optimism amid the challenges of the previous year.[32] The album, available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, represented a pivotal step in his independent music pursuits, drawing from his stage-honed vocal technique to craft introspective pop tracks.[33] Outside cast albums, Selig has engaged in live vocal performances via virtual concert series during the COVID-19 era. In 2020, he delivered an acoustic rendition of "The Sweetest Sounds" from Richard Rodgers' No Strings for the Rodgers & Hammerstein R&H Goes Live! stream, emphasizing emotional intimacy in a stripped-down format.[34] That same year, alongside fiancée Erika Henningsen, he performed "I See the Light" from Disney's Tangled in the Theatre@Home Goes to Hollywood online event, showcasing duet chemistry in a non-theatrical context.[35] In 2020, the pair reprised their collaboration with "Only Us" from Dear Evan Hansen on BroadwayWorld's Living Room Concerts series, further illustrating Selig's versatility in promotional and benefit-style vocal showcases.[36]Off-stage life
Philanthropy and social activism
Selig has been actively involved in philanthropy supporting homeless youth, particularly through his participation in the Covenant House Stage & Screen Sleep Out in August 2018. Alongside Mean Girls co-stars Ashley Park and Curtis Holland, he slept outdoors in Times Square to raise awareness and funds for the organization's services, which provide shelter, counseling, and education to young people experiencing homelessness. The event, in its sixth year, drew 104 Broadway participants and raised nearly $400,000 to support Covenant House's annual aid for approximately 2,000 homeless youth out of the 4.2 million affected nationwide.[37] Motivated by his own background in high school musical theater, where he discovered a passion for connecting with others through performance, Selig has extended his efforts to mentoring aspiring young performers. As a 2010 Jimmy Award winner for Best Performance by an Actor, he has drawn on that experience to lead workshops and masterclasses focused on audition techniques, song interpretation, and building confidence in the arts. For instance, in January 2020, he co-taught a masterclass at Broadway Workshop in New York, offering one-on-one guidance to students aged 12-19 to help them advance their skills in musical theater. These sessions emphasize accessibility to professional training, enabling underserved youth to pursue careers in the performing arts.[38][39] In July 2025, Selig participated in Broadway Barks, an annual star-studded pet adoption event in Shubert Alley that supports Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, raising funds for HIV/AIDS services, arts education, and community health initiatives.[40] Through these initiatives, Selig advocates for greater arts access and support within the theater community, highlighting the transformative role of performance in addressing personal and societal challenges. His work underscores a commitment to empowering the next generation, influenced by the opportunities he received early in his career.Personal life
Kyle Selig married fellow actor Erika Henningsen on May 22, 2023, in a private ceremony at the Bowery Hotel in New York City.[41][42] The couple first met through their shared work in the Broadway production of Mean Girls, where they originated the roles of Aaron Samuels and Cady Heron, respectively, and began dating after the show's pre-Broadway run in Washington, D.C.[41][43] They announced their engagement in 2021, with the wedding attended by about 130 guests, including many from the Mean Girls cast, and officiated by co-star Grey Henson.[41][44] As a couple both immersed in the performing arts, Selig and Henningsen maintain a close-knit routine that blends their professional and personal lives, particularly while based in New York City.[44] In 2025, while Selig starred in Old Friends and Henningsen starred in Just in Time—productions just three blocks apart—they shared commutes, lunches, and post-show gatherings, often integrating with each other's casts for support.[44] The pair briefly relocated to Los Angeles in early 2024 to explore opportunities there but returned to New York for their Broadway commitments, underscoring their primary residence and professional focus in the city.[45] Selig and Henningsen prioritize quiet, intimate moments amid their demanding careers, such as cozy nights at home, which they cite as a favorite way to unwind.[44] Their wedding's most cherished memory for Henningsen involved a private after-hours ritual of pizza, champagne, and soaking their feet, highlighting their preference for low-key celebrations away from the spotlight.[44] While Selig occasionally shares glimpses of their life on social media, the couple generally maintains a stance of privacy regarding personal matters, focusing public attention on their artistic endeavors rather than private details.[41][46]Theatre credits
Broadway productions
Selig made his Broadway debut as standby for Elder Price in The Book of Mormon beginning August 13, 2013. He performed in the role during his time as standby and later returned to the production in multiple capacities. From February 17, 2015, to January 3, 2016, he served as an ensemble member, understudy for Elder Price, and replacement for Cunningham's Dad. Selig then took over the lead role of Elder Price as a replacement from January 5 to February 21, 2016, succeeding Gavin Creel. He briefly reprised Elder Price for a two-week engagement in 2022.[4][47][48][18] In 2018, Selig originated the role of Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls, joining the original cast for previews starting March 12 and the official opening on April 8 at the August Wilson Theatre. He performed alongside Erika Henningsen as Cady Heron, Taylor Louderman as Regina George, Ashley Park as Gretchen Wieners, Barrett Wilbert Weed as Janis Ian, and Grey Henson as Damian Hubbard. Selig remained in the role through January 12, 2020, and returned as a replacement from February 11 until the show's closure on March 11, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for a total run of nearly two years and over 800 performances.[4][49] His portrayal earned praise for capturing the character's charm and vulnerability, contributing to the musical's Tony Award nomination for Best Musical.[1] Selig starred as Jacob Jankowski in Water for Elephants, replacing Grant Gustin in the lead role beginning September 3, 2024, at the Imperial Theatre. He performed through the production's limited engagement, which concluded on December 8, 2024.[4][50] In 2025, Selig appeared as a performer in the ensemble of the revue Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends, starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga, with previews beginning March 25 and opening on April 8 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. The production ran through its closing on June 29, 2025.[4][51]| Production | Role | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Book of Mormon | Standby Elder Price | Aug 13, 2013 – 2014 | Debut; performed in role during coverage |
| The Book of Mormon | Ensemble / Cunningham's Dad (Replacement) / Understudy Elder Price | Feb 17, 2015 – Jan 3, 2016 | - |
| The Book of Mormon | Elder Price (Replacement) | Jan 5 – Feb 21, 2016 | Lead role coverage |
| The Book of Mormon | Elder Price (Replacement) | 2022 | Two-week engagement |
| Mean Girls | Aaron Samuels (Original / Also Starring) | Mar 12, 2018 – Jan 12, 2020; Feb 11 – Mar 11, 2020 | Originated role; over 800 performances |
| Water for Elephants | Jacob Jankowski (Replacement) | Sep 3 – Dec 8, 2024 | Starring lead |
| Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends | Performer (Ensemble) | Apr 8 – Jun 29, 2025 | Revue |
Other theatre productions
Selig began his professional theatre career on the national tour of Pippin, where he starred as the title role under the direction of Diane Paulus from September 2014 through early 2015, performing in cities including Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco before taking a vocal leave of absence.[14][52] Prior to his Broadway debut, he appeared as Elder Kevin Price on the national tour of The Book of Mormon in 2012–2013.[53] In 2016, Selig performed as Baby John in a concert staging of West Side Story with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, for performances on July 14 and 19.[54][55] That same year, he starred as Homer Hickam in the world premiere musical adaptation of October Sky at The Old Globe in San Diego, directed by Rachel Rockwell, running from September 10 to October 23 on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage.[56] In 2017, Selig originated the role of Aaron Samuels in the pre-Broadway tryout of Mean Girls at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., from October 12 to November 5, directed by Casey Nicholaw.[57][58] Earlier that year, he appeared off-Broadway as the Dauphin/King Charles in Joan of Arc: Into the Fire, with music and book by David Byrne and direction by Alex Timbers, at The Public Theater's Newman Theater, with previews from February 14 to March 14, opening on March 15, and closing on April 30.[59][60][61] In 2025, Selig appeared as a Performer in the North American premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, from February 8 to March 9, directed by Dominic Cooke.[62] These non-Broadway productions showcased Selig's versatility and contributed to his transition to leading roles on the Great White Way.Filmography
Television
Selig transitioned to television acting following his Broadway successes, beginning with guest roles in established series.[1] In 2019, he appeared in two episodes of the CBS political drama Madam Secretary as Travis, a young staffer involved in White House operations. His first episode, "Hail to the Chief," aired on October 6, 2019, where Travis assists in navigating a political crisis, followed by "The Strike Zone" on October 13, 2019, depicting his role in labor negotiations. Later that year, Selig guest-starred in the Paramount+ series Evil as a process server in the episode "Exorcism Part 2," which aired on December 5, 2019, serving legal documents amid a supernatural investigation.[63] In 2021, Selig starred in two holiday television movies. He played Ryan Donaldson, a musician and love interest, in the Hallmark Channel film Christmas in Tahoe, which premiered on November 28, 2021, following an aspiring talent booker reconnecting with her ex-boyfriend to save a family show.[64] He also portrayed Jake, a supportive friend, in the Peacock comedy The Housewives of the North Pole, released on December 9, 2021, about a feud between neighbors during a holiday decorating competition.[65] Selig's next television role came in 2022 on the Peacock comedy Girls5eva, where he played D'Blaze, a flamboyant performer, in the season 2 episode "B.P.E.," aired on May 26, 2022. That same year, he joined the Fox mockumentary series Welcome to Flatch in a recurring capacity as Dylan Parney, a laid-back Flatch resident and Nadine's boyfriend, appearing in 7 episodes across season 1 (premiering March 17, 2022). Dylan's arc explores his suppressed passion for magic tricks, forbidden by Nadine, leading to humorous conflicts and personal growth as he reconnects with his interests amid small-town antics; he returned for 5 episodes in season 2 (premiering February 23, 2023), further developing his dynamic with the ensemble.[66][67] In 2023, Selig provided voice work for the Netflix animated series Mulligan, voicing the character Magneto in the episode "Morning in America," which aired on May 12, 2023, as part of a post-apocalyptic comedy ensemble.[68] His most recent series appearance was in 2024 on CBS's FBI: International, guest-starring as Ryan Karloski, a maritime security contractor murdered during a night out in Amsterdam, in the season 3 episode "Red Light," aired on April 23, 2024. The role highlights Karloski as the central victim in an international murder probe.[69]Film
Selig made his screen debut in the live-action musical fantasy film Monster High: The Movie, released on October 6, 2022, by Nickelodeon and streaming on Paramount+.[70] Directed by Todd Holland, the film is based on the Mattel toy franchise and follows Clawdeen Wolf, a half-human, half-werewolf teen, as she navigates life at Monster High, a school for monsters' children; Selig played the supporting role of Mr. Komos, the science teacher who harbors a monstrous secret.[71] His co-stars included Miia Harris as Clawdeen Wolf, Ceci Balagot as Frankie Stein, Nayah Damasen as Draculaura, and Case Walker as Deuce Gorgon.[20] In 2023, Selig appeared in the dark comedy thriller Cat Person, a theatrical release on October 6, 2023, directed by Susanna Fogel and adapted from Kristen Roupenian's New Yorker short story.[26] He portrayed Lucas, a friend of the protagonist's roommate, in the film which explores modern dating dynamics through the perspective of college student Margot (Emilia Jones); the cast also featured Nicholas Braun, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Liza Koshy.[72] Selig reprised his role as Mr. Komos—now also revealed as Edward "Eddy" Hyde Jr.—in the sequel Monster High 2, another live-action musical fantasy released on October 5, 2023, via Paramount+ and produced by Nickelodeon.[73] The film continues the story of Clawdeen (Harris), Draculaura (Damasen), and Frankie (Balagot) facing new threats at Monster High, including rival students and a power-absorbing antagonist.[74] No other film credits, including shorts or cameos, are documented for Selig as of 2025.Discography
Cast recordings
Selig contributed vocals to the Mean Girls original Broadway cast recording, released digitally on May 18, 2018, and on CD June 15, 2018, by Atlantic Records.[75] As Aaron Samuels, he performed on several tracks, including the duet "More Is Better" with Erika Henningsen (as Cady Heron), the reprise "Stupid with Love (Reprise)" also with Henningsen, and the ensemble number "Someone Gets Hurt" alongside Taylor Louderman (as Regina George) and the cast.[76] These songs highlight his role in the musical's score by Jeff Richmond with lyrics by Nell Benjamin, capturing key moments from the production that ran at the August Wilson Theatre from April 2018 to March 2020.[75] Selig also appears on Broadway's Carols for a Cure, Volume 20 (2018) and Volume 21 (2019), charity albums benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, featuring holiday songs performed by Broadway performers. Additionally, he contributed "The Sweetest Sounds" to the collaborative album R&H Goes Pop! (2021), a modern reinterpretation of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs.[77]Solo albums
Kyle Selig released his debut album, And the Tree Was Happy, on April 3, 2013, in collaboration with Joe Mendick. The 10-track album, with a total runtime of 17 minutes, is inspired by Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree and available on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.[28] His second album, She Breathes, was released on June 25, 2016, also with Joe Mendick. This 12-track project, running 35 minutes, explores introspective themes and is available for streaming.[29] Selig released his third and first fully solo album, Careful Days, on March 16, 2021, as an independent project available for streaming on platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.[6][78] The album, consisting of eight original tracks, explores themes of finding positivity and human connection amid personal challenges, drawing inspiration from Selig's experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] Selig announced the release on Instagram, noting that the songs provided him creative purpose during isolation and were now shared with listeners.[6] The album's production was handled independently, with album artwork created by artist Tovi Wayne.[6] Tracks blend pop and folk influences, reflecting Selig's theatre-honed vocal style in a more intimate, introspective setting. The full track listing is as follows:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Careful Days | 3:10 |
| 2 | Long Love | 3:47 |
| 3 | Lead Me Home | 3:15 |
| 4 | A-Train | 3:33 |
| 5 | Trust | 3:04 |
| 6 | Cold Shoulder | 3:25 |
| 7 | New Rachel | 4:02 |
| 8 | Islandia | 4:24 |