Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Michael Benjamin Washington

Michael Benjamin Washington (born June 7, 1979) is an and renowned for his versatile performances across television, film, and theater, including his breakout recurring role as Donald Jordan, Tracy Jordan's illegitimate son, in the 30 Rock from 2006 to 2013, and his portrayal of Bernard in the 2018 revival of The Boys in the Band, which he reprised in the 2020 film adaptation. Born and raised in , , Washington earned a degree from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he was recognized as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. His early theater career featured a Broadway debut in the original 2001 production of the ABBA jukebox musical Mamma Mia!, followed by the role of Jacob in the 2004 Tony Award-winning revival of La Cage aux Folles. Washington's television credits include guest appearances on Glee, , and , as well as a lead role as Mike in the short-lived NBC sitcom 100 Questions in 2010 and a recurring part as Felix in the NBC comedy from 2021 to 2023. In film, he appeared as Richard in the 2010 romantic comedy Love and Other Drugs. As a playwright, Washington wrote Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to , a about the civil rights activist's role in organizing the 1963 , which premiered at in 2015 and earned him the San Diego Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play, while the production received the award for Outstanding New Play. He has also been developing a play centered on Dr. . In recent years, Washington has taken on recurring roles such as in season 4 of the MGM+ series (2024–2025) and Antoine, a landlord and aspiring dancer, in the upcoming comedy Not Suitable for Work (2025). Additionally, he served on the Nominating Committee for the 2019–2020 and 2022–2023 seasons and received the Inaugural Antonyo Award for Best Solo Performance in 2020 from NYU Tisch.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Michael Benjamin Washington was born on June 7, 1979, in Dallas, Texas. His father, Lymon Washington Jr., served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, instilling a strong sense of discipline and commitment to public service in the household. Washington's mother worked as the highest-ranking woman of color at Bayer Pharmaceuticals and later pursued a career as a motivational speaker, emphasizing personal empowerment and expressive communication. From a young age, Washington displayed a keen interest in the , appearing in commercials for Texas-based companies such as J.C. Penney and . These early experiences marked the beginning of his engagement with performance, fostering a passion that would define his path. Raised in a liberal, politically active family during the , Washington absorbed values of social awareness and civic responsibility that profoundly shaped his worldview. The blend of his father's rigor, his mother's focus on and expression, and the household's emphasis on ideals provided a foundation balancing structure with creativity.

Academic pursuits and early recognition

Washington's early academic pursuits were deeply rooted in the , beginning during his high school years in , , where he immersed himself in theater programs that showcased his talent on local and national stages. This involvement in rigorous arts curricula not only honed his skills but also positioned him for broader recognition, highlighting his potential as a young committed to classical and contemporary roles. In 1997, Washington's dedication was nationally affirmed when he was selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts, an elite honor bestowed upon outstanding high school seniors demonstrating exceptional artistic achievement. This accolade, part of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts' initiatives, underscored his proficiency in theater and opened doors to prestigious opportunities. Concurrently, he was named a winner in the National competition in the theater category, joining a cohort of promising artists who received cash awards, professional mentorship, and participation in intensive workshops designed to foster creative growth. As a alumnus, Washington benefited from targeted sessions with industry leaders, which emphasized interdisciplinary collaboration and performance techniques, laying a foundational influence on his artistic development. Following high school, Washington pursued formal at University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a (BFA) in in 2000. During his studies in the late 1990s, he also completed a minor in , which equipped him with research and writing skills to complement his training. This dual focus at Tisch, a renowned program, provided intensive conservatory-style instruction in , voice, and movement, preparing him for professional transitions while nurturing his multifaceted interests in storytelling and narrative craft.

Career

Stage acting

Washington's professional stage career began with his New York debut in the off-Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night at Second Stage Theatre, where he performed during his final semester of college. He transitioned to Broadway shortly thereafter, originating the role of Eddie in the original company of Mamma Mia!, the ABBA jukebox musical that premiered on October 18, 2001, and ran for over 14 years; Washington remained with the production through its early years. In December 2004, Washington joined the Tony Award-winning revival of La Cage aux Folles as Jacob, the valet, contributing to the show's run through June 2005 and earning acclaim for his comedic timing in the ensemble. Expanding into regional theater, Washington portrayed the Tin Man in a reimagined production of The Wiz at La Jolla Playhouse from September to November 2006, directed by Des McAnuff, which highlighted his vocal and physical versatility in the ensemble. He followed this with the role of Gator in the world premiere of Memphis at La Jolla Playhouse in 2008, directed by Christopher Ashley; the musical, which explored the integration of rhythm and blues into mainstream culture, later transferred to Broadway and won four Tony Awards. Washington returned to Broadway in 2018 for the revival of Mart Crowley's The Boys in the Band at the Booth Theatre, playing Bernard, the production's sole Black character—a bookstore clerk whose interactions underscored racial tensions and resilience amid the group's interpersonal conflicts. His nuanced performance brought added depth to the character's navigation of racism within the predominantly white gay ensemble, reflecting evolving interpretations of the 1968 script. Washington reprised Bernard in the 2020 Netflix film adaptation of The Boys in the Band, directed by Joe Mantello, where the cast's prior stage chemistry informed the single-take filming approach to preserve the raw energy of live theater.

Television roles

Washington began his television career with guest appearances in several series during the mid-2000s. In 2004, he portrayed Myles in the Fox miniseries The Jury, appearing in the episode "Bangers." He followed this with a role as the Angst-Ridden Performer in the 2005 episode "Hope in the Middle" of ABC's Hope & Faith. In 2009, Washington guest-starred as George Lafferty in the Law & Order episode "Bailout," playing a character involved in a financial scandal storyline. His early television exposure also included the role of sports reporter Tracy Pendergrass in the 2010 Glee episode "Home," where he contributed to the show's exploration of personal aspirations amid ensemble dynamics. Washington achieved a breakout role as , the fictional adult son of (played by ), in NBC's from 2009 to 2010, appearing in two episodes that highlighted his comedic timing in the series' satirical take on television production. This performance marked a significant step in his career, showcasing his ability to blend humor with familial within the ensemble cast. His stage training from earlier pursuits enhanced this comedic delivery, allowing seamless integration into the fast-paced sketch-like format. In 2010, Washington took on the recurring role of Andrew, a consultant, in NBC's short-lived 100 Questions, appearing in all six episodes and providing guidance to the through a quirky online matchmaking narrative that emphasized interpersonal relationships and self-discovery. From 2017, he recurred as Ruben, the boyfriend of (), in three episodes of Netflix's during its third season, contributing to the series' humorous depiction of relationships and personal growth within its optimistic ensemble. Washington secured a series regular position as Cyrus Knight, the head of design at a fictional auto company, in NBC's from 2021 to 2023, appearing in 23 episodes across two seasons; his navigated corporate , innovation challenges, and team rivalries, underscoring the show's critique of American industry dynamics. In 2024, he portrayed civil rights icon in multiple episodes of MGM+'s Season 4, bringing depth to the writer's activism and intellectual exchanges with historical figures like , impacting the series' blend of crime drama and . Looking ahead, Washington is set for a recurring role as , a and aspiring dancer, in Hulu's upcoming comedy series Not Suitable for Work in 2025, adding to its ensemble focused on workplace and personal ambitions.

Film roles

Washington's film career began with a minor supporting role in the 2005 short film , directed by , where he portrayed the character in a comedic about a group of women dealing with personal insecurities. This early appearance marked his entry into screen acting, showcasing his ability to bring nuanced ensemble dynamics to short-form narratives. In 2010, Washington appeared in Edward Zwick's romantic comedy-drama , playing Richard, a navigating the competitive world of drug promotion alongside leads and . His role contributed to the film's depiction of corporate ambition and interpersonal relationships in the during the . Washington's most prominent film role came in 2020 with the Netflix adaptation of The Boys in the Band, directed by , where he reprised his stage portrayal of Bernard, a single gay man grappling with and social tensions at a birthday party. This performance extended his acclaimed work into cinema, earning praise for its emotional depth and fidelity to the original material. These selective film engagements have complemented Washington's primary focus on theater and television, leveraging his stage-honed skills in character-driven stories while maintaining a modest screen presence that underscores his versatility without overshadowing his live-performance roots.

Writing and playwriting

Michael Benjamin Washington emerged as a with his original work Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to , a that explores the through the lens of Bayard Rustin's behind-the-scenes role in organizing the 1963 . The play premiered in 2015 as a co-production between and Kansas City Repertory Theatre, where Washington also starred as Rustin, highlighting themes of civil rights activism, personal identity struggles amid racial and challenges, and the overlooked contributions of historical figures. Blueprints to Freedom received the Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award, recognizing its innovative storytelling and impact on contemporary theater, along with the Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Play; Washington earned the Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play for his portrayal of Rustin. The script was later published by Play Publishing in 2023, making it available for licensing and further productions, underscoring Washington's commitment to amplifying Black history and narratives. In 2019–2020, Washington took on a solo adaptation of Anna Deavere Smith's at Signature Theatre, performing all 25 roles in this documentary play addressing the 1991 Crown Heights riots and intersecting themes of racial identity and community tension; his portrayal earned the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding and the Inaugural Antonyo Award for Best . Washington's playwriting continued to evolve with his co-authorship of the book for Polly: The Musical, a Broadway-bound adaptation of the Disney television movie, announced in June 2025 and directed by Debbie Allen, focusing on themes of hope, resilience, and community in an all-Black creative team production. He is also developing a play centered on Dr. Maya Angelou at the request of her estate and The Caged Bird Foundation. His works consistently weave civil rights, identity, and Black historical contexts, establishing him as a voice for underrepresented stories in American theater. Washington served on the Nominating Committee for the 2019–2020 and 2021–2022 seasons.

References

  1. [1]
    Michael B. Washington - Actor - TV Insider
    Jan 4, 2022 · Actor. Birth Date: June 7, 1979. Age: 46 years old. Birth Place: Dallas, Texas. IMDB Instagram. Michael Benjamin Washington is an American actor ...Missing: biography - | Show results with:biography -<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    Michael Benjamin Washington (Actor, Author) - Broadway World
    Soon to be seen reprising his Broadway role on screen in The Boys in the Band on Netflix, credits include: Mamma Mia! (original Broadway company); the 2005 ...
  3. [3]
    Michael Benjamin Washington (Performer) - Playbill
    Inside the Playbill: Michael Benjamin Washington (Performer) · The Boys in the Band · La Cage aux Folles · Mamma Mia! Mamma Mia! Awards. Drama League. 2020 ...
  4. [4]
    Michael Benjamin Washington - IMDb
    Born and reared in Dallas, Texas, Mr. Washington is best known for his breakout turn as Donald Jordan on Tina Fey and Robert Carlock's hit NBC comedy 30 Rock.
  5. [5]
    Michael Benjamin Washington Biography | Broadway Buzz
    Michael Benjamin Washington's credits include Mamma Mia! (original Broadway company), the 2005 revival of La Cage Aux Folles and Saturday Night (Second Stage).
  6. [6]
    Michael Benjamin Washington Movies and Shows - ‎Apple TV
    Michael Benjamin Washington is an American actor known for his roles in American Auto, 100 Questions, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    La Jolla Playhouse's 'Come From Away' Wins Big at 2015 Craig ...
    Feb 10, 2016 · Michael Benjamin Washington—Blueprints to Freedom, La Jolla Playhouse. Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play, Female Sandy Campbell—Master ...
  8. [8]
    'Godfather Of Harlem' Adds Michael Benjamin Washington, Elijah ...
    Sep 6, 2024 · EXCLUSIVE: Michael Benjamin Washington (American Auto) and Elijah Wright (High and Low) have joined the fourth season of MGM+'s gangster ...
  9. [9]
    https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/mindy-kaling-hulu-comedy-series-not-suitable-for-work-cast-2-1236570634/
  10. [10]
    Inaugural Antonyo Award Winners - NYU Tisch School of the Arts
    Jun 30, 2020 · Michael Benjamin Washington '00 (BFA, Drama). Best Book A Strange Loop Michael R. Jackson '03 (BFA, Dramatic Writing) / '05 (MFA, Graduate ...
  11. [11]
    Michael Benjamin Washington | Broadway Buzz
    Dec 7, 2004 · Age: 25 Currently: Playing the scene-stealing, cross-dressing maid Jacob in La Cage aux Folles on Broadway. Hometown: Dallas, Texas.Missing: biography - | Show results with:biography -
  12. [12]
    'All marginalized communities should come together as one human ...
    Jun 23, 2019 · Michael Benjamin Washington: 'All marginalized communities should ... I grew up in a liberal household in Dallas, Texas, with politically involved ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
  13. [13]
    Our History | 40 years for artists - YoungArts
    Michael Benjamin Washington*, Theater. Tony Yazbeck, Theater. *U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. 1997. Tamar Davis (1998 Voice & U.S. Presidential Scholar ...
  14. [14]
    Tisch Alumni on Playbill's Big 10 on Broadway
    Aug 29, 2019 · NYU Tisch Alumni were represented on Playbill's Big 10 on Broadway ... Michael Benjamin Washington '00 (BFA, Drama), The Boys in the Band.
  15. [15]
    Michael Benjamin Washington on Playing Boys in the Band's Only ...
    May 29, 2018 · The actor discusses his roles in 30 Rock and Boys, and his plan to honor Maya Angelou.
  16. [16]
    An Interview with La Cage's Michael Benjamin Washington
    Apr 30, 2005 · Prior to his Broadway debut, Michael's New York debut was in Sondheim's Saturday Night at Second Stage Theatre, a show that had him doing double ...
  17. [17]
    Michael Benjamin Washington – Broadway Cast & Staff - IBDB
    Michael Benjamin Washington is credited as Performer.
  18. [18]
    New Musical Take on The Wiz Ends Run at La Jolla Nov. 26 | Playbill
    James (All Shook Up) as Dorothy, Titus Burgess (Jersey Boys) as the Lion, Rashad Naylor (Hairspray) as the Scarecrow, Michael Benjamin Washington (La Cage aux ...
  19. [19]
    Kimball, Morgan, Washington, Calloway Will Expose Roots of Rock ...
    Jun 12, 2008 · ... Michael Benjamin Washington will take principal roles in La Jolla Playhouse's production of the new musical Memphis. By Kenneth Jones. June ...
  20. [20]
    Michael Benjamin Washington: The "African Queen" of Broadway's ...
    Jul 11, 2018 · Washington, who had memorable recurring roles on 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, has been busy writing a play about Maya Angelou for her ...
  21. [21]
    'Fires In The Mirror' Revival Casts 'Boys In The Band' Actor - Deadline
    Aug 22, 2019 · Washington recently completed filming the Joe Mantello-directed The Boys in the Band Netflix screen adaptation, reprising his 2018 Broadway ...Missing: preparation | Show results with:preparation
  22. [22]
    The Jury (TV Series 2004) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    The Jury (TV Series 2004) - Cast and crew credits, including actors ... Michael Benjamin Washington · Myles. 1 episode • 2004. Ana Reeder at an event ...
  23. [23]
    "Hope & Faith" Hope in the Middle (TV Episode 2005) - IMDb
    Rating 6/10 (23) Michael Benjamin Washington · Angst-Ridden Performer · Alice Schaerer · Optimist MC. Director. Don Scardino. Writer. Jennie Snyder Urman.
  24. [24]
    "Law & Order" Bailout (TV Episode 2009) - IMDb
    Rating 7.2/10 (262) Michael Benjamin Washington · George Lafferty · Kale Browne · Dale Thornhill · Frank Pando · Silvio Mangiafico.Full cast & crew · Plot · E.J. Bonilla as Carlos · User reviews
  25. [25]
    Michael Benjamin Washington as Donald - 30 Rock - IMDb
    Michael Benjamin Washington: Donald. Mamma Mia. 30 Rock. Michael Benjamin Washington credited ...
  26. [26]
    100 Questions (TV Series 2010) - IMDb
    Rating 5.5/10 (886) 100 Questions: Created by Christopher Moynihan. With Sophie Winkleman ... Leslie. 6 eps 6 episodes • 2010. Michael Benjamin ...Missing: name | Show results with:name
  27. [27]
    Michael Benjamin Washington — The Movie Database (TMDB)
    Known For Acting. Known Credits 14. Gender Male. Birthday June 7, 1979 (46 years old). Place of Birth Dallas, Texas, USA.Missing: actor | Show results with:actor
  28. [28]
    American Auto (TV Series 2021–2023) - Episode list - IMDb
    Ana Gasteyer, Michael Benjamin Washington, Harriet Dyer, and Tye White in American Auto. S1.E4 ∙ The $10K Car. Tue, Jan 11, 2022. Sadie and Cyrus struggle ...
  29. [29]
    Gnome (Short 2005) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Cast · Lauren Graham · Lauren Graham · Amanda · Joey Cee · Joey Cee · Luz · Joe Holt · Joe Holt · Towanda · Michael Benjamin Washington · Michael Benjamin ...
  30. [30]
    Gnome (Short 2005) - IMDb
    Rating 7.6/10 (254) Gnome: Directed by Jenny Bicks. With Lauren Graham, Joey Cee, Joe Holt, Michael Benjamin Washington. Clutching her little can of Mace, Amanda (Lauren ...
  31. [31]
    Love & Other Drugs (2010) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Love & Other Drugs (2010) - Cast and crew credits, including actors ... Michael Benjamin Washington · Richard. Bingo O'Malley in Two Evil Eyes (1990).
  32. [32]
    https://kcstudio.org/the-man-behind-the-man-who-had-a-dream-blueprints-to-freedom/
  33. [33]
    Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin
    In stockMay 12, 2023 · Author. Michael Benjamin Washington. Born and reared in Dallas, Texas, Mr. Washington is best known for his breakout turn as Donald Jordan on ...Missing: early | Show results with:early
  34. [34]
    The Man Behind the Man Who Had a Dream - KC Studio
    Oct 30, 2015 · Presented at KC Rep's Copaken Stage, Michael Benjamin Washington's Blueprints to Freedom celebrates the contribution of Bayard Rustin, architect ...
  35. [35]
    'Blueprints' Tells Forgotten Civil Rights Story at La Jolla Playhouse
    Sep 29, 2015 · “Blueprints to Freedom: An Ode to Bayard Rustin” is about the lead-up to the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The brilliant ' ...
  36. [36]
    Michael Benjamin Washington – Broadway Play Publishing Inc
    Born and reared in Dallas, Texas, Mr. Washington is best known for his breakout turn as Donald Jordan on Tina Fey and Robert Carlock's hit NBC comedy 30 Rock.Missing: early interest childhood
  37. [37]
    Fires in the Mirror, Starring Michael Benjamin Washington, Opens ...
    Originally starring playwright-actor Smith, who first performed the play in 1992, the Signature production is performed by Michael Benjamin Washington (The Boys ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    Debbie Allen to Direct Broadway-Aimed Polly: The Musical | Playbill
    Jun 4, 2025 · The new stage production will feature a book by Emmy winner Lena Waithe and Michael Benjamin Washington and music and lyrics by Grammy winner ...
  39. [39]
    NEW BROADWAY-BOUND ADAPTATION OF “POLLY - DKC/O&M
    Jun 4, 2025 · Michael Benjamin Washington's work as a playwright has been ... Award and the Edgerton Foundation Award for Outstanding New American Play.