Brandon Victor Dixon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brandon Victor Dixon
Dixon at the 73rd Tony Awards nominations announcement, 2019
Born	(1981-09-23) September 23, 1981 (age 43) Gaithersburg, Maryland, U.S.
Education	Columbia University (BA)
Occupation	Actor, singer, producer
Years active	2003–present
Known for	The Scottsboro Boys The Color Purple Hamilton Rent Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert

Brandon Victor Dixon (born September 23, 1981) is an American actor, singer, and theatrical producer. He is well-known for his roles in many Broadway musicals. These include The Color Purple, Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, and Hell's Kitchen. He was nominated for a Tony Award for these performances.

Dixon also played Berry Gordy Jr. in Motown: The Musical. This role earned him a nomination for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. In 2016, he took on the role of Aaron Burr in the famous musical Hamilton. He also played Hayward Patterson in The Scottsboro Boys in London, which earned him a Laurence Olivier Award nomination.

As a producer, Dixon has helped create Broadway shows like Hedwig and the Angry Inch. This show won a Tony Award in 2014. In 2018, he played Judas Iscariot in the live TV musical Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. For this, he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.

Early Life and School

Brandon Victor Dixon was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland, on September 23, 1981. He went to the St. Albans School. Later, he studied at Columbia University and graduated in 2003. In 1999, he also attended the British American Drama Academy in England.

Dixon has shared that the first Broadway show he ever saw was Ragtime.

Career Highlights

Theater Performances

Early Roles on Stage

In 2003, Dixon started his acting career. He played Royal in a production called House of Flowers. Right after college, he joined the national tour of The Lion King. In that show, he played the adult Simba.

The Color Purple Musical

In 2005, Dixon created the role of Harpo in the Broadway musical The Color Purple. His performance earned him a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. A theater critic from The New York Times praised his "sunny" energy on stage.

Dixon later joined the touring version of The Color Purple. A review in 2009 described his performance as "lithe and amusing." It also noted his "superb comedic effect."

The Scottsboro Boys Musical

In 2010, Dixon played Haywood Patterson in the Off-Broadway show The Scottsboro Boys. He was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical. Critics said his performance was "charismatic" and "affecting."

In 2014, Dixon returned to the role of Haywood Patterson. This time, he performed in the London West End production of The Scottsboro Boys.

Hamilton Musical

On August 23, 2016, Dixon took over the main role of Aaron Burr in the Broadway show Hamilton. He was chosen for the part by Leslie Odom Jr., who originally played Burr. Dixon had worked with other Hamilton cast members before. He played the role of Burr until August 13, 2017.

A reviewer in 2017 said Dixon's performance as Burr was "exceptionally fine." The reviewer noted that Dixon brought his own unique style to the character. He delivered the song "The Room Where It Happens" in a powerful way.

In November 2016, after the U.S. presidential election, Mike Pence attended Hamilton. After the show, Dixon spoke to him from the stage. He thanked Pence for coming and shared a message from the cast. The message expressed hope that the new administration would protect everyone's rights. This statement was written by the cast, the show's creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and producer Jeffrey Seller.

Hell's Kitchen Musical

From October 2023 to January 2024, Dixon starred as Davis in the first run of Hell's Kitchen Off-Broadway. He continued his role when the show moved to Broadway in March 2024. His final performance in the show is scheduled for March 9, 2025.

Other Stage Shows

In 2011, Dixon played Tom Collins in the Off-Broadway revival of Rent. He also created the role of Berry Gordy Jr. in Motown: The Musical on Broadway in 2013. This was his first main role on Broadway.

In 2016, Dixon appeared as Eubie Blake in Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed. He was nominated for a Tony Award for this role. He also played Coalhouse Walker Jr. in Ragtime at Ellis Island in 2016. In early 2020, he played Dan in Next to Normal. From September to November 2022, he played Billy Flynn in the Broadway production of Chicago.

Producing Shows

In 2013, Dixon and choreographer Warren Adams started WalkRunFly Productions. This company helps support shows for young artists. Through WalkRunFly, Dixon helped produce two Broadway shows in 2014. These were Of Mice and Men and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Hedwig and the Angry Inch won a Tony Award for best musical revival.

Television Roles

In 2017, Dixon began a role on the TV series Power as attorney Terry Silver. He became a regular cast member in the show's fifth season in 2018.

Dixon played Judas Iscariot in the live TV concert Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert on April 1, 2018. Critics praised his "powerful and charismatic" performance. One reviewer called him a "standout" in the show.

Dixon has also appeared on TV in The Good Wife. In 2019, he was in another live TV musical, Rent: Live, where he again played Tom Collins.

Personal Life

Brandon Victor Dixon lives in New York City. In 2019, he gave a speech at his old university, Columbia College, for their Class Day event.

Awards and Nominations

†: Dixon was a producer for these shows.

See also

• African-American Tony nominees and winners