Todd Graff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Todd Graff
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Graff (right) with Keke Palmer in 2011
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| Born | October 22, 1959 New York, New York, United States
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| Occupation | Actor, filmmaker |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Jhon Lafaurie
(m. 2014) |
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Todd Graff, born on October 22, 1959, is an American actor and filmmaker. He is well-known for writing and directing fun musical movies. These include Camp (2003), Bandslam (2009), and Joyful Noise (2012). For Camp, he was even nominated for a special award at the Sundance Film Festival. Todd Graff also acted in several films. Some of his acting roles were in the science fiction movies The Abyss (1989) and Strange Days (1995). He also appeared in the comedy crime film Death to Smoochy (2002).
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About Todd Graff's Early Life
Todd Graff was born in New York City. His mother, Judith Clarice, was a piano teacher and led choirs. His father, Jerome Lawrence Graff, was a musician. Todd's sister, Ilene Graff, is also an actress.
Todd Graff's Career Journey
Todd Graff spent time at Stagedoor Manor, a performing arts summer camp in upstate New York. He was both a camper and a counselor there. He sang on the original music albums for Sesame Street in 1970 and Sesame Street 2 in 1971.
Becoming a TV Star
In 1975, Todd Graff became famous when he joined the TV show The Electric Company. This was a children's series on PBS. He played the character Jesse, who was part of a group called the Short Circus. He stayed with the show until it finished in 1977.
Writing and Directing Films
Todd Graff has written several movies. These include Camp, Used People, The Vanishing, and The Beautician and the Beast. He also directed Camp in 2003. In 2009, he helped write and directed the movie Bandslam. Later, in 2012, he wrote and directed Joyful Noise. More recently, he helped create the Apple TV miniseries The Crowded Room (2023).
Acting in Movies and on Stage
Besides writing and directing, Todd Graff has acted in many films. Some of these include Death to Smoochy, Dominick and Eugene, Strange Days, Not Quite Paradise, and The Abyss.
He also performed on Broadway. In 1984, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as Danny in the musical Baby. In 1987, he starred as Homer in the musical Birds of Paradise. In 2006, Todd Graff directed a stage musical called 13.
Awards and Nominations
Todd Graff has received recognition for his work:
- In 1984, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his acting in the musical Baby.
- Also in 1984, he won a Theatre World Award for his role in Baby (musical).
- In 2003, he was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival for his film Camp.
Images for kids
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Todd Graff (right) with actress Keke Palmer in 2011.
See also
In Spanish: Todd Graff para niños
