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 |
| Occupation | Actor, filmmaker |
| Years active | 1970–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Jhon Lafaurie
(m. 2014) |
Todd Graff was born on October 22, 1959. He is an American actor and filmmaker. He is famous for writing and directing fun musical movies like Camp (2003), Bandslam (2009), and Joyful Noise (2012). For Camp, he was even nominated for a big award at the Sundance Film Festival. Todd Graff has also acted in movies such as the science fiction films The Abyss (1989) and Strange Days (1995). He also appeared in the comedy crime film Death to Smoochy (2002).
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Todd Graff was born in New York City. His mom, Judith Clarice, was a piano teacher and led choirs. His dad, Jerome Lawrence Graff, was a musician. Todd's sister is the actress Ilene Graff.
Todd Graff spent time at Stagedoor Manor, a performing arts summer camp in upstate New York. He went there both as a camper and later as a counselor. He even sang on the first two albums for the TV show Sesame Street in 1970 and 1971.
In 1975, Todd Graff became well-known when he joined the cast of The Electric Company. This was a children's TV show on PBS. He played a character named Jesse, who was part of a group called the Short Circus. He stayed on the show until it finished in 1977.
Career Highlights
Todd Graff has written many movie scripts. Some of his writing credits include Used People, The Vanishing, and The Beautician and the Beast. He also wrote and directed the musical films Camp, Bandslam, and Joyful Noise.
As an actor, Todd Graff has been in several films. These include Death to Smoochy, Dominick and Eugene, Strange Days, and The Abyss.
In 1984, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as Danny in the Broadway musical Baby. A Tony Award is a very important award for plays and musicals. In 1987, he starred in an Off-Broadway musical called Birds of Paradise.
In 2006, Todd Graff directed a stage musical called 13. Later, in 2023, he helped create the Apple TV miniseries The Crowded Room.
Film Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Not Quite Paradise | Rothwell T. Schwartz | Also known as Not Quite Jerusalem |
| 1987 | Five Corners | James | |
| 1987 | Sweet Lorraine | Leonard | |
| 1988 | Dominick and Eugene | Larry Higgins | |
| 1989 | The Abyss | Alan "Hippy" Carnes | |
| 1995 | Strange Days | "Tex" Arcana | |
| 1997 | The Beautician and the Beast | Denny | Also writer |
| 2002 | Death to Smoochy | Skip Kleinman |
Television Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975–1977 | The Electric Company | Jesse | Main role (seasons 5–6) |
| 1983–1992 | ABC Afterschool Specials | Trent / Robby Pols | Episodes: "It's No Crush, I'm in Love", "Summer Stories: The Mall – Part 3" |
| 1995 | Chicago Hope | Louis Bagley | Episode: "Growth Pains" |
| 1997 | The Nanny | Harvey | Episode: "Danny's Dead and Who's Got the Will?" |
Awards and Nominations
- In 1984, he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Baby.
- Also in 1984, he won a Theatre World Award for his work in Baby (musical).
- In 2003, his film Camp was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
TV Documentaries and Specials
- Made in Hollywood: Teen Edition (2012)
- Made in Hollywood (2011)
- Hollywood Singing & Dancing: A Musical History – 1980s, 1990s and 2000s (2009)
- Hollywood Singing & Dancing: A Musical History – 1970's (2009)
- Under Pressure: Making 'The Abyss (1993)
Writer and Director Credits
- Used People (1992; writer only)
- Fly by Night (1993; writer only)
- The Vanishing (1993; writer only)
- Angie (1994; writer only)
- The Beautician and the Beast (1997; writer only)
- Camp (2003; director)
- Bandslam (2009; director)
- Joyful Noise (2012; director)
See also
In Spanish: Todd Graff para niños
