Brian d'Arcy James

Brian dArcy James is an award winning theater, film and television actor as well as a recording artist.

Brian is a two time Tony nominee, and an Obie and Drama Desk Award winner for his varied and extensive work in the theater on Broadway and off-Broadway.

Brian most recently starred as Bick Benedict earning a 2013 Drama Desk Nomination and Drama League Honor for his performance in The Public Theaters production of the new musical GIANT where he was described as a star of the first order (Huffington Post) in a powerhouse performance (NY1).

TV audiences will recognize Brian in the role of Frank Houston from the first two seasons of NBCs SMASH starring opposite Debra Messing.

Other TV credits include the pilot of a new NBC version of IRONSIDE starring Blair Underwood, THE GOOD WIFE on CBS, Showtimes THE BIG C, the pilot of JJ Abrams PERSON OF INTEREST as well appearing in the ABC series CASHMERE MAFIA, and FXs RESCUE ME. He recently co-created, co-produced and starred in an original, improvised comedy TV pilot called SHINY PEOPLE about the unique world of corporate entertainment.

On film Brian can be seen in the feature film ADMISSION starring Paul Rudd and Tina Fey. Other recent film credits include HBOs Emmy winning GAME CHANGE with Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin and also Ed Burns FITZGERALD FAMILY CHRISTMAS. He will will re-team with Burns on his new project WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL which started shooting in January 2013.

Brian stars in the absurd and bittersweet comedy short film BIRD IN A BOX by Torstein Blixfjord where he plays a man who falls in love with his GPS device. Other film appearances include FRIENDS WITH KIDS, written and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt as well as GHOST TOWN with Ricky Gervais where Brian plays Irish Eddie, a tattooed gangster.

On Broadway, he most recently earned rave reviews in the play TIME STANDS STILL by Donald Margulies, starring along side Laura Linney, Christina Ricci and Eric Bogosian at the Cort Theater.

Brian started his illustrious career on Broadway when he appeared in BLOOD BROTHERS in 1993, taking over the lead role of Mickey for a limited time before leaving to join Nicholas Hytners acclaimed production of CAROUSEL at Lincoln Center. He continued with strong performances in TITANIC in the role of Barrett the Stoker, for which he received his first Drama League Nomination and a FANY Award. If there ever was a breakout role for me, it would definitely be playing the heroic and lovesick Barrett, says James.

Broadway highlights include a Tony nomination, a Drama Desk nomination, an Outer Critics Circle nomination and a Drama League Honor for his star turn as Sidney Falco in SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS.

And for his portrayal of the lovable green ogre Shrek, Brian was honored with a Tony nomination and was awarded the Outer Critics Award as well as the Drama Desk Award for his performance in SHREK THE MUSICAL.

An accomplished and sought-after concert performer, Brian has appeared in esteemed concert halls all over the world. He made his highly acclaimed solo debut at the new New York City venue 54 Below with his show UNDER THE INFLUENCE. Brian will return for an encore of this show at 54 Below in September of 2013.

Other concert highlights include performing for President Clinton at the Kennedy Center Honors as well as his 2010 White House performance for President Obama and the First Family for PBSs BROADWAY AT THE WHITE HOUSE. He has appeared at venues ranging from LAs Disney Hall to Madison Square Garden with Barry Manilow; from the Boston Pops with Keith Lockhart to numerous appearances at The Kennedy Center. Brian has been a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall on many occasions as well.

His numerous recordings include but are not limited to his 2004 debut Solo Album entitled From Christmas Eve to Christmas Morn (featuring his original popular holiday song Michigan Christmas), Shrek the Musical, Irving Berlins White Christmas, Carousel, Floyd Collins, The Wild Party, and Sweet Smell of Success among many others. He can be heard along with numerous Broadway performers singing Alan Menken and Steven Schwartzs original songs in the Disney feature film Enchanted.

Brian dArcy James resides in New York City with his wife and daughter. He has supported and performed many times for an organization in his hometown of Saginaw, Michigan, called the Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI). The mission of the FNI is the prevention, early diagnosis, care and cure of neurological diseases, disorders and injuries.