Michael Cerveris
{{short description|American actor}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Michael Cerveris
| image = Sweeney Todd with Michael Cerveris cropped.jpg
| caption = Cerveris in 2007
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1960|11|6}}
| birth_place = Bethesda, Maryland, U.S.
| occupation = {{csv|Actor|singer|guitarist}}
| spouse =
| known_for = Fun Home
| education = Yale University
| years_active = 1983–present
| website = {{URL|http://www.amazing-journey.com}}
}}
Michael Cerveris Jr. (born November 6, 1960) is an American actor, singer, and guitarist. He has performed in many stage musicals and plays, including several Stephen Sondheim musicals: Assassins, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sunday in the Park with George, Road Show, and Passion. In 2004, Cerveris won the Tony Award as Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Assassins as John Wilkes Booth. In 2015, he won his second Tony Award as Best Actor in a Musical for Fun Home as Bruce Bechdel.
He was called, by Playbill, "arguably the most versatile leading man on Broadway",{{cite web |author-link1=Simonson, Robert |last1=Simonson |first1=Robert |url=http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/article/134697-PLAYBILLCOMS-BRIEF-ENCOUNTER-With-Michael-Cerveris |title=Brief Encounter With Michael Cerveris |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629164653/http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/article/134697-PLAYBILLCOMS-BRIEF-ENCOUNTER-With-Michael-Cerveris|archive-date=June 29, 2011 |website= Playbill |date=November 19, 2009}} playing roles from "Shakespeare's Romeo to The Who's Tommy, from the German transsexual rock diva Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch to the homicidal title character of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd."{{cite web |url=http://www.masterworksbroadway.com/artist/michael-cerveris |first1=Lucy E. |last1=Cross |title=Michael Cerveris |website=Masterworks Broadway |access-date=March 13, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714044526/http://www.masterworksbroadway.com/artist/michael-cerveris |archive-date= Jul 14, 2011 }}
Cerveris' most visible television role to date has been as the Observer code-named September in the FOX science fiction television series Fringe. His character, a mysterious man seen attending many unusual events, appeared regularly during the series and became one of the main characters to bring the story to its end.
Early life
Cerveris was born in Bethesda, Maryland, and raised in Huntington, West Virginia. His mother, Marsha (née Laycock), was a dancer, and his father, Michael Cerveris Sr. was an Italian American professor of music;{{Cite web|date=2017-11-16|title=Michael Cerveris,di origini teggianesi, tra i protagonisti della quarta serie di "Gotham" sul canale Fox |url=https://www.ondanews.it/michael-cerverisdi-origini-teggianesi-protagonisti-della-quarta-serie-gotham-sul-canale-fox/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=Ondanews.it |language=it-IT}} the two met while students at the Juilliard School.{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2004 |title=Michael Cerveris, Star File |url=http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Star_File.aspx?ci=36192 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222045333/http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Star_File.aspx?ci=36192 |archive-date=2008-02-22 |website=Broadway.com Buzz}}https://archive.today/20130201051402/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/azcentral/access/1848002931.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+02,+1999&author=Kenneth+LaFave&pub=Arizona+Republic&desc=WITH+STRAVINSKY,+OLD+IS+NEW+AGAIN+DIRECTOR+RESURRECTS+1918+MULTIMEDIA+'SOLDIER'S+TALE'&pqatl=google {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}} He is a 1979 graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and a 1983 cum laude graduate of Yale University, where he was a member of Skull and Bones. He majored in theater studies, and also studied voice.
Career
=Theatre=
;Broadway and Off-Broadway
Cerveris had roles in several Off-Broadway productions, starting with Macbeth in 1983 as Malcolm and including Total Eclipse in 1985 as Rimbaud at the Westside Theatre,[http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&id=2182 "'Total Eclipse', 1985"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727042959/http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&id=2182 |date=July 27, 2011 }} InternetOff-BroadwayDatabase.com, accessed March 11, 2011 Abingdon Square in 1987 as Frank at the Women's Project,[http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&id=1719 "'Abingdon Square' listing"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727043029/http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&id=1719 |date=July 27, 2011 }} InternetOff-BroadwayDatabase.com, accessed March 11, 2011 and Blood Sports in 1987 as Nick at the New York Theatre Workshop.[http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&id=1906 "'Blood Sports' listing"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727043059/http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&id=1906 |date=July 27, 2011 }} InternetOff-BroadwayDatabase.com, accessed March 11, 2011
He made his Broadway debut in The Who's Tommy in 1993 as "18-20 year old Tommy/Narrator", receiving a Tony Award nomination as Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Drama League Award nomination, Theater World Award winner, and Original Cast Grammy winner.[http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=4715 "'The Who's Tommy' listing"] InterneBroadwayDatabase.com, accessed March 11, 2011 He had appeared in Tommy in the La Jolla Playhouse prior to Broadway.Churnin, Nancy. [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-10-23-ca-644-story.html From Angel to Devil : Stage: Michael Cerveris, star of 'Tommy,' sees parallels in his latest, villainous role] Los Angeles Times, October 23, 1992 He next appeared in the Broadway musical Titanic in 1997 as Thomas Andrews. He played the role of John Wilkes Booth in the Broadway musical Assassins in 2004, and won the Tony Award, Best Featured Actor in a Musical[http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=13580 "'Assassins' listing"] InternetBroadwayDatabase.com, accessed March 11, 2011 and the Outer Critics Circle Award.
In the 2005 Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Cerveris played the title role, and was nominated for the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama League Award, and received a Drama Critics Circle citation. In this John Doyle production, the actors also played instruments, with Cerveris playing lyric guitar.[http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=400379 "'Sweeney Todd' listing"] InterneBroadwayDatabase.com, accessed March 11, 2011Brantley, Ben. [http://theater.nytimes.com/2005/11/04/theater/reviews/04swee.html "Review: Grand Guignol, Spare and Stark"] The New York Times, November 4, 2005 In the Broadway musical LoveMusik (2007) he appeared as Kurt Weill,Jones, Kenneth. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/107785-Weill-and-Lenya-Conjured-in-LoveMusik-Opening-May-3 "Weill and Lenya Conjured in LoveMusik, Opening May 3"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629164320/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/107785-Weill-and-Lenya-Conjured-in-LoveMusik-Opening-May-3|date=June 29, 2011}} Playbill.com, May 3, 2007 and received Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, and Drama League Award nominations. In 2007 he played Kent in King Lear at the Off-Broadway Public Theater,Goodwin, Joy. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/01/theater/01good.html Busy Actor’s Long, Long Day: Shakespeare, Weill and Rock"] The New York Times, April 1, 2007 receiving a Drama League Award nomination. Cerveris played Posthumus Leonatus in the Broadway revival of Cymbeline from December 2, 2007, to January 6, 2008.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/michael-cerveris-67061|title=Michael Cerveris – Broadway Cast & Staff {{!}} IBDB|last=The Broadway League|website=www.ibdb.com|access-date=July 3, 2018}} He appeared Off-Broadway in the Stephen Sondheim-John Weidman musical Road Show at the Public Theater in 2008 as Wilson Mizner.Brantley, Ben. [http://theater.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/theater/reviews/19road.html "Theater Review: Brothers in Flimflammery on a Continental Sojourn"]. The New York Times, November 19, 2008. Cerveris appeared opposite Mary-Louise Parker in the limited Roundabout Theatre Company production of Hedda Gabler from January 2009 to March 2009.Jones, Kenneth. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/127789-Parkers-Hedda-Gabler-Takes-Her-Last-Shot-March-29 "Parker's 'Hedda Gabler' Takes Her Last Shot March 29"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215203208/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/127789-Parkers-Hedda-Gabler-Takes-Her-Last-Shot-March-29 |date=December 15, 2013 }} Playbill.com, March 29, 2009 He next played Dr. Givings in the Broadway comedy by Sarah Ruhl, In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play), starting in October 2009.Isherwood, Charles. [http://theater.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/theater/reviews/20innextroom.html "Theater Review: 'In The Next Room, Or The Vibrator Play'"] The New York Times, November 20, 2009 From March 2012 to January 2013, Cerveris played Perón in the Broadway revival of Evita.[https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/michael-cerveris-67061 Evita] ibdb.com, retrieved November 21, 2017 Then, from 2015 to 2016, he played the role of Bruce Bechdel in the Broadway musical Fun Home, winning the 2015 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.[https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/fun-home-497807 Fun Home] ibdb.com, retrieved November 21, 2017
; Other venues
In 2000 Cerveris played the lead role of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch in the West End. He had previously played the role Off-Broadway from July 8, 1998, to August 4, 1998Simonson, Robert. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/39941-Titanics-Michael-Cerveris-to-Be-Hedwig-July-8-Aug-4 Titanic's Michael Cerveris to Be Hedwig July 8-Aug. 4"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629164512/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/39941-Titanics-Michael-Cerveris-to-Be-Hedwig-July-8-Aug-4|date=June 29, 2011}} Playbill.com, July 8, 1998 and again from February 1999.Gutman, Les. [http://www.curtainup.com/hedwig.html "Review, 'Hedwig', 1999"] CurtainUp.com, March 15, 1999, and in Los Angeles.[http://www.untamedspirits.net/aj/hedwig/uk/h-independant_9_10.htm "Stars Line Up For Hedwig, the New Rocky Horror"] The Independent, September 10, 2000 He was a Garland Award winner, and Ovation Award nominee. During 2002, the Kennedy Center presented a "Sondheim Celebration"; Cerveris appeared in Passion as Giorgio.[http://www.sondheimguide.com/passion.html#KC "'Passion', Kennedy Center"] sondheimguide.com, accessed March 11, 2011 Cerveris has appeared several times at the Ravinia Festival Concerts (Chicago), including: Passion (2003),[http://www.sondheimguide.com/passion.html#Ravinia "'Passion', Ravinia"] sondheimguide.com, accessed March 11, 2011 Sunday in the Park with George (2004),[http://www.sondheimguide.com/sunday.html#longbeach "'Sunday in the Park With George', Ravinia"] sondheimguide.com, accessed March 11, 2011 and Anyone Can Whistle in 2005.[http://www.sondheimguide.com/whistle.html#Ravinia "'Anyone Can Whistle', Ravinia"] sondheimguide.com, accessed March 11, 2011 He performed in the New York City Center Encores! staged concert of The Apple Tree in 2005, with Kristin Chenoweth.Simonson, Robert. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/92890-Chenoweth-Gets-and-Cerveris-Shake-The-Apple-Tree-at-Encores-May-12-16 "Chenoweth, Gets and Cerveris Shake 'The Apple Tree' at Encores! May 12-16"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629164335/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/92890-Chenoweth-Gets-and-Cerveris-Shake-The-Apple-Tree-at-Encores-May-12-16|date=June 29, 2011}} Playbill.com, May 12, 2005
Cerveris's regional credits include playing Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at the Goodman Theatre opposite Phoebe Cates, Eastern Standard at the Seattle Repertory Theatre with Tom Hulce, and Richard II at the Mark Taper Forum.[http://mcerverisfan.tripod.com/mcBIO2.html Playbill bios] mcerverisfan.tripod.com, accessed March 11, 2011[http://www.lct.org/showBio.htm?id=189&creditId=1735 Biography, Lincoln Center] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100929180012/http://lct.org/showBio.htm?id=189&creditId=1735 |date=September 29, 2010 }} LincolnCenterTheater.com, accessed March 11, 2011[http://www.filmreference.com/film/26/Michael-Cerveris.html Biography] filmreference.com, accessed March 11, 2011
=Film and television=
Cerveris has appeared in films such as Lulu on the Bridge (1998), The Mexican (2001),[https://web.archive.org/web/20121104081339/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/237094/The-Mexican/details "'The Mexican' see full acting credits"] The New York Times, accessed March 12, 2011 Brief Interviews With Hideous Men (2009),Holden, Stephen. [https://movies.nytimes.com/2009/09/25/movies/25brief.html "Movie review: 'Brief Interviews With Hideous Men'"] The New York Times, September 25, 2009 Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (2009), Stake Land (2010),Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143132-Michael-Cerveris-and-Kelly-McGillis-Star-in-New-Vampire-Themed-Film-Stake-Land Michael Cerveris and Kelly McGillis Star in New Vampire-Themed Film "Stake Land"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629164519/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143132-Michael-Cerveris-and-Kelly-McGillis-Star-in-New-Vampire-Themed-Film-Stake-Land|date=June 29, 2011}} Playbill.com, September 20, 2010 Detours (2016), and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018). His television roles include Ian Ware on Fame, Marvin Frey on Treme, State's Attorney James Castro on The Good Wife, Ramses IV on The Tick, Lazlo Valentin/Professor Pyg on Gotham, and September/The Observer on Fringe. Cerveris also appeared as The Observer at several real-life events covered by FOX as part of a viral marketing campaign for the series. These include appearing in the audience at a taping of American Idol, being shown in the stands at various football and NASCAR events, and a cameo in a commercial for Glee. Cerveris appeared as Ted Gunn, head of the Behavioral Science Unit in the second season of Mindhunter.
=Music career=
Cerveris played guitar as a member of Bob Mould's touring band supporting the album The Last Dog And Pony Show. A performance at The Forum in London was recorded and released as BobMouldBand: LiveDog98 (Granary Music 2002). His debut solo album, Dog Eared (Low Heat Records 2004), was co-produced with Adam Lasus and includes guest appearances from Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Corin Tucker and Janet Weiss (Sleater-Kinney), Ken Stringfellow (The Posies, R.E.M.), Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth), Kevin March (Guided by Voices), Anders Parker (Varnaline), and Laura Cantrell. In 2011, Cerveris founded the Americana-Country band Loose Cattle with longtime collaborator Kimberly Kaye. Cerveris and Kaye share vocals in the style of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. Known for tongue-in-cheek mashups, country covers, and Cerveris' original songs and collaborations with Kaye, the group has gone on to appear at Lincoln Center, Joe's Pub, NPR's Mountain Stage, 54 Below, Chickie Wah Wah's, Siberia, Kajun's Pub, The Blue Note Cafe, Louisiana Music Factory, Rock'n'bowl, Rockwoof Music Hall, Webster Hall, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, AmericanaFest, and many others.
He has also contributed vocals to "My Other Phone Is a Boom Car" as part of a ringtone project by They Might Be Giants for Wired Magazine in March 2007. In They Might Be Giants' 2011 release, Join Us, Cerveris also provided vocals for the track, "Three Might Be Duende."
=Other activities=
In 2018 Cerveris was honored by The United States Conference of Mayors and Americans for the Arts with the Citizen Artist Award, presented at the annual Mayors' Conference in Washington DC.https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-program/promotion-and-recognition/strategic-partners/governmental-partners-public-sector/michael-cerveris {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}
In 2022, he was invited to give the 152nd Commencement Address at Wilson College in Pennsylvania and was presented with an honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities. {{cite web | url=https://mag.wilson.edu/from-senior-bash-to-thunder-crash/#:~:text=Then%20Fugate%20introduced%20commencement%20speaker,honorary%20degree%2C%20Doctor%20of%20Humanities. | title=From Senior Bash to Thunder Crash – Wilson College Magazine }}
Cerveris has performed at many events, to honor or celebrate notable performers and creatives. He performed at The Drama League gala, A Musical Celebration of Broadway on February 7, 2011, which also honored Patti LuPone.Andrew Gans [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/145554-Audra-McDonald-Justin-Guarini-Michael-Cerveris-Join-Drama-League-Celebration-of-Patti-LuPone "Audra McDonald, Justin Guarini, Michael Cerveris Join Drama League Celebration of Patti LuPone"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326020004/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/145554-Audra-McDonald-Justin-Guarini-Michael-Cerveris-Join-Drama-League-Celebration-of-Patti-LuPone |date=March 26, 2011 }} Playbill.com, January 18, 2011 In November 2010 he appeared at the Sonnet Repertory Theatre benefit, which honored director Jack O'Brien.Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/144378-Kerry-Butler-Michael-Cerveris-Victor-Garber-Ethan-Hawke-Will-Be-Part-of-Jack-OBrien-Tribute "Kerry Butler, Michael Cerveris, Victor Garber, Ethan Hawke Will Be Part of Jack O'Brien Tribute"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203105605/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/144378-Kerry-Butler-Michael-Cerveris-Victor-Garber-Ethan-Hawke-Will-Be-Part-of-Jack-OBrien-Tribute|date=December 3, 2010}} Playbill.com, October 27, 2010 On April 27, 2009, he performed at the Signature Theatre gala, a benefit and to celebrate the first annual Sondheim Award.Jones, Kenneth. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/128598-Peters-and-Cerveris-Celebrate-Sondheim-at-DC-Sondheim-Award-Gala-April-27 "Peters and Cerveris Celebrate Sondheim at DC Sondheim Award Gala April 27"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629164730/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/128598-Peters-and-Cerveris-Celebrate-Sondheim-at-DC-Sondheim-Award-Gala-April-27|date=June 29, 2011}} Playbill.com, April 27, 2009
On December 8, 2010, he took part in the Symphony Space "Selected Shorts and Thalia Book Club" series of readings.Peter, Thomas. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/144643-Mary-Louise-Parker-Michael-Cerveris-Amy-Ryan-Lois-Smith-and-More-to-Read-at-Symphony-Space "Mary-Louise Parker, Michael Cerveris, Amy Ryan, Lois Smith and More to Read at Symphony Space"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216041540/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/144643-Mary-Louise-Parker-Michael-Cerveris-Amy-Ryan-Lois-Smith-and-More-to-Read-at-Symphony-Space|date=December 16, 2010}} Playbill.com, November 5, 2010
His concert appearances include the Broadway Cabaret Festival, held in October 2010 at The Town Hall (New York).Gans, Andrew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143192-Alice-Ripley-and-Michael-Cerveris-Join-Lineup-for-Broadway-Cabaret-Festival "Alice Ripley and Michael Cerveris Join Lineup for Broadway Cabaret Festival"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629164757/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143192-Alice-Ripley-and-Michael-Cerveris-Join-Lineup-for-Broadway-Cabaret-Festival|date=June 29, 2011}} Playbill.com, September 21, 2010
Personal life
Cerveris was once in a relationship with Beth Ostrosky, an actress who is now married to Howard Stern.{{cite web|title=Michael Cerveris, My Tony-Winning Landlord|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/fashion/michael-cerveris-my-tony-winning-landlord.html|last=Chumsky|first=Susan|date=June 29, 2015|work=The New York Times|accessdate= February 9, 2022}}
Work
=Stage roles=
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Michael Cerveris theater credits | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983
|rowspan=3|Off-Broadway | |||
| rowspan=2|1984
|The Games |Young Man | |||
| Total Eclipse
|Rimbaud | |||
| rowspan=4|1985 | |||
| A Midsummer Night's Dream
|Puck | |||
| Life Is a Dream
|Astolfo |rowspan=2|Off-Broadway | |||
| Green Fields
|Levi-Yitshok | |||
| 1986
|Crow | |||
| rowspan=2|1987
|Abingdon Square |Frank |rowspan=2|Off-Broadway | |||
| Blood Sports
|Nick | |||
| rowspan=3|1988
|Peter Kidde |Seattle Repertory TheatreRich, Frank. [https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/10/theater/review-music-seattle-grabs-spotlight-new-play-renewed-musical.html?searchResultPosition=1 "Review/Music; Seattle Grabs Spotlight: New Play, Renewed Musical"] The New York Times, May 10, 1988 | |||
| Romeo and Juliet | |||
| Nothing Sacred
|Bazarov | |||
| 1989
|Claudio | |||
| rowspan=2|1991
|El Dorado |Nestor |South Coast Repertory[http://www.untamedspirits.net/aj/regional_eldorado.htm "'El Dorado' listing and review] untamedspirits.net, accessed March 11, 2011 | |||
| Richard II | |||
| 1992
|rowspan=3|The Who's Tommy |rowspan=3|Tommy / Narrator | |||
| 1993–1995 | |||
| 1995–1996
|Capitol Theater | |||
| 1997–1998
|Broadway | |||
| 1998
|Narrator |Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Concert | |||
| 1998–1999
|rowspan=2|Hedwig and the Angry Inch |rowspan=2|Hedwig |Off-Broadway | |||
| 2000 | |||
| 2002
|Giorgio Bachetti | |||
| rowspan=2|2003
|Kenneth Talley |Off-Broadway | |||
| Passion
|Giorgio Bachetti | |||
| 2003–2004
|Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm |Chicago Shakespeare Theater[http://www.sondheimguide.com/night.html#2003Chicago "'A Little Night Music', 2003 Chicago Shakespeare Theater Production"] sondheimguide.com, accessed March 12, 2011 | |||
| rowspan=3|2004
|Broadway | |||
| Sunday in the Park with George
|Georges Seurat / George |Ravinia Festival | |||
| rowspan=2|Passion
|rowspan=2|Giorgio Bachetti |10th Anniversary Concert | |||
| rowspan=3|2005 | |||
| The Apple Tree
|Snake |Off-Broadway | |||
| Anyone Can Whistle
|J. Bowden Hapgood |Ravinia Festival | |||
| 2005–2006
|Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street |Broadway | |||
| rowspan=2|2007
|Kent |Off-Broadway | |||
| LoveMusik
|rowspan=2|Broadway | |||
| 2007–2008
|Posthumus | |||
| 2008
|Off-Broadway | |||
| 2009
|Jorgen Tesman |rowspan=4|Broadway | |||
| 2009–2010
|In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) |Dr. Givings | |||
| 2012–2013 | |||
| 2012 | |||
| rowspan="2"|2013
|Nikolai and the Others |rowspan=2|Off-Broadway | |||
| Fun Home
|Bruce Bechdel | |||
| rowspan=2|2014 | |||
| Faust
|Angel Rick |Off-Broadway | |||
| 2015–2016
|Bruce Bechdel |Broadway | |||
| 2019
|Tommy | |||
| rowspan=2|2024
|Bruce Bechdel | |||
| Tammy Faye |
=Film roles=
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Michael Cerveris film credits | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988
|Mike | | |||
| 1990
|Strangers |John Reece | | |||
| rowspan="2"|1991
|Daniel Emerson | | |||
| Rock 'n' Roll High School Forever
|Eaglebauer | | |||
| 1992
|A Woman, Her Men, and Her Futon |Paul | | |||
| 1998
|Restaurant Man #3 | | |||
| rowspan="2"|2001
|Frank | | |||
| Lunchtime Thomas
|Thomas |Short film | |||
| 2004
|Pablo | | |||
| rowspan="2"|2009
|Brief Interviews with Hideous Men |Subject #15 | | |||
| Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
|Mr. Tiny | | |||
| rowspan="2"|2010
|Terrence Lindy | | |||
| Stake Land
|Jebedia Loven | | |||
| 2011
|Nine Lives: A Musical Adaptation Live |John / Joann Guidos | | |||
| rowspan="2"|2014
|Russian Broadway Shut Down |Short film | |||
| Leaving Circadia
|Reece | | |||
| 2016
|Bob O'Connor | | |||
| 2018
| | |||
| Rowspan="2"|2024
|Doctor Manhattan / Dr. Jon Osterman, Father (voice) |Rowspan="2"|Direct-to-video{{cite web | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/watchmen-chapter-1-animated-film-trailer-cast-release-date-plot-boxart | title=Watchmen Chapter I: Exclusive Trailer, Voice Cast, Boxart and Release Date | date=July 10, 2024 }} | |||
| Watchmen Chapter II
|Doctor Manhattan / Dr. Jon Osterman, Prison Guard #2 (voices) |
=Television roles=
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Michael Cerveris television credits | |||
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985
|Doubletake |Gary Prine |Miniseries | |||
| 1986–1987
|Fame |Ian Ware |Main cast (season 6); 24 episodes | |||
| rowspan="2"|1987
| |Episode #1.7 | |||
| Leg Work
|Johnny Dark |Episode: "The Best Couple I Know" | |||
| 1988
|rowspan="2"|The Equalizer |Frank Fipps | Episode: "Last Call" | |||
| 1989
|Nick Kaminsky | Episode: "Race Traitors" | |||
| rowspan="2"|1990
|Culp |Episode: "To Catch a Con: Part 2" | |||
| 21 Jump Street
|Ray |Episode: "Back to School" | |||
| 1991
|Nick |Episode: "Glitter Rock - April 12, 1974" | |||
| 1993
|Bobby Krull |Episode: "And Bobby Makes Three" | |||
| 2001
|CSI: Crime Scene Investigation |Syd Booth Goggle |Episode: "Strip Strangler" | |||
| 2002
|Gary Forbush |Main cast; 6 episodes | |||
| 2004
|Nick Crowley |Episode: "Lust for Life" | |||
| 2005
|Giorgio |Episode: "American Songbook - Passion" | |||
| 2007
|Greg Stipe |Episode: "Depths" | |||
| 2008–2013
|The Observer / September / Gemini / Donald |Recurring; 40 episodes | |||
| 2011
|Jarek Koska |Episode: "Judgment" | |||
| 2011–2013
|Marvin Frey |Recurring (season 2–4); 10 episodes | |||
| 2014
|Dr. William Halsted |Episode: "Get the Rope" | |||
| 2014–2015
|James Castro |Recurring; 10 episodes | |||
| 2016–2019
|Congressman Jeff Pearson |2 episodes | |||
| rowspan="2"|2017
|Ramses IV |Recurring; 5 episodes | |||
| Gotham
|Lazlo Valentin / Professor Pyg |5 episodes | |||
| rowspan="2"|2018
|Tom Davis |Interactive series; 6 episodes | |||
| Elementary
|Councilman Ledesma |Episode: "How to Get a Head" | |||
| rowspan="3"|2019
|Ted Gunn |Main cast (Season 2) | |||
| Prodigal Son{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9055164/?ref_=ttep_ep1|title="Prodigal Son" Pilot (TV Episode 2019)|year=2019|website=IMDB}}
|Carter Burkehead |Episode: "Pilot" | |||
| The Blacklist{{Cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/title/tt11251968/?ref_=m_ttep_ep_ep9|title="The Blacklist" Orion Relocation Services (TV Episode 2020)|year=2020|website=IMDB}}
|Victor Skovic |3 episodes | |||
| 2020
|Mr. Taylor |Episode: "Part 3" | |||
| 2020–2021
|Evil |Devil Therapist (voice) |3 episodes; uncredited | |||
| rowspan="2"|2021
|Simon Durant |Episode: "Mas Dinero Mas Problemas" | |||
| Billions
|AG Drew Moody |2 episodes | |||
| 2022–present
|Watson |Recurring (season 1); main cast (season 2) |
=Discography=
- BobMouldBand: LiveDog98 (2002)
- Dog Eared (2004)
- Loose Cattle: North of Houston (2013)
- Loose Cattle: Pony Girl/St James Infirmary (single) (2015)
- Piety (2016)
- Loose Cattle: Seasonal Affective Disorder (2017)
- Loose Cattle: Heavy Lifting (2021)
- Peter Stampfel: Peter Stampfel's 20th Century (2021)
Awards and nominations
| class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%; background: #f9f9f9; width:95%" |
| align="center"
! style="background:#B0C4DE"| Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE"| Award ! style="background:#B0C4DE"| Category ! style="background:#B0C4DE"| Nominated work ! style="background:#B0C4DE"| Result |
| rowspan="5" align="center"| 1993
| Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical | rowspan="5"| The Who's Tommy | {{nom}} |
| Grammy Award
| Best Musical Theater Album (principal soloist) | {{won}} |
| Drama League Award
| {{nom}} |
| Outer Critics Circle Award
| Outstanding Actor in a Musical | {{nom}} |
| colspan="2"| Theatre World Award
| {{won}} |
| rowspan="1" align="center"| 1993
| Titanic | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="4" align="center"| 2004
| Actor in a Supporting Role - Musical | {{nom}} |
| Tony Award
| Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical | rowspan="3"| Assassins | {{won}} |
| Grammy Award
| Best Musical Theater Album (principal soloist) | {{nom}} |
| Outer Critics Circle Award
| Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical | {{won}} |
| rowspan="4" align="center"| 2006
| Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical | rowspan="5"| Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street | {{nom}} |
| Drama Desk Award
| Outstanding Actor in a Musical | {{nom}} |
| Drama League Award
| {{nom}} |
| Outer Critics Circle Award
| Outstanding Actor in a Musical | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="6" align="center"| 2007
| | Grammy Award | Best Musical Theater Album (principal soloist) | {{nom}} |
| Drama League Award
| {{nom}} |
| Tony Award
| Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical | rowspan="4"| LoveMusik | {{nom}} |
| Drama Desk Award
| Outstanding Actor in a Musical | {{nom}} |
| Drama League Award
| {{nom}} |
| Outer Critics Circle Award
| Outstanding Actor in a Musical | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="2" align="center"| 2012
| Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical | rowspan="2"| Evita | {{nom}} |
| Drama Desk Award
| Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical | {{nom}} |
| align="center"| 2014
| Outstanding Actor in a Musical | rowspan="3"| Fun Home | {{won}} |
| rowspan="2" align="center"| 2015
| Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical | {{won}} |
| Grammy Award
| Best Musical Theater Album (principal soloist) | {{nom}} |
| align="center"| 2023
| Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series | {{nom}} |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.amazing-journey.com/|Michael Cerveris official website}}
- {{IBDB name}}
- {{iobdb name|11499}}
- {{IMDb name|148964}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20060528045127/http://www.yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=2266 Yale Daily News: Broadway actor arrives late, entertains Berkeley crowd]
- [https://soundcloud.com/american-theatre-wing/episode85 Michael Cerveris] - Downstage Center interview at American Theatre Wing.org
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070423055643/http://www.tonyawards.com/en_US/interactive/video/index.html#c TonyAwards.com Interview with Michael Cerveris]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20110716104513/http://sondheimreview.com/v15n4.htm#sample Spring 2009 interview with Michael Cerveris] at The Sondheim Review
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for Michael Cerveris
|list =
{{TonyAward MusicalLeadActor 2001–2025}}
{{TonyAward MusicalFeaturedActor 2001-2025}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cerveris, Michael}}
Category:20th-century American male actors
Category:21st-century American male actors
Category:Male actors from Maryland
Category:Male actors from West Virginia
Category:American male film actors
Category:American male musical theatre actors
Category:American male television actors
Category:American people of Italian descent
Category:Actors from Huntington, West Virginia
Category:Actors from Bethesda, Maryland
Category:Phillips Exeter Academy alumni
Category:Yale University alumni