Caesar Samayoa is an American stage actor.
Early life and education
editSamayoa's parents immigrated to the United States from Guatemala.[1] He grew up in Spanish Harlem, and attended school in Emerson, New Jersey.[1][2] He became interested in theater after seeing Anna Deavere Smith perform in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.[1][3]
After first attending Bucknell University, Samayoa transferred to Ithaca College, where he graduated with a degree in drama.[2][4]
Career
editSamayoa's first theater role in New York City was in 1997 in Joe Calarco’s Shakespeare's R&J, where he played Juliet, Benvolio, and Montague.[2][3]
When Samayoa was first offered the opportunity to join Come From Away, he was skeptical, having heard it pitched as a "9/11 musical".[5][6] In addition to the event's influence on American society, Samayoa had been in New York City on the day of the attacks.[5] However, he changed his mind after reading the show's script at the request of his agent.[6] Samayoa began performing as part of Come from Away's cast in 2015, and originated the roles of Kevin J. and Ali in the 2017 Broadway production.[6] He remained with the show until 2022.[6]
In 2023, Samayoa originated the role of Dr. Amigo in the Broadway production of How to Dance in Ohio.[7]
Roles
edit| Year | Show | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Shakespeare's R&J | Juliet, Benvolio, Montague | Off-Broadway | [2][3] |
| 2002` | Call the Children Home | Regional | [8] | |
| 2006 | Hot Feet | Understudy (Louie) | [9] | |
| 2007 | The Attic | [10][11] | ||
| 2010 | The Pee-wee Herman Show | Understudy (Bear, Cowboy Curtis, King of Cartoons, Sergio, Voices) | [9] | |
| 2011 | Sister Act | Pablo | ||
| 2013 | Love's Labour's Lost | Don Armando | Shakespeare in the Park | [12] |
| 2015 | Come from Away | Kevin J./Ali and others | Regional | |
| 2017 | Broadway | [9] | ||
| 2022 | Los Otros | Carlos | Off-Broadway | [13][14] |
| 2023 | Evita | Juan Perón | Regional | [15][16] |
| How to Dance in Ohio | Dr. Emilio Amigo | Broadway | [9][7] |
Awards
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors Awards | HOLA José Ferrer Tespis Award | Won | [17] |
Personal life
editSamayoa, who is gay,[5] married talent agent Christopher Freer in June 2022.[18] Outside of theater, he enjoys cooking.[19]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Art Talk with Actors Jenn Colella and Caesar Samayoa of "Come From Away"". www.arts.gov. 2016-10-31. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ a b c d Folliard, Patrick (September 29, 2023). "An exciting revival of 'Evita' at Shakespeare Theatre". www.washingtonblade.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ a b c "Keeping Score: An Interview with 'Los Otros' and 'Come From Away' star Caesar Samayoa". www.show-score.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ Musbach, Julie (May 11, 2019). "Where Do You Belong? Stats from the Most Represented Schools on Broadway Part 2". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ a b c Wong, Curtis M. (2017-04-03). "'Come From Away' Star Explains How The Broadway Hit Can Unify Audiences". HuffPost. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ a b c d Gordon, David (2022-03-07). "Celebrating 5 Years of Come From Away, With Joel Hatch, Q. Smith, and Caesar Samayoa". TheaterMania.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ a b "Caesar Samayoa and more complete the cast of 'How to Dance in Ohio'". Broadway News. 2023-09-27. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ Willis, John; Hodges, Ben (November 2004). Theatre World 2002-2003. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 176. ISBN 978-1-55783-635-9.
- ^ a b c d "Caesar Samayoa". Playbill. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "The Attic". TheaterMania.com. 2007-03-04. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ Bellafante, Ginia (March 13, 2007). "Too Much of Nothing, a Japanese Affliction". The New York Times.
- ^ Brantley, Ben (August 12, 2013). "Shakespearean Mood Swings in Progress". The New York Times. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
- ^ "Caesar Samayoa & Luba Mason to Star in Michael John LaChiusa's Los Otros Off-Broadway". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ "Interview: Caesar Samayoa On the Intimate Process of Los Otros and Saying Goodbye to Come From Away". TheaterMania.com. 2022-09-30. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ Lincer, Mary (September 15, 2023). "Review: EVITA at Shakespeare Theatre/Harman Hall". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ Reedy, R. Scott (June 12, 2023). "Review: A.R.T.'s EVITA is Stirring and Gloriously Sung". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ Rabinowitz, Chloe. "¡AMERICANO! THE MUSICAL, Emilio Sosa, Caesar Samayoa & More to Receive 2022 HOLA Awards". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ Wild, Stephi. "COME FROM AWAY's Caesar Samayoa Marries Christopher Freer". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
- ^ Ferri, Josh (April 5, 2017). "Five Burning Questions with Come From Away Star Caesar Samayoa | The Daily Scoop". www.broadwaybox.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.