Deborah S. Craig (born June 1, 1979) is an American actress, singer, and advocate best known for creating the role of Marcy Park on Broadway in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and for her known for her contributions to the representation of Asian Americans in media.[1]
Deborah S. Craig | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 1, 1979 South Korea |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Notable work | Broadway Musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, where she originated the role of Marcy Park |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | William Craig (Secret Service) |
Life
editRaised in the United States, Deborah S. Craig has taught master classes in vocal performance at the University of California, Irvine, and American Stage, as well as improv workshops at Cornell University[2].
She has extensively studied vocal techniques with master teacher Joan Lader, enhancing her versatility across various vocal styles. For on-camera performance, she trained under respected coaches Lesly Kahn[3], Bob Krakower[4], Hank Berrings, and at Michael Howard Studios and Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), refining her skills for diverse roles in television and film.
Her breakthrough role came with the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, where she originated the role of Marcy Park,[5] marking the first Korean American character on Broadway. Craig based the character on her own experiences growing up as an overachieving Korean American child, creating a unique and authentic portrayal that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
In addition to her theater work, Craig has had significant comedic and dramatic recurring roles on The Blacklist, Elsbeth, Hart of Dixie, Six Degrees, and Better Things and over fifty guest stars.
William "Big Bill" Craig was Deborah S. Craig’s[6] great uncle and the first Secret Service agent killed in the line of duty. He lost his life during the 1902 Pittsfield Streetcar Incident, a tragic collision that occurred while he was escorting President Theodore Roosevelt. The streetcar collided with Roosevelt's carriage, throwing Craig under the trolley and killing him instantly.[7] His dedication to presidential security at a time when such roles were evolving underscores his commitment to duty, making him a notable figure in the history of the Secret Service
Deborah S. Craig has become an advocate for increased representation of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) voices in media.[8] She is recognized as a prominent figure in the movement for diverse and inclusive storytelling within the arts.
References
edit- ^ Nguyen, Andrew (2024-02-05). "The Tiger's Apprentice: Meet Kheng Hua Tan & Deborah S. Craig". Dorkaholics. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ^ "From improv to invention: students learn creative problem-solving through theater techniques | Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering". www.bme.cornell.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "About". Acting Classes & Coaching | Los Angeles | Lesly Kahn. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Bob Krakower - Biography". bob.technologos.com. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ "Marcy Park Should Always Be Played by Asian Performers". OnStage Blog. 2024-10-10. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ^ Bowling, Robert (2023-09-11). "Never Forgotten: William Craig". Officer. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Writer, Staff. "William Craig's last interview". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
- ^ Huver, Scott (2024-01-29). "'The Tiger's Apprentice' Star Sandra Oh Celebrates Increased AAPI Representation in Hollywood But Warns There's More Work To Be Done: 'Nothing Is Ever Finished'". Variety. Retrieved 2024-11-12.