To not know Colin Donnell, you’d have to be living under a rock, avoiding stages, TV shows, and the internet. This versatile actor has spent a significant portion of his life portraying various characters, both realistic and supernatural, making him a household name in American showbiz. Donnell’s success can be attributed to his passion for acting, his education, his love for music and drama, his larger-than-life personality, and his good looks. Here are ten things you probably didn’t know about this American icon.
1. A Blend of French and Irish Descent
How Irish is Colin Donnell? He thrives in European drama, has a charismatic charm, and is a regular on the theater circuit. Does that sound a bit French too? Well, Colin is of both French and Irish descent and is the youngest of three brothers.
2. From Choir Performances to Circus Acts
Colin Donnell has always been drawn to the attention and energy that comes from entertaining large audiences, whether live or televised. Before stepping onto the stage as an actor, he earned his spot by singing in a choir. He demonstrated his versatility by juggling and performing other circus tricks, which eventually landed him a role in his first musical, Barnum.
3. A College Graduate with a Musical Background
Born in Missouri, Colin is a well-educated individual who attended school like any other kid. He studied music, majoring in guitar and voice, which has undoubtedly helped him excel in musicals. After completing high school, he graduated from Indiana University in 2005.
4. Jersey Boys Marked His Broadway Debut
This renowned actor and musical icon has participated in numerous national tours. He made his mark in major theater shows by playing Hank Mejewski in Jersey Boys. Since then, he has starred in other theater productions such as:
- Jesus Christ Superstar as Peter
- Meet Me In St. Louis as John Truitt
- Mamma Mia as Sky
- Me, Myself and I as Otto
- High School Musical on Stage as Troy Bolton
5. Triple Award Nominations for Anything Goes
When Colin Donnell portrayed Billy Crocker in the play Anything Goes in 2011 and 2012, he delivered an exceptional performance. Fans adored his portrayal so much that he was nominated for three different awards, including:
- Astaire Award: Outstanding Male Dancer
- Drama Desk Award: Outstanding Actor in a Musical
- Outer Critics Circle Award: Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
6. Playing Himself in Three Major Plays
It’s a testament to your hard work when Broadway or Hollywood producers ask you to play yourself in a film. Colin Donnell did just that in three major plays in 2014 and 2015. Having been a prominent figure in the dance and musical film and theater genre for quite some time, his name had gained significant traction. The plays were:
- Bright Lights, Big City
- Broadway Sings P!NK
- #tbtLIVE Throwback Thursday: The Concert
7. Announcing His Engagement on Twitter
Donnell met popular actress Patti Murin while co-starring in Love’s Labour’s Lost in 2013. The two immediately hit it off, and their chemistry led to a romantic relationship. The lovebirds got engaged at the end of 2014 and casually announced it on Twitter. They have been happily together ever since.
8. Sporting Two Tattoos
Did you know that Colin Donnell is a well-traveled musician? He acquired two tattoos during his tours. One of the tattoos pays tribute to his mother’s French heritage, while the other represents the five members of his family.
9. Triple Threat in The Arrow
The popular TV superhero series The Arrow by CW can’t seem to get enough of Colin Donnell. The show’s biggest mistake was killing off Tommy Merlyn, which led to Donnell’s departure despite his massive fan following. The show has tried to bring him back by creating other characters like Prometheus and Human Target. Although Colin enjoys playing these new roles, he can’t help but feel a special thrill whenever he steps into the Tommy Merlyn character.
10. TV Career Kickstarted with ABC’s ‘Pan Am’
Between 2011 and 2012, Colin Donnell made his first significant TV appearance by playing Mike Ruskin in ABC’s Pan Am. He was fortunate enough to appear in four episodes.
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