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Who is Mike Faist?
A talented actor known for his remarkable performances on both the Broadway stage and in various film and television productions, Mike Faist has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry with his versatile acting skills, powerful vocals, and undeniable stage presence.
With an innate ability to captivate audiences through his mesmerizing performances, this multi-talented artist has not only graced the stages of New York but has also achieved the remarkable feat of winning a Grammy. Mike’s talents extend beyond the confines of the Broadway stage, as he’s ventured into film and television, showcasing his acting range and versatility. Notably, he played Riff in the Oscar-awarded musical drama “West Side Story”, proving his ability to transition seamlessly between stage and screen.
Let us tell you all about Mike Faist’s journey from his hometown’s children’s theatre to the Broadway stage and Hollywood heights.
Early life, family, and education
Born Michael David Faist under the zodiac sign of Capricorn on 5 January 1992, in Gahanna, Ohio USA, he holds American nationality. He was raised by his adoptive parents, Kurt and Julia, real estate agents.
Mike’s journey in the world of performing arts began at an early age. Growing up watching the great Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire in old movies, he developed a deep love for the arts. His early experiences included taking dance classes, participating in theater productions, and nurturing his innate passion for storytelling. He was just five years old when he began training dancing. He soon joined the Children’s Theatre in Columbus, Ohio, and later, Mike’s love for acting grew into a passion while attending the Academy of Performing Arts Company.
When it comes to his educational background, he attended Gahanna Lincoln High School, where he also starred in several productions. Upon matriculating in 2010, he moved to New York City and enrolled at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, however, he dropped out after two semesters, and began auditioning for off-Broadway plays.
Acting career
Before he made his acting debut, Mike used to sell tickets in Times Square, and collected food stamps, living at the back of a McDonald’s parking lot. Mike’s Broadway debut came in 2012 when he joined the ensemble cast of “Newsies”, a musical inspired by the real-life newsboy strike of 1899; Mike’s role in showcased his exceptional dancing abilities, and marked the beginning of his successful Broadway career, with the production met with critical acclaim, and developed a devoted fan base.
However, it was Mike’s portrayal of Connor Murphy in the critically acclaimed musical “Dear Evan Hansen” that truly solidified his reputation as a standout performer on Broadway. The show, which delves into themes of teenage isolation and mental health, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
In his role as Connor Murphy, according to critics, Mike delivered a haunting and emotionally charged performance. His portrayal of the troubled character was praised for its depth and authenticity, earning him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Mike’s exceptional acting and vocal talents were pivotal in bringing the character and the musical’s themes to life. Along with his cast members, Laura Dreyfuss, Rachel Bay Jones, Michael Park, and others, Mike also won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Concurrently with his stage debut, Mike made his first big-screen appearance as Tony in the 2012 drama “The Unspeakable Act”, which won the Sarasota Film Festival Independent Visions Award for Best Film. Three years later, Mike made his TV series debut playing Olsen in an episode of the series “Eye Candy”.
Later in 2015, Mike co-starred in the movies “Touched with Fire” and “The Grief of Others”, followed by his role as Benny in the 2016 critically acclaimed drama “Our Time”. His first lead role came in the 2017 drama “I Can I Will I Did”, in which he starred opposite Ik Jo Kang. The movie, which won the Asian American International Film Festival Award for Best Narrative Feature, followed the story of a bullied teenager, who finds his strength with the help of a Taekwondo Grandmaster.
Mike followed with guest roles in series such as “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2017) and “Deception” (2018), while in 2021, he was seen in 10 episodes of the series “Panic”, playing Dodge Mason opposite Olivia Scott Welch and Jessica Sula in this adventure crime-drama which followed the story of high school seniors confronting their deepest fears while playing the game, Panic. For his performance in the series, Mike was nominated for the Critics Choice Super Award for Best Actor in an Action Series.
mike faist in west side story (2021) pic.twitter.com/7gwiHBJCtH
— narci at #mami2023 (@MrNarci) April 21, 2023
His first major film role came in the 2021 movie “West Side Story”, which earned him numerous awards and praise. This musical crime-drama, also starring Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, and Ansel Elgort, in an adaptation of the eponymous 1957 musical and was directed by the famed Steven Spielberg. It had 291 award nominations and 71 wins, including the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role won by Ariana DeBose.
When it comes to Mike’s performance, just to name a few, he was nominated for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Best Supporting Actor and won the Online Film & Television Association Film Award for Best Breakthrough Performance: Male, among many others.
Most recently, he was seen as Roger in the 2022 movie “Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game”, and will be seen as Danny in “The Bikeriders”, a crime drama starring Tom Hardy, set to premiere on 1 December 2023. Mike’s also completed the filming of the movie entitled “Challengers”, which should be released in 2024. To give you a sneak peek, his co-star is Zendaya.
Love life and relationships
When he first came into the spotlight, as expected, people wanted to know all about his personal life, including his sexual orientation and dating history. However, Mike hasn’t commented on any rumors related to his love life, prefering to keep these personal matters secret.
However, being a celebrity and a rising star is a double-edged sword. He was the subject of various speculations and has been romantically linked to some of his co-stars, while because of his on-screen portrayal of gay characters, his sexual orientation has been a matter for discussion. People speculated about his alleged affair with the actor Lucas Hedges, with whom he stars in the stage adaptation of the movie “Brokeback Mountain”. Just like gay rumors, there have been rumors about him dating actress Alexis Tilly Evans-Krueger, which began circulating the internet, after their joint photos were posted onto their Instagram accounts. However, neither Mike nor Alexis commented on these assumptions.
As of September 2023, it seems that Mike is single.
Age, height, and net worth
Mike is 31 years old, and this young artist is known for his long, curly light brown hair and hazel eyes. He is also known for his slim figure, weighing around 145lbs (65kgs) and being 6ft (1.83m) tall.
Although he has less than 20 acting credits to his name, thanks to his talent, Mike has made a good living for himself. According to sources, as of September 2023, his net worth has been estimated at over $5 million.
