Oct 1, 1973
Libra
Pittsburgh, PA
51 years old
N/A
N/A
Stage Actor
Name, Birth & Early Life
Full Name: Christian Dominique Borle
Born: October 1, 1973, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Christian was raised in Pittsburgh, the son of Andre Bernard Borle, a respected physiology professor at the University of Pittsburgh . While originally dreaming of becoming a comic book artist (thank Star Wars!), a school play at Shady Side Academy ignited his passion for performance .
Education & Move to NYC
After graduating from Shady Side Academy, Christian earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama in 1995 . At just 21, he moved to New York City, where his first acting gig was delightfully unconventional—working as a Macy’s Santaland elf! .
Career & Stage Milestones
Christian’s Broadway debut came in 2000 with Jesus Christ Superstar, soon followed by a string of memorable roles:
West Side Story (tour, as Riff; 1996–97) and Footloose (tour/broadway, as Willard Hewitt; 1998–2000)
Amour (2002—dance captain & understudy), showcasing his versatility
Breakout performances in Spamalot (originating several comic roles including Prince Herbert), Legally Blonde (Emmett Forrest; Tony nod), and Mary Poppins (Bert, replacement)
In Peter and the Starcatcher (2011–12), he earned his first Tony for Best Featured Actor (Black Stache)
Continued success with Something Rotten!, winning another Tony as Shakespeare (2015)
Later starred in revivals like Falsettos (Marvin; Tony nom), and originated iconic roles on Broadway—Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Joe/Josephine in Some Like It Hot (Grammy-winning cast album, Tony nom) .
Beyond Broadway, Christian directed the regional play Popcorn Falls in 2017 and played Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway, earning him a Lucille Lortel Award .
Television & Film Highlights
On screen, Christian is best known as Tom Levitt—co-writer on NBC’s musical drama Smash (2012–13), which earned cult status . His TV credits include roles in The Good Wife, Masters of Sex, live musicals like The Sound of Music Live! and Peter Pan Live!, guest spots on Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Younger, Elementary, and voice acting (e.g. Vox in Hazbin Hotel) .
Awards & Achievements
2× Tony Awards: Peter and the Starcatcher (2012), Something Rotten! (2015)
Grammy Award: Best Musical Theater Album for Some Like It Hot (2024)
Additional nominations: Tony noms for Legally Blonde, Falsettos, Some Like It Hot; Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel wins .
Personal Life & Recent Work
Christian married fellow Broadway star Sutton Foster in 2006 after meeting during Thoroughly Modern Millie. They divorced in 2009 but have remained close friends and supportive colleagues .
Most recently, he’s taken on the role of Jim Bakker in Broadway’s Tammy Faye, running through late 2024 .
Christian Borle’s journey—from Pittsburgh dreamer to two-time Tony and Grammy winner—showcases a dynamic career in stage, screen, and beyond. His charisma, script contributions (e.g. Some Like It Hot), directorial efforts, and vocal prowess continue to redefine what a Broadway powerhouse can be.
