Caesar Samayoa Explained

Caesar Samayoa is an American stage actor.

Early life and education

Samayoa's parents immigrated to the United States from Guatemala. He grew up in Spanish Harlem, and attended school in Emerson, New Jersey.[1] He became interested in theater after seeing Anna Deavere Smith perform in .[2] [3]

After first attending Bucknell University, Samayoa transferred to Ithaca College, where he graduated with a degree in drama.[4]

Career

Samayoa'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.

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. However, he changed his mind after reading the show's script at the request of his agent. 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. He remained with the show until 2022.

In 2023, Samayoa originated the role of Dr. Amigo in the Broadway production of How to Dance in Ohio.

Roles

!Year!Show!Role!Notes!Ref
1997Shakespeare's R&JJuliet, Benvolio, MontagueOff-Broadway
2002`Call the Children HomeRegional[7]
2006Hot FeetUnderstudy (Louie)[8]
2007The Attic[9] [10]
2010The Pee-wee Herman ShowUnderstudy (Bear, Cowboy Curtis, King of Cartoons, Sergio, Voices)
2011Sister ActPablo
2013Love's Labour's LostDon ArmandoShakespeare in the Park[11]
2015Come from AwayKevin J./Ali and othersRegional
2017Broadway
2022Los OtrosCarlosOff-Broadway[12] [13]
2023EvitaJuan PerónRegional[14] [15]
How to Dance in OhioDr. Emilio AmigoBroadway[16]

Awards

!Year!Award!Category!Result!Ref
2022Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors AwardsHOLA José Ferrer Tespis Award[17]

Personal life

Samayoa, who is gay, married talent agent Christopher Freer in June 2022.[18] Outside of theater, he enjoys cooking.[19]

References

  1. Web site: Folliard . Patrick . September 29, 2023 . An exciting revival of 'Evita' at Shakespeare Theatre . 2023-12-16 . www.washingtonblade.com . en-US.
  2. Web site: 2016-10-31 . Art Talk with Actors Jenn Colella and Caesar Samayoa of "Come From Away" . 2023-12-16 . www.arts.gov . en.
  3. Web site: Keeping Score: An Interview with 'Los Otros' and 'Come From Away' star Caesar Samayoa . 2023-12-16 . www.show-score.com . en-us.
  4. Web site: Musbach . Julie . May 11, 2019 . Where Do You Belong? Stats from the Most Represented Schools on Broadway Part 2 . 2023-12-16 . BroadwayWorld.com . en.
  5. Web site: Wong . Curtis M. . 2017-04-03 . 'Come From Away' Star Explains How The Broadway Hit Can Unify Audiences . 2023-12-16 . HuffPost . en.
  6. Web site: Gordon . David . 2022-03-07 . Celebrating 5 Years of Come From Away, With Joel Hatch, Q. Smith, and Caesar Samayoa . 2023-12-16 . TheaterMania.com . en-US.
  7. Book: Willis . John . Theatre World 2002-2003 . Hodges . Ben . November 2004 . Hal Leonard Corporation . 978-1-55783-635-9 . 176 . en.
  8. Web site: Caesar Samayoa . December 15, 2023 . Playbill.
  9. Web site: 2007-03-04 . The Attic . 2023-12-16 . TheaterMania.com . en-US.
  10. News: Bellafante . Ginia . March 13, 2007 . Too Much of Nothing, a Japanese Affliction . The New York Times .
  11. News: Brantley . Ben . August 12, 2013 . Shakespearean Mood Swings in Progress . The New York Times . December 15, 2023.
  12. Web site: Caesar Samayoa & Luba Mason to Star in Michael John LaChiusa's Los Otros Off-Broadway . 2023-12-16 . Broadway.com . en.
  13. Web site: 2022-09-30 . Interview: Caesar Samayoa On the Intimate Process of Los Otros and Saying Goodbye to Come From Away . 2023-12-16 . TheaterMania.com . en-US.
  14. Web site: Lincer . Mary . September 15, 2023 . Review: EVITA at Shakespeare Theatre/Harman Hall . 2023-12-16 . BroadwayWorld.com . en.
  15. Web site: Reedy . R. Scott . June 12, 2023 . Review: A.R.T.'s EVITA is Stirring and Gloriously Sung . 2023-12-16 . BroadwayWorld.com . en.
  16. Web site: 2023-09-27 . Caesar Samayoa and more complete the cast of 'How to Dance in Ohio' . 2023-12-16 . Broadway News . en.
  17. Web site: Rabinowitz . Chloe . ¡AMERICANO! THE MUSICAL, Emilio Sosa, Caesar Samayoa & More to Receive 2022 HOLA Awards . 2023-12-16 . BroadwayWorld.com . en.
  18. Web site: Wild . Stephi . COME FROM AWAY's Caesar Samayoa Marries Christopher Freer . 2023-12-16 . BroadwayWorld.com . en.
  19. Web site: Ferri . Josh . April 5, 2017 . Five Burning Questions with Come From Away Star Caesar Samayoa The Daily Scoop . 2023-12-16 . www.broadwaybox.com.