Andrew Keenan-Bolger

Here is a detailed, SEO-oriented biography of Andrew Keenan-Bolger (born May 16, 1985) — actor, director, author, and creative force.

Introduction

Andrew Keenan-Bolger is an American actor and multitalented creator whose work spans Broadway, film, television, web series, directing, and writing. He is best known for originating the role of Crutchie in Newsies and later starring as Jesse Tuck in Tuck Everlasting on Broadway. Beyond acting, he co-created the web series Submissions Only, directs short films, and writes children’s novels. His career exemplifies creative versatility, authentic storytelling, and advocacy for inclusion in the arts.

Early Life & Family

Andrew Keenan-Bolger was born on May 16, 1985, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Celia Keenan-Bolger, a Tony Award–winning Broadway actress, and Maggie Keenan-Bolger, a playwright and theatre educator.

In interviews, Andrew has described his family as “theater carny folk”—while not deeply theatrical from the start, his sister Celia’s early acting path influenced and opened creative space for him.

He moved to New York City (or at least started working there) from a young age (around age ten) to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry.

For his formal education, Keenan-Bolger attended Renaissance High School and later earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from University of Michigan (class of 2007).

Career & Achievements

Broadway, Theatre & Signature Roles

• Keenan-Bolger’s Broadway debut occurred early in his life: he played Chip in Beauty and the Beast.

• He has also performed in Seussical (as Jojo), Mary Poppins, A Christmas Carol, and others.

• His breakout performance was as Crutchie, a role he originated in Newsies, first in regional / pre-Broadway runs and later in the Broadway production.

• He later starred as Jesse Tuck in Tuck Everlasting on Broadway.

• His performances have earned nominations such as the Outer Critics Circle Award (for Newsies) and Drama League Award (for Tuck Everlasting).

Film, Television & Web Projects

• Beyond theatre, he has appeared in films like The Rewrite (starring Hugh Grant) and Marci X.

• On TV, he’s had roles or guest appearances on series such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Nurse Jackie, The Blacklist, Looking, The Undoing, The Other Two, and Naked Brothers Band.

• In 2010, Andrew co-created Submissions Only (with Kate Wetherhead), a web series about the inner life of theatre auditions and the performing arts. He also acts, directs, and edits for it.

• He has directed short films such as Sign and The Ceiling Fan.

Writing & Literary Work

• Keenan-Bolger is co-author (with Kate Wetherhead) of the children’s / young readers series Jack & Louisa.

• He also runs a personal / creative blog called The Keenan-Blogger, where he documents his life, reflections, and offers advice, especially around identity, authenticity, and artistic life.

Historical & Cultural Context

Andrew Keenan-Bolger’s career aligns with a time when Broadway, digital media, and creator tools are increasingly interconnected:

• The rise of web series, YouTube, and low-cost video production empowered creators in theatre to have more direct voice and reach. Andrew himself has commented on how platforms like YouTube gave creators a way to tell stories more cheaply.

• The evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ visibility in the arts has also been a backdrop to his personal and public life, as he has been open about his experience growing up gay and how he wants to support young people discovering themselves.

• His multiplicity of roles—actor, director, writer, editor—reflects a broader trend of cross-disciplinary artists in the 21st century who bridge stage, screen, and digital media.

Personality, Values & Strengths

• Authenticity & vulnerability: Andrew often speaks of being honest about identity, the challenges of coming out, and the value of living truthfully.

• Work ethic & adaptability: He takes on many roles—performing, creating, directing, writing—and embraces the hustle of a creative life.

• Mentorship & community: Through his blog and public commentary, he tries to assist younger artists, especially queer youth, in believing in their creative paths.

• Humility & continuous growth: He often remarks that no performance is perfect; that pushes him to keep refining his craft.

Famous Quotes

Here are a few notable quotes by Andrew Keenan-Bolger:

• “No live performance can ever be perfect, and that’s what keeps you on your toes … walk through the stage door every night just to have the chance to do it all again.”

• “I think what’s universal is the idea of auditioning. … You audition every time you go on a date, a job interview … trying to put the best version of yourself forward.”

• “When you’re reinterpreting the same material eight shows a week, it’s impossible to lock in the ‘ideal’ performance. … jokes that got big laughs in previews may fall flat before a paying audience.”

• “You can’t have living without dying.”

• “I feel like 2012 was the first year I actually felt like a grown-up.”

In his literary work Jack & Louisa, he writes:

• “You know how it is with fights, though; they’re like wells—easy to fall into, and nearly impossible to climb out.”

• “I realized that if you couldn’t help feeling jealous, you could at least control the way it affected others.”

Lessons from Andrew Keenan-Bolger

1. Diversify your creative roles
   Rather than limiting himself to acting, he writes, directs, edits, and creates content. That versatility gives resilience and agency.

2. Embrace imperfection
   Accepting that no live performance is perfect keeps one humble and motivated to improve.

3. Identity and authenticity matter
   Being open about one’s self can help others and foster deeper trust with an audience.

4. Platforms democratize storytelling
   Using blogs, web series, video platforms gives access to share work beyond institutional gatekeepers.

5. Persistence in creative life
   The path of an artist is full of auditions, setbacks, and unknowns. Continual effort and belief help sustain long-term success.

6. Support the next generation
   Sharing experience, visibility, and encouragement helps build a healthier, more inclusive arts community.

Conclusion

Andrew Keenan-Bolger is not just a talented Broadway actor—he is a creative polymath whose work spans acting, directing, writing, and digital storytelling. His journey reminds us that an artist’s voice is strengthened by authenticity, diverse skills, and the courage to share one’s struggles and identity. If you like, I can also craft this article in Vietnamese or pull together a list of must-see performances or interviews from Andrew. Would you like me to do that next?