Max von Essen

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Max von Essen – Life, Career, and Highlights

Discover the life and career of Max von Essen, the Broadway and screen actor known for An American in Paris, Anastasia, Les Misérables, and more. Learn about his background, major roles, and creative journey.

Introduction

Max von Essen is an American actor and vocalist with deep roots in musical theatre and television. He’s best known for his Tony-nominated performance as Henri Baurel in An American in Paris on Broadway, as well as his appearances in Anastasia, Evita, Les Misérables, and TV shows like The Good Wife, Gossip Girl, and Submissions Only. His versatility spans live theatre, touring productions, musicals, and screen work.

Early Life and Family

Max von Essen was born January 11, 1974, in New York City (or, more precisely, from “Long Island / New York” sources). He is the youngest of four children. His father is Thomas von Essen, who notably served as the New York City Fire Commissioner during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. His mother is Rita von Essen.

He grew up on Long Island and attended South Side High School in Rockville Centre, New York. After high school, he matriculated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Right after college (or soon after), he began touring with Liza Minnelli, which helped launch his performing career.

Theatre & Stage Career

Broadway and Major Productions

Max von Essen has an extensive stage resume. Some of his notable Broadway / stage credits include:

• He made his Broadway debut in Jesus Christ Superstar (2000) as a Disciple and as an understudy for Jesus.

• He appeared in Dance of the Vampires (2002) opposite Michael Crawford.

• He has performed in Les Misérables in various roles (Fauchelevent, Jean Prouvaire, ensemble, and as a replacement for Enjolras in the revival).

• He was in Evita as Agustín Magaldi, and at times covered or understudied Che.

• In 2015–2016, he starred as Henri Baurel in An American in Paris — this role earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, as well as nominations for Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards.

• Later, he joined the Broadway production of Anastasia, replacing for the role of Gleb Vaganov.

• More recently, he has appeared (or is scheduled to appear) as a replacement actor (Billy Flynn) in Chicago on Broadway.

• He has also been part of national tours — for example, the U.S. revival tour of Falsettos, playing Marvin.

In addition to Broadway, von Essen has performed in Off-Broadway and regional theatre productions (e.g., Death Takes a Holiday, Hello Again, The Baker’s Wife) as well as national and international tours (West Side Story, Chicago, Xanadu).

Screen & Television Work

Besides stage, Max von Essen has a body of screen and television credits:

• He was a regular cast member on the web / streaming series Submissions Only, playing Cameron Dante (2011–2014).

• He has guest appearances on shows such as The Good Wife, Gossip Girl, Law & Order, Elementary, Royal Pains, The Blacklist, Boardwalk Empire, etc.

• Some film credits include small roles in The Intern (as a businessman at Starbucks), Sex and the City 2, Seven Lovers, and Blonde.

• He also lent his voice to animated parts — for example in Family Guy (as Cruise Director / Waiter voice) in two episodes.

Recognition & Awards

• His performance in An American in Paris earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

• He also received nominations for the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for the same role.

• He was nominated for the for that performance as well.

Style, Identity & Personal Aspects

• Max von Essen is openly gay.

• He belongs to the Von Essen family lineage, which has ties to German and Swedish nobility.

• His career reflects a strong musical theatre foundation, but with flexibility into screen and voice work.

• He often steps into replacement roles or as a swing, showing adaptability in large ensemble musical shows.

Lessons & Takeaways from His Career

1. Versatility Matters
   Von Essen’s ability to move between Broadway, tours, Off-Broadway, television, web series, and voice work has helped sustain a long career.

2. Strong Supporting Roles Can Shine
   Even in “featured” or supporting roles (like Henri in An American in Paris), he earned critical acclaim and award nominations.

3. Never Stop Growing
   From touring with Liza Minnelli to performing major roles, his journey shows steady growth, persistence, and incremental steps across diverse platforms.

4. Prepare for Replacement & Understudy Roles
   His readiness to step into roles mid-run or replace leads is a valuable trait in theatre, showing professionalism and preparedness.

5. Embrace Identity
   Being openly gay in the theatrical world, von Essen has navigated identity and visibility in his work and public life.