Rory O'Malley
Dive into the life of American actor Rory O’Malley: from his early years in Ohio and training at Carnegie Mellon, to Broadway success in The Book of Mormon, activism through Broadway Impact, and his influence today.
Introduction
Rory James O’Malley (born December 23, 1980) is an American actor best known for his work on Broadway (notably The Book of Mormon), his activism in LGBTQ+ rights, and a varied career spanning theater, television, and film.
His performance as Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
Beyond the stage, O’Malley has co-founded the gay rights organization Broadway Impact, combining his artistic voice with social advocacy.
Early Life and Family
Rory O’Malley was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 23, 1980.
He attended Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland. At Saint Ignatius, he began cultivating his interest in performance and theater. (Implied from later career trajectory)
He has spoken about growing up Catholic and navigating identity in that context.
Education and Training
After high school, O’Malley studied theater or acting at Carnegie Mellon University, earning a BFA in Acting in 2003.
While at Carnegie Mellon, he formed close friendships with future actors like Josh Gad and Leslie Odom Jr.
His formal training and early exposure to theater set the stage for his professional career in Broadway and beyond.
Career and Achievements
Theater & Broadway
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O’Malley’s Broadway breakthrough came when he originated the role of Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon.
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His portrayal in The Book of Mormon won him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical (65th Tony Awards).
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He also received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for the same role.
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Other theatrical credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Happy Days, 8 (the play about Proposition 8), She Loves Me, Little Miss Sunshine, Nobody Loves You, and Hamilton (where he performed as King George III).
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In Hamilton, O’Malley replaced Jonathan Groff in the role of King George III on Broadway and later in the touring production.
His stage work is often praised for combining comedic timing, emotional nuance, and vocal precision.
Film & Television
While his stage presence is his strongest suit, O’Malley also has credits in film and television:
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He appeared in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls (2006), playing the role of Dave.
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Other screen works include Mother’s Day (2016) and Jess Plus None (2023).
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On television, he’s had guest or recurring roles in shows like Nurse Jackie, Law & Order: SVU, 1600 Penn, The Good Wife, Partners, American Princess, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Bob’s Burgers, among others.
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He is also involved in voice work—for instance, in Central Park, Chicago Party Aunt, American Dad!, and more.
Podcasting & Other Projects
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O’Malley created and hosted the podcast “Living the Dream with Rory O’Malley”, which explored the real life of Broadway actors (including challenges behind the scenes).
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He also has worked as host / contributor for the Geffen Playhouse’s Unscripted series.
Activism & Public Life
One of the defining elements of O’Malley’s public life is his activism, especially in LGBTQ+ rights:
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He is a co-founder of Broadway Impact, a nonprofit organization mobilizing Broadway actors and fans in support of marriage equality and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
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Broadway Impact has organized phone banks, rallies, and participation in national equality marches.
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O’Malley has used his visibility as an actor to speak publicly about equality, identity, and representation in arts and media.
He is openly gay, and he came out publicly at age 19.
On July 21, 2013, he announced his engagement to Gerold Schroeder, and they married on September 28, 2014.
In November 2018, the couple announced the adoption of their newborn son, Jimmy. The adoption was finalized in September 2019.
Style, Talent & Persona
O’Malley’s strengths lie in his ability to blend humor and vulnerability—especially in roles that require reconciling outward charm with inner conflict (as in The Book of Mormon). Critics and reviewers often praise his clear diction, stage presence, and affinity for musical comedy.
He is also seen as gracious, thoughtful, and vocal about issues that matter to him, making him not just a performer but a public figure of conscience in the theater community.
Memorable Lines & Quotes
While O’Malley is not primarily known for a catalog of famous quotes, a few public remarks reflect his thinking and presence:
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On founding Broadway Impact: he’s said that actors have a platform and responsibility, and “since our first year … [Broadway Impact] has held massive rallies for equality … made thousands of calls … even organized 25 buses to Washington, D.C.”
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In mentions of his podcast Living the Dream, he aimed to show that “young fans of the show were seeing an unrealistic and cultivated depiction of the life of a Broadway actor” — and he wanted to balance that narrative with reality.
These remarks capture his dual focus: excellence in performance, and honesty about the challenges of the creative life.
Legacy & Influence
Rory O’Malley’s contributions stretch across culture, theater, and activism:
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He helped define Elder McKinley as a memorable role in Broadway’s contemporary canon, giving voice to nuance in comedic-musical theater.
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Through Broadway Impact, he has helped mobilize artists and fans toward legal and cultural change around LGBTQ+ rights.
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His decision to publicly live his truth (as an openly gay actor) has inspired younger performers facing similar journeys in the arts.
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His career shows versatility: moving between stage, screen, voice work, and new media (podcasting).
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In theater circles, he is respected both for his professionalism and for his willingness to speak on issues beyond the stage.
Lessons from Rory O’Malley
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Art and activism can go hand in hand
O’Malley’s path demonstrates that building excellence in one’s craft does not preclude using one’s platform for social justice. His work with Broadway Impact is a model of this union. -
Authenticity matters
He came out early, and has striven to live honestly both onstage and off. That clarity gives weight to his performances and voice. -
Embrace multiple mediums
While Broadway is core to his identity, O’Malley has worked in television, film, voice acting, and podcasts—demonstrating that artists today benefit from flexibility. -
Be generous with your platform
He uses interviews, podcasts, and public statements not merely to promote himself, but to inform, uplift, and advocate. -
Carry craft and integrity together
His success is not just about talent, but about integrity: selecting roles, speaking out, honoring commitments—these undergird a lasting reputation.
Conclusion
Rory O’Malley stands out as a performer of depth, a voice for equality, and a model of how artists can engage meaningfully in society. From his breakthrough in The Book of Mormon to his activism and personal journey, his life story offers both inspiration and insight.