Caesar Samayoa

Caesar Samayoa is an American stage actor.

Early life and education

Samayoa's parents immigrated to the United States from Guatemala.[1] He grew up in Spanish Harlem, and attended school in Emerson, New Jersey.[1][2] He became interested in theater after seeing Anna Deavere Smith perform in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.[1][3]

After first attending Bucknell University, Samayoa transferred to Ithaca College, where he graduated with a degree in drama.[2][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.[2][3]

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.[5] However, he changed his mind after reading the show's script at the request of his agent.[6] 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.[6] He remained with the show until 2022.[6]

In 2023, Samayoa originated the role of Dr. Amigo in the Broadway production of How to Dance in Ohio.[7]

Roles

Year Show Role Notes Ref
1997 Shakespeare's R&J Juliet, Benvolio, Montague Off-Broadway [2][3]
2002` Call the Children Home Regional [8]
2006 Hot Feet Understudy (Louie) [9]
2007 The Attic [10][11]
2010 The Pee-wee Herman Show Understudy (Bear, Cowboy Curtis, King of Cartoons, Sergio, Voices) [9]
2011 Sister Act Pablo
2013 Love's Labour's Lost Don Armando Shakespeare in the Park [12]
2015 Come from Away Kevin J./Ali and others Regional
2017 Broadway [9]
2022 Los Otros Carlos Off-Broadway [13][14]
2023 Evita Juan Perón Regional [15][16]
How to Dance in Ohio Dr. Emilio Amigo Broadway [9][7]

Awards

Year Award Category Result Ref
2022 Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors Awards HOLA José Ferrer Tespis Award Won [17]

Personal life

Samayoa, who is gay,[5] married talent agent Christopher Freer in June 2022.[18] Outside of theater, he enjoys cooking.[19]

References

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