It’s a dream turned reality for 26-year-old Austin Scott, who currently steps into the shoes of the “ten-dollar founding father” Alexander Hamilton every night on Broadway. A rising star who dared not throw away his shot, Scott has impressively made his Broadway debut in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s phenomenal hit musical, “Hamilton.”
Originally from Benicia, California, Scott embarked on his acting journey early in life. He was inspired by the charismatic performances of Will Smith in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and his early 90s films. Though he did not grow up entrenched in the world of theater, he found himself captivated by the Broadway productions he watched, particularly the original cast of “Wicked,” which left a significant impression on him.
His audition for Hamilton was an interesting journey in itself. Scott initially auditioned for the roles of George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson but was advised he was either too young or too old for the characters. However, after leading the first national tour of Hamilton in the title role, he proved that he had the tenacity and ambition required to portray the multifaceted character of Alexander Hamilton.
Now, three years after moving to New York, Scott brings a touch of his laid-back California vibe to the demanding role. Despite being a Californian at heart and an In-N-Out Burger enthusiast, he has embraced the fast-paced New York lifestyle and hopes to convert as many New Yorkers as possible to his favorite burger joint.
His passion for performance isn’t limited to the theater. Scott appeared on season 2 of FX’s hit series “Pose” as a Long Island lifeguard who strikes a bond with Mj Rodriguez’s character Blanca. Looking ahead, Scott aspires to play Simba in “The Lion King,” a role that he feels would be a dream come true.
His career trajectory hasn’t just been about Hamilton. In 2016, Scott played the role of Benny in a production of “In the Heights” at the Hangar Theatre, another brilliant piece from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s repertoire. His audition for “Hamilton” turned out to be an unforgettable experience as he got the chance to rap “Guns and Ships” alongside Miranda himself, a moment that is etched in his memory.
Austin Scott’s journey from a small town in California to the bustling city of New York, and from his first acting inspirations to his Broadway debut, has been nothing short of remarkable. His story serves as an inspiration for many young actors dreaming of their big break, proving that with grit, determination, and a dash of luck, dreams can indeed become reality. As the curtains rise each night at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, Scott’s performance as Alexander Hamilton mesmerizes the audience, affirming his position as a rising star on Broadway.