Career Timeline of Darren Criss: Major Achievements and Milestones
Discover the career path of Darren Criss, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Darren Criss is an American actor, singer, and songwriter recognized for his role in the television series Glee (2010–2015). He garnered significant acclaim, including Emmy and Golden Globe awards, for his portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018). Criss has also performed on Broadway, appeared in films, and released multiple musical albums, solidifying his presence in both the acting and music industries.
1997: Professional stage debut
In 1997, Darren Criss made his professional stage debut at the age of ten as Cesario in 42nd Street Moon's production of Fanny.
1998: Appearing in 'Do I Hear a Waltz?'
In 1998, Darren Criss played Mauro in the Richard Rodgers and Stephen Sondheim musical Do I Hear a Waltz?
1999: Acting in Babes in Arms
In 1999, Darren Criss played Beauregard Calhoun in Babes in Arms.
2009: Co-founding StarKid Productions
In 2009, Darren Criss co-founded StarKid Productions with friends and classmates from the University of Michigan. He also played Harry Potter in A Very Potter Musical.
November 9, 2010: First appearance in Glee
On November 9, 2010, Darren Criss made his first appearance in Glee in the episode "Never Been Kissed".
November 27, 2010: "Teenage Dream" reached number one
On November 27, 2010, Glee's version of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream", featuring Darren Criss, reached number one on the Billboard Digital Songs chart and became the best-selling song in the US that week, selling 214,000 copies.
December 10, 2010: Member of ASCAP
On December 10, 2010, Darren Criss became the 400,000th member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
2010: Rising to fame on 'Glee'
In 2010, Darren Criss rose to fame starring on the television series Glee.
2010: Recognition for "Teenage Dream" Performance
In 2010, Darren Criss's performance of "Teenage Dream" on Glee was praised by critics and nominated for awards, marking a significant moment in his early career.
April 2011: Signed with Sony Music Entertainment
In April 2011, Darren Criss signed with Sony Music Entertainment.
November 2011: Participated in StarKid's first national concert tour
In November 2011, Darren Criss participated in StarKid's first national concert tour, The SPACE Tour, for the New York and Boston shows.
2011: Featured in Uniqlo ad campaign and People's Sexiest Men Alive
In 2011, Darren Criss was featured in the fall ad campaign for Uniqlo, a Japanese clothing line, and was also named one of People's Sexiest Men Alive.
January 2012: Broadway debut in 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'
In January 2012, Darren Criss made his Broadway debut, replacing Daniel Radcliffe in the role of J. Pierrepont Finch in the revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
January 24, 2012: Release of "Chimes of Freedom: Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International" compilation album
On January 24, 2012, the compilation album "Chimes of Freedom: Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International" was released, featuring Darren Criss and his brother, Chuck Criss, performing the Bob Dylan song "New Morning".
2012: StarKid Apocalyptour
In the summer of 2012, Darren Criss joined StarKid again for their second national tour, Apocalyptour, for the Los Angeles and New York shows.
January 2013: Performed for President Obama
In January 2013, Darren Criss performed for US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden at the inaugural balls of the 57th Presidential Inauguration.
July 19, 2013: Nationwide release of Girl Most Likely
On July 19, 2013, Darren Criss's feature film debut in the comedy Girl Most Likely was released nationwide. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
April 29, 2015: Role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch
On April 29, 2015, Darren Criss took on the role of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Belasco Theater.
July 19, 2015: Final Performance in Hedwig and the Angry Inch
On July 19, 2015, Darren Criss played his last performance in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at the Belasco Theater.
September 27, 2015: First Elsie Fest
On September 27, 2015, the first annual Elsie Fest, a music festival co-founded by Darren Criss featuring Broadway and pop music acts, was held in New York City.
November 27, 2016: Final Headlining of Hedwig and the Angry Inch tour
On November 27, 2016, Darren Criss completed headlining the national tour of Hedwig and the Angry Inch in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
March 2017: Debut of Computer Games
In March 2017, Darren Criss debuted his indie pop band Computer Games along with his brother Chuck Criss.
2018: Awards for American Crime Story
In 2018, Darren Criss earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries, or Television Film for his portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace.
2018: Emmy and Golden Globe Awards
In 2018, Darren Criss received Emmy and Golden Globe acting awards for his leading role as Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.
July 10, 2019: Announced as actor, executive producer, and creator for Royalties
On July 10, 2019, it was announced that Darren Criss would be an actor, executive producer, and creator for Royalties, a new show on the streaming service Quibi.
September 6, 2019: Announced as actor and executive producer for Hollywood
On September 6, 2019, it was announced that Darren Criss would be an actor and executive producer for Hollywood, released on Netflix.
March 2021: Co-wrote "Starting Now" single
In March 2021, Darren Criss co-wrote the single "Starting Now" with singer Brandy. The song was later featured in Disney Princess Remixed — An Ultimate Princess Celebration.
August 2021: Disney Princess Remixed — An Ultimate Princess Celebration Premiered
In August 2021, Disney Princess Remixed — An Ultimate Princess Celebration, a music special featuring the song "Starting Now" (co-written by Darren Criss) and other princesses, premiered on the Disney Channel and Disney+.
October 8, 2021: Release of Christmas-themed album
On October 8, 2021, Darren Criss released his first Christmas-themed album through Decca Records.
October 2021: Portrayed The Caretaker in Muppets Haunted Mansion
In October 2021, Darren Criss portrayed The Caretaker in Muppets Haunted Mansion.
July 10, 2022: End of Broadway revival performance in American Buffalo
On July 10, 2022, Darren Criss concluded his performance in the Broadway revival of David Mamet's American Buffalo, where he starred alongside Sam Rockwell and Laurence Fishburne.
December 2022: Christmas-themed tour across the U.S.
In December 2022, Darren Criss went on a Christmas-themed tour across the U.S., performing songs from his Christmas album.
November 12, 2024: Opening night of "Maybe Happy Ending"
November 12, 2024, marked the opening night for the Broadway production of "Maybe Happy Ending" at the Belasco Theatre, starring Darren Criss alongside Helen J Shen.
Mentioned in this timeline
Uniqlo is a Japanese casual wear designer manufacturer and retailer...
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Bob Dylan is a highly influential American singer-songwriter renowned as...
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