Childhood and Education Journey of Darren Criss in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 30, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Darren Criss. A timeline of key moments.

Darren Criss is an American actor, singer, and songwriter known for his roles in television, particularly as Blaine Anderson in Glee and Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, for which he won an Emmy and a Golden Globe. He has also performed on Broadway, appeared in films, and released musical albums, establishing a multifaceted career in entertainment.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

February 5, 1987: Darren Criss's Birth

On February 5, 1987, Darren Everett Criss was born. He is an American actor, singer, and songwriter.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Family Resided in Honolulu, Hawaii

From 1988 to 1992, Darren Criss's family resided in Honolulu, Hawaii, where his father started EastWest Bank.

1992: Moved back to San Francisco

In 1992, Darren Criss and his family moved back to San Francisco after residing in Honolulu, Hawaii, since 1988.

2005: Graduation from St. Ignatius College Preparatory

In 2005, Darren Criss graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory.

2008: Studied Italian theater in Italy

In 2008, Darren Criss spent a semester abroad studying Italian theater at the Accademia dell'Arte in Arezzo, Italy.

2009: Graduation from the University of Michigan

In 2009, Darren Criss obtained his bachelor of fine arts from the University of Michigan, majoring in theatre performance and minoring in musicology and Italian.

2009: Co-founded StarKid Productions

In 2009, upon receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts, Darren Criss co-founded StarKid Productions, a musical theater company, with friends and classmates from the University of Michigan.

April 14, 2013: Honorary Member of Yale University's The Whiffenpoofs

On April 14, 2013, during a benefit concert for public school arts, Darren Criss was made an honorary member of Yale University's a cappella singing group The Whiffenpoofs.

September 27, 2015: First annual Elsie Fest held

The first annual Elsie Fest, a music festival co-founded by Darren Criss featuring Broadway and pop music acts, was held on September 27, 2015, in New York City.