Colm Wilkinson | Kennedy Center

Colm Wilkinson

To lovers of musical theatre around the world Colm Wilkinson definitely needs no introduction. On stages in London, New York, Toronto and beyond he has firmly established himself as one of theatre's greatest performers. His definitive portrayal of such leading characters as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera have brought the Irish-born singer huge critical acclaim, a trophy case crammed with awards and the adoration of millions of theatregoers. Wilkinson achieved international fame when he created the role of Jean Valjean with The Royal Shakespeare Company in the hit musical Les Miserables. After appearing in London's West End and on Broadway, Wilkinson was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best actor as well as Tony and Drama Desk Nominations. He also won the Helen Hayes Award, The Outer Critics Circle Award and the Theatre World Award. He returned to the role of Jean Valjean for one night only in the now legendary London 10th Anniversary Concert of Les Miserables. The DVD version of the concert has been seen by millions around the world. Wilkinson also created the role of the Phantom for Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Sydmonton Festival in 1986. He went on to star in the Toronto production of this musical for four and a half years. He earned the Dora Mavor Moore Award for his portrayal of the Phantom in 1989-90. He returned to Les Miserables in 1998 in Toronto and won his second Dora Mavor Moore Award for his role as Valjean. On March 8, 2009, Wilkinson participated in the Birthday Celebration Gala for Senator Edward Kennedy in Washington D.C. an event that was attended by prominent stars of stage and screen and the for ost political figures in the world including President Barack Obama. A talented actor, Wilkinson will be starring in the upcoming season 3 of The Tudors, the award winning series starting April 5, 2009, on Showtime at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT). He portrays Lord Thomas Darcy, a leader of the rebellion against Henry VIII and his reformation. Colm Wilkinson will take his stage show Broadway and Beyond into Ireland this Spring and America in the fall. He will perform a selection of his favorite songs from the world of theatre and popular music, including Bring Him Home, Music of the Night, Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah and his own composition I Cannot Stay from his latest CD Some of My Best Friends Are Songs. For more, visit www.colmwilkinson.com.