Taye Diggs Theater, film and television actor Date of Birth: 02.01.1971 Country: USA

Biography of Taye Diggs

Taye Diggs (Scott L. Diggs) was born on January 2, 1971, in New Jersey, USA. He is an American actor known for his work in theater, film, and television. Diggs grew up in Rochester, New York, the son of Marcia, a teacher and actress, and Jeffries Diggs. He attended the School of Arts and was the oldest of five children in his family, with two brothers and two sisters.

Diggs earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater from Syracuse University. He performed multiple times at the popular Lakes Region summer theater in Meredith, New Hampshire. His Broadway debut came in 1994 when he joined the award-winning musical "Carousel." In 1996, he had the opportunity to make a name for himself as the despicable landlord Benny in the Broadway musical "Rent," which won a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize.

After "Rent," Diggs played Mr. Black in the off-Broadway production of Andrew Lippa's "The Wild Party" alongside Idina Menzel (who played Kate). He returned to Broadway to portray Billy Flynn in the popular musical "Chicago" and temporarily replaced Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero, the love interest of Idina Menzel's character (Elphaba), in Stephen Schwartz's musical "Wicked."

Diggs then transitioned from stage to television, landing a role on the soap opera "Guiding Light." In 1998, he made his film debut as Winston Shakespeare in Kevin Rodney Sullivan's romance film "How Stella Got Her Groove Back." This role marked a significant milestone in his acting career, earning him praise and attention from audiences. The following year, Diggs played Marcus, the God of Tantric Sex, in Doug Liman's crime comedy "Go," and portrayed the hapless groom Roland in the comedy "The Best Man."

In Malcolm D. Lee's directorial debut, the comedy film "The Best Man," Diggs played the lead role of Harper Stewart, a writer and friend of the groom Lance (played by Morris Chestnut). He also appeared in the remake of William Malone's horror film "House on Haunted Hill." Diggs participated in an episode of the reality show "America's Next Top Model" and played one of the main roles in the UPN channel's television series "Kevin Hill." He reprised his role as Benjamin Coffin III in the film adaptation of the musical "Rent" in 2005 and contributed to the film's soundtrack.

In 2006, Diggs guest-starred in several episodes of the final season of the series "Will & Grace," portraying James Hanson, a character who has feelings for Will Truman (played by Eric McCormack). In May, ABC released the pilot episode of the series "Day Break," in which Diggs played Detective Brett Hopper, who finds himself trapped when he is framed for murder and must clear his name. The series premiered in mid-November 2006 but was quickly canceled due to low ratings.

Diggs' career in television and film continues to evolve, but he increasingly returns to the stage. He was recently seen alongside James McDaniel in Charles Fuller's play "A Soldier's Play" at the Second Stage Theatre in New York. Diggs plays one of the main roles alongside actress Kate Walsh in the "Grey's Anatomy" spin-off series "Private Practice." He also had a guest role in the series "The West Wing," playing Secret Service agent Wesley, responsible for the security of the president's daughters.

Diggs has been married to his former co-star from "Rent," "The Wild Party," and "Wicked," Idina Menzel, since January 11, 2003. The couple had been dating for seven years prior to their marriage. They have a Yorkshire Terrier named Sammy Davis Jr. and two cats named Ella and Coltrane.