Tituss Burgess American actor and singer Date of Birth: 21.02.1979 Country: USA

1. Titus Burgess: A Late Bloomer's Journey to Stardom
2. Early Life and Education
3. Early Career Struggles
4. Broadway Debut and Early Stage Roles
5. Film and Television Breakthrough
6. "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and Acclaim
7. Musical Career
8. Voicework in "Central Park"
9. Personal Life
10. Current Projects

Titus Burgess: A Late Bloomer's Journey to Stardom

Titus Burgess, an American actor and singer, achieved fame relatively late in life, at the age of 36. His breakthrough role in the comedy series "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" cemented his place in the entertainment industry, where he essentially played himself.

Early Life and Education

Titus Burgess was born on February 21, 1979, in Athens, Georgia. Raised by a single mother, he developed a passion for theater from a young age, performing in school productions. He pursued his love of music by attending the University of Georgia, where he majored in music.

Early Career Struggles

After graduating from college, Burgess moved back to Athens and directed musicals at a local theater. He also worked as an animator at Walt Disney World in Florida. In 2002, he relocated to New York City, where he lived in a basement apartment in Harlem, struggling to make ends meet with odd jobs.

Broadway Debut and Early Stage Roles

Burgess's Broadway debut came in 2005 with the play "Good Vibrations." He also performed in the musical "Jersey Boys" that same year. Subsequent stage credits included the Cowardly Lion in "The Wiz," Sebastian the crab in "The Little Mermaid," and the Caterpillar in a modern adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland." Despite his relative success on stage, Burgess felt stifled and longed for a platform to showcase his full talent.

Film and Television Breakthrough

In 2009, Burgess made his film debut as a gay hairdresser in the fifth and sixth seasons of the comedy series "30 Rock." While the role was not particularly significant, it marked Burgess's first major television appearance. However, his screen career remained stagnant for several years until a chance encounter with Tina Fey.

"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and Acclaim

Fey, who had written for and produced "30 Rock," was inspired by Burgess's performance. She conceived the character of Titus Andromedon, an unemployed gay African American longing to become a star, specifically for him. The character drew heavily from Burgess's own life experiences. Desperate for any opportunity, Burgess auditioned for the role alongside other actors and ultimately landed the transformative project.

Burgess's performance in "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" catapulted him to stardom. Critics raved about his scene-stealing charisma, and he received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his portrayal.

Musical Career

Burgess's musical talents have also played a significant role in his career. He has performed at a benefit concert for Barack Obama and recorded albums for the Broadway productions of "The Little Mermaid" and "The Wiz." He has also lent his voice to animated films such as "The Angry Birds Movie," "Smurfs: The Lost Village," and "The Addams Family," as well as the video game "GTA V."

Voicework in "Central Park"

Burgess currently voices Cole Tillerman, a lead character in the adult animated sitcom "Central Park." The show premiered on Apple TV+ in 2020, and Burgess has received a sixth Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his role.

Personal Life

Burgess is an openly gay man. He has spoken publicly about his personal life, orientation, and faith as a member of the Middle Collegiate Church in New York City in his music album "Comfortable," released in 2012.

Current Projects

Burgess continues to expand his filmography with new projects. Most notably, he serves as the narrator for the children's television series "Teletubbies," a reboot of the popular original show from the late 1990s, which premiered on Netflix in 2022.