Chris Colfer | |
|---|---|
 Colfer at a book signing event in August 2013 | |
| Born | Christopher Paul Colfer (1990-05-27)May 27, 1990 (age 34)[1] Clovis, California, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
| Partner | Will Sherrod (2013–present) |
Christopher Paul Colfer[2][3] (born May 27, 1990)[4] is an American actor, singer, and author. He gained international recognition for his portrayal ofKurt Hummel on the television musicalGlee (2009–2015). Colfer's portrayal of Kurt received critical praise for which he has been the recipient of several awards, including the 2011Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film, three consecutivePeople's Choice Awards for Favorite Comedic TV Actor from 2013 to 2015, twoPrimetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series nominations and oneGrammy Award nomination.[5][6][7] In April 2011, Colfer was named one of theTime 100,Time's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Colfer wrote, starred in, produced, and novelized his first film,Struck by Lightning, which debuted at the 2012Tribeca Film Festival. He also wroteThe New York Times bestsellingThe Land of Stories series of children's fiction books, starting withThe Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell. As of June 2024[update], he has published twenty books.
Colfer was born inClovis, California, to Karyn and Timothy Colfer.[8] He is ofIrish ancestry and has stated: "I'm very Irish, my family is all Irish andSaint Patrick's Day in my house is crazy."[9] As a child, he was confined to a hospital bed for three months following alymph node surgery, which left a scar on his neck and which he credits as one of the difficult experiences that made him interested infictional worlds.[10]
When Colfer was seven, his younger sister was diagnosed with severeepilepsy; he said, "She'd have these horrid, horrid epileptic fits in the middle of the night."[11] He "craved attention" from his parents, but it was diverted to his sister's health.[11] He knew he wanted to be an actor, but as a coping mechanism he retreated into his imagination and began writing fairy tales.[11]
At an early age, Colfer showed a passion for writing. He was "born wanting to be a storyteller", using both writing and acting as ways to entertain people and escape reality.[10] His grandmother was his first editor, advising and encouraging him in elementary school when he first attempted to write a fairytale-inspired novel, which would later becomeThe Land of Stories.[12] In 2012, Colfer dedicated his first published novel to her, and quoted her: "Christopher, I think you should wait until you're done with elementary school before worrying about being a failed writer."[13]
Colfer wasbullied so severely in middle school that he needed to behomeschooled for half of 7th grade and 8th grade.[14] When he attendedClovis East High School, he was involved with thespeech and debate program, and he won "champion titles", including placing ninth in the State Competition for Dramatic Interpretation. He was also active in thedrama club, theFFA, "was president of the Writer's Club, editor of the school's literary magazine, and captain of Destination ImagiNation".[15] As a high school senior, he wrote, starred in, and directed a spoof ofSweeney Todd entitledShirley Todd, in which all of the roles weregender-reversed.[16] One of his real in-school experiences was later turned into a subplot for his character onGlee, when the high school teachers denied him the chance to sing "Defying Gravity" from the musicalWicked because it is traditionally sung by a woman.[17][18]
The first show Colfer acted in was acommunity theatre production ofWest Side Story.[19] He then appeared inThe Sound of Music as Kurt von Trapp atGood Company Players, which later inspired the naming of hisGlee character.[2][20]
At age 18, Colfer starred as Russel Fish inRussel Fish: The Sausage and Eggs Incident, a short film in which an awkward teenager must pass aPresidential Physical Fitness test or fail gym class and lose his admission toHarvard University.
Colfer's first TV role came in 2009 when he was cast asKurt Hummel onFox'sGlee. Kurt is a fashionable gaycountertenor who is routinely bullied at school for his sexuality and participating in the very unpopular Glee Club. Colfer auditioned for the part ofArtie Abrams, who uses a wheelchair, a role which eventually went toKevin McHale.
The show's creator,Ryan Murphy, was so impressed with Colfer that he created the role of Kurt specifically for him,[21] and in the process, scrapped a planned character called Rajish so they could add Kurt. Murphy explained in the season two finale ofThe Glee Project that Colfer was the inspiration for the project show because he did not fit the role he auditioned for but was still "incredible and special" so a role was created for him.[22]
In a 2010 interview with Allison Kugel, Colfer stated that:
There have been a couple of times when I have gone to Ryan Murphy and told him a couple of things that have happened to me, and then he writes it into the show. Or he'll ask me what song I would want to sing, in this situation or in that situation. I don't think any of us directly try to give input on the character or on the storyline, but they definitely steal things from us.[18]
Colfer won the 2011Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series for his performance as Kurt Hummel. In his emotional acceptance speech, he thanked Ryan Murphy for being his "fairy godfather" and dedicated the award to kids who have been bullied and told "they can't [...] have what they want because of who they are."[5] He was twice nominated for anEmmy Award[23] in theOutstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category for his portrayal of Kurt.
In 2013 and 2014, Colfer won consecutivePeople's Choice Awards for Favorite Comedic TV Actor. Both speeches he gave were praised by the media for being funny while making references to things likefanfiction andfanart to show his appreciation for fan culture.[6][7]
On June 8, 2011, Colfer signed a book deal withLittle, Brown and Company to write two novels for children. The first book in the series,The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell, was released on July 17, 2012.[24][25] The books are about Conner and Alex Bailey, twins, who get their grandma's story book and go through adventures in "The Land of Stories".[citation needed] For two weeks after the book's release, it was number one onThe New York Times Best Seller list in the Children's Chapter Books category.[26][27]
The second book in the series,The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns (2013) debuted at number two onThe New York Times Best Seller list, and by the end of 2013, it had spent eleven weeks in the top fifteen for Children's Middle Grade books.[28] Following the success of the first two books, Colfer contracted for an additional three books with Little, Brown: two novels and a picture book.[29]
The third book in the series,The Land of Stories: A Grimm Warning, was released on July 8, 2014.[30] Now considered a series, it reached No. 4 onThe New York Times Best Seller list and spent four weeks on the list.[31]
Colfer's fourth novel,The Land of Stories: Beyond the Kingdoms, was released on July 7, 2015.[32] Following its release,The Land of Stories charted at No. 1 as a series onThe New York Times Best Seller list for the first time on July 26.[33][34]
The picture book, written by Colfer and illustrated byBrandon Dorman,The Curvy Tree was released in October 2015 and is based on a short original fairy tale of the same name, which Colfer first told inThe Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell.[29]
The fifth book in the series,The Land of Stories: An Author's Odyssey, was released on July 12, 2016. The sixth and final installment,The Land of Stories: Worlds Collide was released on July 11, 2017.
In June 2017, it was announced that Colfer would make his directorial debut with a film adaptation ofThe Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell. He would also write the script and serve as one of the executive producers on the project.[35]
Colfer wrote, starred in, executive-produced, and novelized thecoming-of-age comedy filmStruck by Lightning. The plot revolves around Colfer's character, who is struck and killed by a bolt of lightning, and chronicles his exploits as he blackmails his fellow senior classmates into contributing to a literary magazine he is publishing. It was shot during theGlee hiatus in the summer of 2011 and had its world premiere in 2012 at theTribeca Film Festival.[36]
In March 2012, Colfer was featured in a performance ofDustin Lance Black's play,8 – a staged reenactment of thefederal trial that overturned California'sProp 8 ban onsame-sex marriage – as Ryan Kendall.[37] The production was held at theWilshire Ebell Theatre and broadcast on YouTube to raise money for theAmerican Foundation for Equal Rights.[38][39]
Colfer landed a deal with theDisney Channel to adapt the bookThe Little Leftover Witch for a television pilot.[40] He also wrote another movie, set in an asylum, which he planned to appear in as a supporting actor.[41] However, both of these projects were delayed with no expected dates for production.
On January 28, 2014, it was announced that Colfer would star in a new3DCG animated family film byMarza Animation Planet,Robodog, as the voice of the title character.[42] The film, which will costarRon Perlman, is described as "a classic, heart-warming adventure story about an unlikely duo who couldn't be more different." The film's director, Henry F. Anderson III, said Colfer is "perfect" for the project because he "has an appealing, youthful voice which fits right in with our lead character, KC, who is above all a charismatic entertainer."[43] Vocal recording for the film began on February 1, 2014.[42] The film is now in post-production, though as of 2019 no release date has been set.[44]
After a few months of planning, it was revealed in March 2014, that Colfer had been asked byGlee's producers to write an episode.[45] About the offer, Colfer said: "I've been asked in interviews if I ever wanted to write [an episode ofGlee], and I said, 'Absolutely not because it was not my world.' I didn't want to tamper with someone else's image. Then they were like, 'Here, come tamper.'"[46] The title of the episode, which aired in May 2014, is "Old Dog, New Tricks".[47][non-primary source needed]
In 2014, Colfer guest starred on an episode ofHot in Cleveland as Tony, Victoria's son. In March 2015, Jane Leeves posted an image on Twitter confirming that Colfer would be returning to an episode titled "All About Elka" in the show's final season. Colfer, other guest star Carol Burnett and Betty White all sang and performed in a 'musical' being directed by Victoria (Wendie Malick).[citation needed]
On May 14, 2015, it was made public that the biopic Colfer has been mentioning for almost a year was going to be aboutNoël Coward with the working titleNoel, with Colfer in the title role.[48] Colfer prepared for the role in London. The film would be directed by Joe Stephenson. While filming was expected to begin sometime during the summer of 2015, it has been delayed.
In 2016, he played Christopher inAbsolutely Fabulous: The Movie. He had been offered the role byJennifer Saunders after he invited her to theGlee: Live tour in 2011. He also appeared as a guest judge inChopped Junior.
In 2017, Colfer announced he would develop a new TV show calledIndigo, a sci-fi drama aboutindigo children who are misdiagnosed as having mental or physical illnesses, when they really possess supernatural abilities.TV Line reported thatIndigo would be offered for sale to streaming services and television networks, with Colfer writing and directing the pilot episode, and co-executive producing with Keith Quinn and Rob Weisbach.[49]
In 2012, Colfer released a companion book to his filmStruck by Lightning, calledStruck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal.[50]
In early 2017, Colfer released his second book for young adult readers calledStranger Than Fanfiction.[51] The book follows the story of Cash Carter, a world-famous television star who decides to take a cross-country road trip with four of his biggest fans, as they are getting ready to enter college.[52]
On October 1, 2019, Colfer came out with a new book,A Tale of Magic.... It is a prequel to theLand of Stories series. The sequel,A Tale of Witchcraft..., was published on September 29, 2020, with the final part,A Tale of Sorcery... published on September 28, 2021.
Colfer's new projects include a series of children's books with space and UFOs as a theme. The first book, "Roswell Johnson Saves the World" was published on June 4, 2024.[53][54]
In an interview withChelsea Handler in December 2009, Colfer stated that he is gay.[55] He has been in a relationship with actor and producer Will Sherrod since 2013.[56][57][58]
Colfer appeared on the British chat showFriday Night with Jonathan Ross in June 2010, together with his fellowGlee co-starsAmber Riley andMatthew Morrison. He demonstrated his skill with a pair ofsai, revealing that he bought a pair oneBay and regularly practices in his trailer. He also mentioned that he would like it if his sai could be worked into an episode ofGlee; they first appeared in theseason 3 episode "I Am Unicorn", during Colfer's characterKurt Hummel's performance of "I'm the Greatest Star" from the musicalFunny Girl.[59]
During the2022 Los Angeles mayoral election, Colfer endorsed Democratic candidateKaren Bass (who would later be elected) and donated to her campaign.[60]
Colfer is an active supporter of theIt Gets Better campaign andThe Trevor Project, creating an It Gets Better video after theGlee episode "Never Been Kissed" aired; he dedicated his 2011 Golden Globe Award to bullied kids in LGBTQ communities.
In 2013, Colfer filmed apublic service announcement (PSA) withElmo about anti-bullying forSesame Street in Communities,[61] and participated in theCourse of the Force run benefiting theMake-A-Wish Foundation.[62] In 2014, he participated in a PSA aboutLet Girls Learn, put out by theU.S. Agency for International Development.[63] OnHollywood Game Night, hosted byGlee co-starJane Lynch, Colfer won $6,000 and donated it to theMake-a-Wish Foundation of America.
Colfer was a co-chair for theElton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party in 2013 and 2014. He is a coalition member of Uprising of Love, an organization which supports the safety and dignity of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Russians.[64]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Russel Fish: The Sausage and Eggs Incident | Russel Fish | Short film |
| 2010 | Marmaduke | Drama Dog No. 2 | Voice |
| 2011 | Glee: The 3D Concert Movie | Kurt Hummel | |
| 2012 | Struck by Lightning | Carson Phillips | Also writer and executive producer |
| 2016 | Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie | Christopher | |
| TBA | The Potters | Asher Potter | Pre-production |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2010 | Entertainment Tonight | Himself | |
| 2009–2015 | Glee | Kurt Hummel | Main role; 116 episodes Also writer on "Old Dog, New Tricks" |
| 2011 | The Cleveland Show | Voice | |
| Saturday Night Live | Himself | ||
| 2012 | 8 | Ryan Kendall | TV movie |
| The Glee Project | Himself | Guest mentor | |
| 2012–2014 | The Talk | ||
| 2013 | Bitter Party of Five | ||
| 2014 | Hollywood Game Night | 1 episode | |
| 2014, 2015 | Hot in Cleveland | Tony Chase | Episodes: "Straight Out of Cleveland", "All About Elka" |
| 2017 | Julie's Greenroom | Himself | Episode: "The Write Stuff!" |
| 2018 | RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars | Episode: "My Best Squirrelfriend's Dragsmaids Wedding Trip" | |
| 2020 | Visible: Out On Television | Episode: "The New Guard" | |
| 2021 | Ridley Jones | Kosy | Episode: "Dinner with Ismat" |
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Satellite Awards | Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television | Glee | Nominated |
| 2010 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| Satellite Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | ||
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Won | ||
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV: Male Scene Stealer | Won | ||
| 2011 | Golden Globe Award | Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series | Won | |
| Monte-Carlo TV Festival | Outstanding Actor – Comedy Series | Won | ||
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | ||
| Grammy Awards | Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals | "Don't Stop Believin' (Regionals version)"[a] | Nominated | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series | Glee | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |||
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV: Male Scene Stealer | Nominated | ||
| Fashion Icon: Male | Himself | Nominated | ||
| 2012 | People's Choice Awards | Favorite TV Comedy Actor | Nominated | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Glee | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV Actor: Comedy | Won | ||
| Fashion Icon: Male | Himself | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | People's Choice Awards | Favorite TV Comedy Actor | Won | |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Glee | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV Actor: Comedy | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | People's Choice Awards | Favorite Comedic TV Actor | Himself | Won |
| 2015 | People's Choice Awards | Favorite Comedic TV Actor | Won | |
| Shorty Awards | Best Author | Author ofThe Land of Stories | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice TV Actor: Comedy | Glee | Nominated | |
| 2019 | Destination Imagination[65] | DI Icon Award | Himself | Won |
To Grandma, for being my first editor and giving me the best writing advice I've ever received: "Christopher, I think you should wait until you're done with elementary school before worrying about being a failed writer."
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