Casey Cott
He brought Riverdale's first openly gay character to life, giving a generation a relatable and positive small-town hero.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American actor·Birthday: August 8·Millennials
Biography
Casey Cott stepped into the spotlight not from a traditional acting school, but from the halls of Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied economics. His big break came in 2016 when he was cast as Kevin Keller on The CW's hyper-stylized teen drama Riverdale. The role was significant; Kevin was the first openly gay character in Archie Comics history, and Cott's portrayal moved him from a supporting player to a series regular, navigating storylines about identity, acceptance, and friendship in the show's noir-tinged world. Beyond the show's musical numbers and murder mysteries, Cott used the platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility. His career has expanded to include film roles and stage work, but he remains defined by bringing a foundational Archie character into a new, more inclusive era for a massive young audience.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Casey was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Casey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Casey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character from Archie Comics, on the long-running CW series Riverdale.
- Elevated from a recurring guest star to a series regular on Riverdale due to audience and critical response to his performance.
- Made his Broadway debut in 2023 in the revival of the musical 'Moulin Rouge!' as Christian.
Did You Know?
He is a trained singer and dancer, skills frequently showcased in Riverdale's many musical episodes.
He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Economics before pursuing acting full-time.
His brother, Corey Cott, is also a professional actor known for work on Broadway.
“I studied economics, but the most valuable lessons came from a fictional high school.”
