Francis Jue
A chameleon of the stage, he brought wit and humanity to roles from Shakespeare to modern musicals, expanding Asian American representation in theater.
Born 1963 (age 63)·American actor and singer·Birthday: September 29·Baby Boomers
Biography
Francis Jue carved out a singular path in American theater, becoming a beloved and versatile fixture on Broadway and beyond. Born in San Francisco, his career blossomed in the Bay Area's vibrant theater scene before he made his indelible mark in New York. Jue possesses a rare ability to shift seamlessly from classical drama to contemporary musical comedy, earning particular praise for his work in plays by David Henry Hwang and in productions like 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' and 'Pacific Overtures.' His presence on stage is defined by intelligent characterizations and a compelling vocal delivery. Beyond the footlights, he became a familiar face to television audiences through a steady role on 'Madam Secretary,' further demonstrating his range. Jue's body of work stands as a testament to a career built on artistic curiosity and a commitment to nuanced storytelling.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Francis was born in 1963, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Francis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1963
#1 Movie
Cleopatra
Best Picture
Tom Jones
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Francis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1963Born
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1968Started school
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1976Became a teenager
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1979Could drive
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1981Could vote
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1984Turned 21
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1993Turned 30
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2003Turned 40
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2013Turned 50
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
2023Turned 60
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 63 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Received a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance in the off-Broadway play 'Yellow Face.'
- Played the title role in the musical 'M. Butterfly' during its national tour.
- Portrayed multiple characters in the acclaimed Broadway revival of 'Pacific Overtures' in 2004.
- Had a recurring role as a Chinese ambassador on the CBS political drama 'Madam Secretary.'
Did You Know?
He is a graduate of Yale University, where he studied theater.
Jue performed for several seasons at The Muny, America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater.
He originated the role of Christmas Eve's husband in the early workshop productions of 'Avenue Q.'
“The stage is where I can be my fullest self.”
