Leslie Odom Jr.
An actor and singer who stepped out of the chorus to claim the spotlight, winning a Tony for his complex, charismatic Aaron Burr.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American actor, singer and songwriter·Birthday: August 6·Millennials
Biography
Leslie Odom Jr. embodies the virtue of preparation meeting a once-in-a-generation opportunity. A Broadway veteran from his teens, he worked steadily for years in theater and television before landing the role of Aaron Burr in the developmental workshop of 'Hamilton.' His performance, a masterclass in simmering ambition and wounded pride, became the emotional anchor of the phenomenon. He didn't just play the foil to Alexander Hamilton; he humanized him, delivering 'Wait For It' and 'The Room Where It Happens' with a gripping intensity that earned him a Tony Award. The success catapulted him into a multifaceted career as a leading man in film, a chart-topping jazz and pop vocalist, and an author. Odom Jr. represents a new model of a Broadway star: one whose talent transcends the stage without losing its essential musicality and depth.
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.
Leslie was born in 1981, 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 Leslie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Leslie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
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
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
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
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2016 for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in 'Hamilton'.
- Received a Grammy Award as a principal soloist on the 'Hamilton' Original Broadway Cast Recording.
- Earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for 'Speak Now' from the film 'One Night in Miami...'.
Did You Know?
He made his Broadway debut at age 17 in the chorus of 'Rent'.
He released a Christmas album, 'Simply Christmas', which reached number one on the Billboard Jazz chart.
He is a published author, having written a book for young adults titled 'Failing Up'.
“The room where it happens is the room where you are.”
