Mike Faist
A magnetic stage and screen actor who brings raw, electric vulnerability to every role, from Broadway's chorus to Hollywood's spotlight.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American actor·Birthday: January 5·Millennials
Biography
Mike Faist didn't take a predictable path to recognition. Born in Ohio, he moved to New York as a teenager, landing his first professional job in the ensemble of the Broadway musical 'Newsies.' It was a classic start, but Faist quickly proved he was anything but a background player. His breakout came as Connor Murphy in the original Broadway cast of 'Dear Evan Hansen,' a performance that earned him a Tony nomination and established his knack for portraying complex, troubled youth with startling authenticity. He stole scenes in Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' as Riff, the leader of the Jets, infusing the role with a dangerous, wiry charisma that garnered a BAFTA nomination. Faist possesses a rare ability to make intensity feel natural, whether in a gritty indie film or a big-budget adaptation, building a career defined by compelling character work rather than leading-man tropes.
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.
Mike 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 Mike Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Mike'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
- Earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Connor Murphy in 'Dear Evan Hansen.'
- Received a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) nomination for his supporting role as Riff in Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story.'
- Won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album as a principal soloist on the 'Dear Evan Hansen' cast recording.
- Won a Daytime Emmy Award for his involvement in the 'Dear Evan Hansen' pro-shot special.
- Originated the role of Morris Delancey in the Broadway production of 'Newsies.'
Did You Know?
He performed as a child with the Columbus Children's Theatre and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.
His role in 'West Side Story' required intensive training in ballet, jazz, and street-style dance.
He is a co-founder of the production company, Frowny Face Productions.
He played the role of Spence in the 2023 Luca Guadagnino film 'Challengers.'
“I'm interested in the messy, complicated corners of a character.”
