Telly Leung
A Broadway dynamo and vocal powerhouse who rose from the ensemble of 'Flower Drum Song' to become a leading man and 'Glee' favorite.
Born 1980 (age 46)·American actor and singer·Birthday: January 3·Generation X
Biography
Telly Leung's career is a testament to the power of a pure, soaring tenor and relentless hustle. He announced himself on Broadway straight out of Carnegie Mellon, joining the ensemble of the 2002 revival of 'Flower Drum Song.' That was just the opening note. Leung built a reputation as a versatile and dependable presence, moving between classic revivals like 'Pacific Overtures' and 'Godspell' and contemporary hits like 'Allegiance,' where he worked alongside George Takei. His breakout to a wider audience came with a recurring role on 'Glee' as Dalton Academy Warbler Wes, showcasing his singing chops to millions. Beyond performing, Leung has cultivated a parallel path as a concert artist and recording singer, interpreting the American songbook with a crisp, emotional clarity. He embodies the modern Broadway performer: equally at home in a character role, a leading part, or the solo spotlight.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Telly was born in 1980, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Telly Was Born
The biggest hits of 1980
#1 Movie
The Empire Strikes Back
Best Picture
Ordinary People
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Telly's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1980Born
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1985Started school
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1993Became a teenager
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
1996Could drive
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1998Could vote
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Turned 21
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2010Turned 30
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
2020Turned 40
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 46 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred in the 2011 Broadway revival of 'Godspell' at the Circle in the Square Theatre.
- Played the recurring role of Wes, a Dalton Academy Warbler, on the hit television series 'Glee.'
- Originated the role of Sammy in the Broadway musical 'Allegiance' alongside Lea Salonga and George Takei.
- Has released multiple solo albums showcasing his interpretations of musical theater and pop standards.
Did You Know?
He is an alumnus of the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama.
He made his Broadway debut in the 2002 revival of 'Flower Drum Song.'
In addition to acting and singing, he is also a songwriter.
He frequently performs in concerts and cabaret shows across the country.
“Broadway isn't a destination; it's the work you do every day in the room.”
