Lin-Manuel Miranda

Biography

Lin-Manuel Miranda (born January 16, 1980) is a multifaceted American artist known for his roles as a songwriter, actor, singer, filmmaker, rapper, and librettist. He is best recognized for creating the acclaimed Broadway musicals *In the Heights* and *Hamilton*, along with contributing to the soundtracks of popular animated films such as *Moana*, *Vivo*, and *Encanto*. His exceptional talents have earned him a multitude of prestigious awards, including a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, three Tony Awards, two Laurence Olivier Awards, two Emmy Awards, and five Grammy Awards, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards. In 2018, he was honored with the Kennedy Center Honor.

Miranda's Broadway journey began in 2008 with *In the Heights*, for which he wrote the music and lyrics and starred in the lead role. The production garnered the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Original Score, along with a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. In 2015, he returned with *Hamilton*, a groundbreaking musical that captivated audiences and critics alike, winning the Pulitzer Prize and setting a record with 16 Tony nominations, of which it won 11, including Best Book of a Musical for Miranda.

In addition to his theatrical achievements, Miranda has collaborated extensively with Disney, contributing original songs that earned him two Academy Award nominations. His song "We Don't Talk About Bruno" from *Encanto* achieved significant chart success, marking his first number-one hit on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles charts. Miranda has also ventured into film directing with *Tick, Tick...Boom!* and played roles in various television series, including *The Electric Company* and *His Dark Materials*. An active advocate for Puerto Rico, he has worked tirelessly for its relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.