Original Broadway Cast Overview
The original Broadway cast of Hamilton began performances at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in August 2015 and officially opened on August 6, 2015. The production starred Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, Christopher Jackson as George Washington, and Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. The show won 11 Tony Awards in 2016, including Best Musical, and has generated billions in gross revenue. Many original cast members transitioned into film, television, music production, and business ventures after leaving the show.
Lin-Manuel Miranda remains the most commercially visible original cast member, with a net worth estimated in the hundreds of millions. He co-founded the production company Get Lifted Film Co. and has worked on projects for Disney, including the live-action Moana adaptation. Leslie Odom Jr. won an Academy Award nomination for the film version of Hamilton and continues to act in television and film. Daveed Diggs is known for his roles in Snowpiercer and the television series Blindspotting, as well as his music career under the name Rafael Casal.
Current Roles and Companies
Phillipa Soo starred in the film In the Heights and has taken on leading roles in television series and Broadway revivals. She also co-founded the theater production company Broadway for Racial Justice to support underrepresented artists. Christopher Jackson, who played George Washington, has remained active as a Broadway performer and educator, often participating in workshops and mentorship programs. He has also appeared in television and film projects tied to historical and musical storytelling.
Renée Elise Goldsberry, who originated the role of Angelica Schuyler, has pursued a career in television and film, including appearances in series produced by major studios. She has also continued performing in theater and music, maintaining a presence in both Broadway and independent projects. Chris Sullivan, who played the role of the Marquis de Lafayette in the ensemble, has become a recognizable television actor, appearing in shows on Netflix and HBO. He has also worked in film and continues to perform in theater productions.
Financial and Industry Impact
Broadway Revenue and Legacy
Hamilton has grossed over $1 billion in Broadway ticket sales, making it one of the highest-grossing shows in Broadway history. The original cast members have benefited from the show's long-running success, with many receiving ongoing royalties and residuals from the production. The show's impact on the theater industry has led to increased investment in diverse storytelling and musical theater projects across the United States.
Post-Hamilton Careers
Several original cast members have launched their own production companies, joined major entertainment firms, or taken on executive roles in media and arts organizations. Lin-Manuel Miranda's involvement with Get Lifted Film Co. has produced content for Netflix and other platforms, while Leslie Odom Jr. has released multiple albums and starred in high-profile films. Daveed Diggs has also expanded into producing and directing, with projects tied to both independent and mainstream studios.
Television and Film Expansion
The original cast's transition to screen work has been supported by major studios and streaming platforms. Daveed Diggs and Renée Elise Goldsberry have appeared in productions for Netflix and Amazon, while Phillipa Soo has taken on roles in series produced by Warner Bros. and Universal. These projects have helped sustain the cast members' visibility and income beyond the Broadway stage.
Business Ventures and Investments
Lin-Manuel Miranda has invested in technology startups and media companies, including stakes in ventures related to digital content and entertainment platforms. Other cast members have pursued real estate, restaurant, and education-based businesses, often leveraging their public profiles to build brands. These ventures reflect a broader trend among Broadway performers to diversify income streams through entrepreneurship and intellectual property ownership.