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Max Casella

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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Max Casella BIO

Max Casella is an American actor known for his work in theater, film, and television. Born in Washington D.C. in 1967, Casella grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and began his acting career in the late 1980s.

Casella's Broadway debut came in 1992 when he appeared in the original production of "The Lion King." He played the role of Timon, a meerkat who befriends the young lion Simba. Casella's performance was praised for its energy and humor, and he received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical.

Following his success in "The Lion King," Casella continued to work in theater. He appeared in the Broadway productions of "The Music Man" in 2000 and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" in 2005. He also played the role of Leo Bloom in the national tour of "The Producers" in 2004.

In addition to his work on stage, Casella has had a successful career in film and television. He is perhaps best known for his role as Benny Fazio in the HBO series "The Sopranos." Benny was a member of the DiMeo crime family and worked as a driver for Tony Soprano. Casella's performance was praised for its intensity and complexity, and he appeared in 22 episodes of the series.

Casella has also appeared in a number of films, including "Ed Wood" (1994), "Newsies" (1992), and "Blue Jasmine" (2013). In "Ed Wood," he played the role of Paul Marco, an actor who appeared in a number of low-budget horror films directed by the titular character. The film was directed by Tim Burton and received critical acclaim.

Casella's work in television has also been notable. In addition to "The Sopranos," he has appeared in a number of popular series, including "Boardwalk Empire," "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," and "Ray Donovan." He also had a recurring role as Vinnie Delpino in the ABC series "Doogie Howser, M.D." from 1989 to 1993.

Casella has also worked in music. He played the role of Crutchie in the original Broadway production of "Newsies" in 1992. The musical, which tells the story of a group of newsboys who go on strike against their newspaper bosses, was a critical and commercial success. Casella's performance was praised for its heart and vulnerability.

In addition to his work as an actor, Casella is also a writer and director. He wrote and directed the short film "The Confession" in 2005, which starred his "Sopranos" co-star Michael Imperioli. The film tells the story of a man who confesses to a priest about a crime he committed as a child. It received critical acclaim and was screened at a number of film festivals.

Casella has also been involved in a number of charitable organizations. He is a supporter of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and has participated in a number of their fundraising events. He has also been involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

In conclusion, Max Casella is a talented actor with a wide range of experience in theater, film, and television. His work in "The Lion King" and "Newsies" on Broadway was particularly notable, and his performance as Benny Fazio in "The Sopranos" was a highlight of his television career. In addition to his work as an actor, Casella is also a writer and director and has been involved in a number of charitable organizations.

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Max Casella STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway World Premiere One Act Plays, 2021
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare in the Park Production, 2016
Thersites

[Off-Broadway]
Public LAB Shakespeare Revival, 2011
Apemantus

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Raffaele

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Footnote

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2000
Marcellus Washburn

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Timon


Max Casella Movies

Race Against Tomorrow
[ 1991 ] Max
Newsies
[ 1992 ] Racetrack Higgins
Ed Wood
[ 1994 ] Paul Marco
Windrunner
[ 1994 ] Denny LeBlanc
Sgt. Bilko
[ 1996 ] Spc. Dino Paparelli
The Lion King
[ 1997 ] Timon
Trial and Error
[ 1997 ] Dr. Brown
Analyze This
[ 1999 ] Nicky Shivers
Freak Talks About Sex
[ 1999 ] Freak's High School Friend
Behind the Seams
[ 2000 ] Jeff
Dinosaur
[ 2000 ] Zini
King of the Open Mics
[ 2000 ] Heckler
The Notorious Bettie Page
[ 2005 ] Howie
Bristol Boys
[ 2006 ] Donny Brcorelli
Revolutionary Road
[ 2008 ] Ed Small
Scaring the Fish
[ 2008 ] Dennis
Leatherheads
[ 2008 ] Mack Steiner
Somewhere Tonight
[ 2011 ] Fred
Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son
[ 2011 ] Canetti
Killing Them Softly
[ 2012 ] Barry Caprio
Blue Jasmine
[ 2013 ] Eddie
Trust, Greed, Bullets & Bourbon
[ 2013 ] Tyler
The Last of Robin Hood
[ 2013 ] Stanley Kubrick
Inside Llewyn Davis
[ 2013 ] Pappi Corsicato
Oldboy
[ 2013 ] James Prestley
Fading Gigolo
[ 2013 ] Guy at Counter
Julie Taymor's A Midsummer Night's Dream
[ 2014 ] Nick Bottom
Applesauce
[ 2015 ] Les
Wild Card
[ 2015 ] Osgood
Christmas Eve
[ 2015 ] Randy
Live by Night
[ 2016 ] Digger Pescatore
Wonder Wheel
[ 2017 ] Fishing Buddy
Night Comes On
[ 2018 ] Marcus
Late Night
[ 2019 ] Burditt
The Rhythm Section
[ 2020 ] Leon Giler
Paper Spiders
[ 2020 ] Gary
That Cold Dead Look in Your Eyes
[ 2021 ] Andy
Scenes from an Empty Church
[ 2021 ] Paul Ruccio
The Tender Bar
[ 2021 ] Chief
Allswell
[ 2022 ] Tim

Max Casella TV Shows

Doogie Howser, M.D.
Vinnie Delpino
The Adventures of Hyperman
Studd Puppy
The Detour
Joe Delicious
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Michael Kessler
The Sopranos
Benny Fazio

Max Casella Awards and Nominations


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1998 - Performance

Max Casella, The Lion King

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical

Max Cassella, The Lion King

Max Casella Videos

Max Casella News


THE LION KING on Broadway- A Complete Guide


Looking for all the latest info on one of Broadway's hottest shows? BroadwayWorld has the full scoop on everything that you need to know about The Lion King on Broadway. Check out all the details below!

Listen: Broadway's Lorna Courtney And Shoba Narayan Co-star In NPR Kids' Podcast CIRCLE ROUND


Listen to &JULIET star Lorna Courtney and ALADDIN star Shoba Narayan on the latest episode of children's storytelling podcast Circle Round.

BACKSEAT to be Presented by LAByrinth Theater Company Beginning This Friday


LAByrinth Theater Company will present BACKSEAT, a series of readings of new works inspired by the formation of The Drivers Cooperative NYC. LAByrinth company members have created fifteen new works exploring the intersection of the American Dream and the reality of the working class world of New York City drivers.

Alan Cumming, Chita Rivera, Daphne Rubin-Vega and More Set For Fundraiser To Save LAByrinth Theatre


A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to raise the needed funds and has already raised $45,000.00 of the $75,000.00 goal.

Theater Stories: THE LION KING, SUNSET BOULEVARD, the JOSEPH Revival & More About The Minskoff Theatre


This week's Theater Stories features The Minskoff Theatre! Learn about the stars to have graced the Minskoff stage, including Debbie Reynolds, Debbie Allen, Bette Midler, Glenn Close & more; the theater's longest-running show, The Lion King, and much more!

Filmmaker Ash Christian Dies at 35


Dallas native, Ash Christian, an Emmy Award winning producer, actor filmmaker and LGBTQ+ activist passed away in his sleep on Thursday, August 14, 2020 while vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was 35 years old.

From Stage to Video Game Console: Broadway Stars in Video Games!


In addition to conquering the stage and performing on screen, many Broadway stars have lent their voice talents to another medium: video games!

Atlantic Theater Company Announces Casting For Ethan Coen's A PLAY IS A POEM


Atlantic Theater Company has announced initial casting for the world premiere production of A Play is a Poem, a collection of one-acts by Academy Award winner Ethan Coen (Almost an Evening; The Ballad of Buster Scruggs), directed by Neil Pepe (Atlantic Artistic Director, Broadway's American Buffalo) and produced in association with Center Theatre Group. The production has also announced a new first preview date. A Play is a Poem will now begin previews Thursday, May 14th and will open Monday, June 1st for a limited engagement through Sunday, June 21st Off-Broadway at Atlantic Stage 2 (330 West 16th Street).

Phillipa Soo Cast in HBO Max Pilot GUMSHOE


Phillipa Soo has been cast in the HBO Max pilot Gumshoe, according to Variety.

André De Shields Headlines NPR Kids' Podcast


Hadestown star and 2019 Tony Award winner André de Shields has emerged from the underworld to star in the latest episode of the acclaimed public-radio children's podcast, Circle Round.

Review Roundup: What Did Critics Think of Ethan Coen's A PLAY IS A POEM at Mark Taper Forum?


The reviews are in for Ethan Coen's A Play Is a Poem, currently playing the Mark Taper Forum. Read what the critics had to say!

BWW Interview: A PLAY IS A POEM's Peter Jacobson - From Seedy Nightclub Owner & Wily Film Exec to Iago & Richard III


The world premiere of filmmaker/playwright Ethan Coen's A PLAY IS A POEM currently lives on the Mark Taper Forum stage, produced by Center Theatre Group, in association with Atlantic Theater Company. A collection of five short plays from Ethan Coen's unique take on Americana had been connected together by the interstitial musical musings of Nellie McKay. Neil Pope directs the talented ensemble of Ro Boddie, Max Casella, Micaela Diamond, Peter Jacobson, Jason Kravits, McKay, Saul Rubinek, Miriam Silverman, Joey Slotnick, Sam Vartholomeos, and C.J. Wilson. I had the opportune chance to ask one of Ethan Coen's always-working players Peter Jacobson a few queries.

Review Roundup: What Did the Critics Think of Ethan Coen's A PLAY IS A POEM At Mark Taper Forum?


The world premiere of Ethan Coen's 'A Play Is a Poem' officially opened on September 21 at Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. Directed by Neil Pepe and presented in association with Atlantic Theater Company, the show plays through October 13. Let's see what the critics are saying!

Photo Flash: First Look At Ethan Coen's A PLAY IS A POEM At Mark Taper Forum


Performances have begun for the world premiere of Ethan Coen's “A Play Is a Poem” at Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. Directed by Neil Pepe and presented in association with Atlantic Theater Company, “A Play Is a Poem” is currently in previews with the opening set for September 21 at 8 p.m. Performances will continue through October 13.

Micaela Diamond, Nellie McKay Among Cast Set for A PLAY IS A POEM


The cast is set and rehearsals have begun for the world premiere of Ethan Coen's a?oeA Play Is a Poema?? at Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum. Directed by Neil Pepe and presented in association with Atlantic Theater Company, a?oeA Play Is a Poema?? begins performances on September 11 and continues through October 13. The opening is set for September 21.

HAMILTON's Euan Morton Lends Voice To NPR Kids' Podcast


Hamilton's Euan Morton is the latest Broadway star to lend his voice to the acclaimed children's storytelling podcast, Circle Round.

BE MORE CHILL Star Stephanie Hsu Stars In NPR Kids' Podcast CIRCLE ROUND


Be More Chill's Stephanie Hsu (last seen in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical) is the latest Broadway star to join the cast of the acclaimed children's storytelling podcast, Circle Round.

Rebecca Luker And Danny Burstein Co-Star In NPR Kids' Podcast


Broadway legends -- and real-life husband and wife -- Danny Burstein (My Fair Lady, Moulin Rouge) and Rebecca Luker (The Sound of Music, Music Man) have joined forces to tell a playful tale about the pitfalls of greed.

Mindy Kaling's 'LATE NIGHT' Will Open in June


Variety reports that “Late Night,” Mindy Kaling's look at sexism and diversity, will hit theaters on June 7, 2019.

Photo Coverage: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of TWELFTH NIGHT in the Park!


The Public Theater's production of Public Works' TWELFTH NIGHT, conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub, music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, Choreography by Lorin Latarro, and directed by Oskar Eustis and Kwame Kwei-Armah, opened just last night, July 31, running through Sunday, August 19.

Max Casella FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Max Casella been in?

Max Casella has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Max Casella been in?

Max Casella has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Max Casella been nominated for?

Max Casella has been nominated for Performance (Theatre World Awards) for The Lion King and Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lion King.

What awards has Max Casella won?

Max Casella won a Theatre World Award for his performance in The Lion King.

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