Daveed Diggs, born on January 24, 1982 in Oakland, California, had a diverse upbringing. His mother is Jewish and his father is African American. He grew up in Oakland with his brother, where he developed a passion for the arts from a young age.
Diggs attended Brown University, where he graduated with a degree in theater in 2004. While at Brown, he was initially recruited to participate in the school's track team, but his love for theater ultimately took center stage. It was during his time at Brown that he honed his acting skills and began to explore his talents as a rapper.
After college, Diggs moved back to Oakland and co-founded the experimental hip-hop group clipping, where he showcased his skills as an emcee. He also became a member of the hip hop improv troupe Freestyle Love Supreme, alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda. These experiences laid the foundation for what would become a successful career in both music and theater.
Diggs' big break came in 2015 when he originated the roles of Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette in the hit Broadway musical Hamilton. His performance in the show garnered critical acclaim and catapulted him to fame. He made his debut in the show's preview on July 13th, 2015 at the Richard Rogers Theater, marking the beginning of a successful run on Broadway.
Following his success in Hamilton, Diggs went on to write and star in the film Blindspotting, further showcasing his talents as both an actor and a writer. In 2023, he lent his voice to the character of Sebastian in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, adding to his growing list of accomplishments in the entertainment industry.
Diggs' personal life has also been a source of interest for fans. In 2017, he began dating actress Emmy Raver, whom he met on the set of Hamilton. In September 2023, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child together, adding a new chapter to their relationship. Prior to his relationship with Raver, Diggs dated Jalene Goodwin.
Throughout his career, Daveed Diggs has established himself as a versatile and talented artist, seamlessly navigating between the worlds of music, theater, and film. His unique background and diverse talents have set him apart in the entertainment industry, earning him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. With his continued success and growing list of accomplishments, Diggs is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.