Steve Kazee built a lasting career on Broadway and television through raw vocal power and intense character work. Best known for originating the role of Guy in the hit musical Once, he earned a Tony Award and a Grammy Award for his contributions to the production. Beyond the stage, he established a steady presence on television with memorable guest and recurring arcs across multiple network dramas.
Growing up in Ashland, Kentucky, Kazee pursued formal training before breaking into professional theater. He earned his bachelor's degree from Morehead State University before moving to New York City to attend the Graduate Acting Program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he completed his Master of Fine Arts. That rigorous classical training shaped his transition into off-Broadway and regional theater productions throughout the mid-2000s.
The Breakthrough Role in Once
Kazee reached a major career milestone when he was cast as Guy in the stage adaptation of the film Once. He originated the character during the off-Broadway run at the New York Theatre Workshop before transferring to the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on Broadway in 2012.
His portrayal of an emotionally bruised Dublin street musician required him to act, sing, and play the guitar live on stage alongside co-star Cristin Milioti. The performance resonated with critics and audiences alike, driving the show's massive commercial success.
- Won the 2012 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.
- Shared the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album with the principal cast and creative team.
- Performed major promotional spots on national television programs, including late-night talk shows and morning broadcasts.
Following his run in Once, Kazee stepped into other high-profile theatrical spaces, including a stint as Edward Lewis in the Chicago tryout of Pretty Woman: The Musical in 2018 before stepping away prior to the Broadway transfer due to family obligations.
Television Career and Screen Work
While theater brought him top industry accolades, Kazee expanded his résumé significantly through television. He transitioned smoothly from guest appearances on procedural crime dramas to multi-episode arcs on serialized programs.
On Showtime's hit series Shameless, Kazee played Gus Pfender, a rock musician who marries Fiona Gallagher in a whirlwind romance during the fifth season. His character navigated the chaotic fallout of the Gallagher family dynamic, bringing a grounded, sympathetic anchor to a turbulent storyline.
His screen credits span numerous television staples:
- Nashville as Riff Bell
- NCIS as Michael Locke
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Dominic Humphreys
- Elementary as Jeff Hines
- Working Class as Nick Garrett
Personal Life and Ongoing Projects
Kazee maintains a balance between his public career in entertainment and his family life. He shares a long-term relationship with actress and dancer Jenna Dewan. The couple became engaged in 2020 and share two children.
Even as media coverage often tracks his personal milestones, Kazee continues to pick selective film and television projects. His ability to pivot between gritty television dramas and heartfelt musical performances ensures his continued relevance across multiple entertainment sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Steve Kazee win a Tony Award for?
He won the 2012 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for originating the role of Guy in Once.
Did Steve Kazee star in Shameless?
Yes, he appeared in seasons 5 and 6 of Shameless playing Gus Pfender, a musician who marries Fiona Gallagher.
Where did Steve Kazee study acting?
He earned his undergraduate degree from Morehead State University before completing his MFA at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
What instruments does Steve Kazee play for performances?
For his starring role in Once, he learned and performed acoustic guitar parts live on stage as part of the actor-musician ensemble format.
