Book NewsLeslie Odom, Jr. Tells Stephen Colbert the Moment That Put Him on the Path to Hamilton SuccessThe Tony winner discussed his new book Failing Up and why he almost quit acting.
Hamilton Tony winner Leslie Odom, Jr. stopped by The Late Show With Stephen Colbert March 27 to discuss his new book, Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning.
Leslie Odom, Jr in Hamilton Joan Marcus
The recording artist and star of stage and screen added published author to his résumé with the release. “The book came out today, so my publisher told me when the book was released you get the author’s turtleneck,” said Odom. “We got you a pipe to go with it,” added Colbert.
Odom also talked about being a new father—and why he doesn’t sing to his baby girl, Lucy.
Odom made his Broadway debut in the Broadway production of Rent. He appeared in Leap of Faith in 2012 and originated the role of Aaron Burr in Hamilton. “Do you insist on being in only shows that will change our culture and Broadway as we know it? Because I would love to know what your next project is so I can get tickets now,” Colbert quipped. Odom recognized his fortune at performing in two cultural phenomena, but acknowledged he almost transitioned out of acting before Hamilton.
His acting coach Stuart K. Robinson (now his father-in-law) told him that before leaving the business, he’d “like to see him try.” That moment changed Odom’s life and inspired his new book.
Watch the full video interview above.
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Look Back at Hamilton Tony Winner Leslie Odom, Jr.’s Career Highlights
Look Back at Hamilton Tony Winner Leslie Odom, Jr.’s Career Highlights
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Front: Kecia Lewis-Evans and Leslie Odom, Jr.
Back: Dennis Stowe and Bryce Ryness
Jarrod Emick, Charlie Williams and Leslie Odom, Jr.
Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kecia Lewis-Evans
Leslie Odom Jr. ("Sam Strickland") and Megan Hilty ("Ivy Lynn") in Season 2, Episode 8: "The Bells and Whistles"
Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie Odom Jr. on Law & Order: SVU
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Matt Sax and Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie Odom Jr. and Haaz Sleiman
Leslie Odom Jr., Haaz Sleiman (center) and the cast
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Leslie Odom Jr., Lin-Manuel Miranda and Karen Olivo
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Karen Olivo and Leslie Odom Jr. starred in the City Center's Encores! Off-Center staging of Jonathan Larson's tick, tick… BOOM!
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Leslie Odom Jr.
Leslie Odom, Jr in Hamilton
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Leslie Odom, Jr and the company of Hamilton
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Carleigh Bettiol, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and Anthony Ramos in Hamilton
