Biography
Who is Billy Magnussen?
Early life and real name
Billy Magnussen: William Gregory Magnussen was born on April 20, 1985, in Queens, New York City. His mother, Daina, worked as an aerobics instructor, while his father, Greg Magnussen, earned a living as a professional bodybuilder and kickboxer. He grew up with two younger brothers in the Woodhaven neighborhood of Queens until he reached the age of 10. Following that period, his family relocated to Cumming, Georgia.
He attended South Forsyth High School and graduated in 2003. He later continued his education at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he honed his craft before pursuing professional acting opportunities on stage and screen.
Stage and early career
Billy made his Broadway stage debut in the 2007 production of The Ritz, which starred Rosie Perez. In 2012, he appeared alongside David Hyde Pierce and Sigourney Weaver in the Christopher Durang play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. The production premiered at the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey, before moving to Lincoln Center and later to the John Golden Theatre in New York City.
His performance as Spike earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. In 2014, he starred off Broadway with Anna Gunn in a production of Sex with Strangers directed by David Schwimmer at the Second Stage Theater.
Film and television success
Billy transitioned to film and television with numerous supporting and leading roles. He appeared in the 2014 musical adaptation Into the Woods as Rapunzel's Prince, and later played Prince Anders in Disney's live action film Aladdin in 2019. His other film credits include Bridge of Spies, Game Night, The Many Saints of Newark, and No Time to Die, where he played CIA officer Logan Ash.
On television, Billy played Kato Kaelin in the first season of American Crime Story and took over the role of Casey Hughes on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns in 2008. He also appeared in series such as Boardwalk Empire, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Tell Me a Story, and Made for Love.
Music career
In addition to his acting work, Billy has pursued music. He previously served as the bass player and a contributing songwriter for The Dash, a rock band based in New York City. He has also played guitar for another New York City based band named Reserved for Rondee.
Birthday and age
Billy Magnussen was born on April 20, 1985, which makes Billy 41 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Billy shares the date with 52 other famous people.
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