Colm Wilkinson
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Colm Wilkinson (born June 5, 1944 in Dublin) is an Irish musical theatre actor and singer, probably best known for playing the role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. He was among the most frequent players of Valjean, originating the role in London and on Broadway. He appeared on several cast albums, including the 10th anniversary "Dream Cast" concert in 1995. Among the more devoted 'Les Mis' fans, he is generally considered to be the definitive Valjean.
Wilkinson's professional stage career began in 1972, when he starred as Judas in the Dublin production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar. He went on to reprise the role in London and on the British national tour.
In 1976, Wilkinson sang the part of Che in the concept album for the musical Evita. Instead of auditioning for the role when the production was launched in London, Wilkinson launched a solo career as a singer/songwriter (in Ireland, Wilkinson is known as "C.T. Wilkinson"). In 1985, he collaborated with Andrew Lloyd Webber once again, originating the role of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera at a Sydmonton workshop.
The London production of Les Misérables opened in October 1985, and transferred to Broadway in March 1987. Originally, the American Actors' Equity Association refused to allow Wilkinson to play the part of Valjean in New York, due to their policy of hiring only American actors. At this, producer Cameron Mackintosh refused to open the show unless Wilkinson played Valjean. Actor's Equity relented. Wilkinson won the Helen Hayes Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the Theatre World Award for his performance; he was nominated for the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Actor in a Musical [1].
In 1989, Wilkinson relocated his family to Toronto when he was offered the title role in the original Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera [2]. He has lived in Toronto ever since. His most recent work is a solo album released in 2002 titled Some of My Best Friends Are Songs.
Besides his musical theatre career, Wilkinson performed in the 70s Irish band The Action. He also represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1978 with Born to Sing. He is the father of singer/songwriter Aaron Wilkinson.
