Chris Colfer
Introduction '''Christopher Paul Colfer''' (born May 27, 1990) is an American actor, singer, and author. He gained international recognition for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the television musical ''Glee'' (2009–2015). Colfer's portrayal of Kurt received critical praise for which he has been the recipient of several awards, including the 2011 Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film, three consecutive People's Choice Awards for Favorite Comedic TV Actor in from 2013 to 2015, two Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series nominations and one Grammy Award nomination. In April 2011, Colfer was named one of the Time 100, ''Time'''s list of the 100 most influential people in the world.Colfer wrote, starred in, produced, and novelized his first film, ''Struck by Lightning'', which debuted at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival. He also wrote ''The New York Times'' bestselling ''The Land of Stories'' series of YA books, starting with ''The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell''. , he has published eighteen books.
Early life and education Colfer was born in Clovis, California, to Karyn and Timothy Colfer. He is of Irish ancestry and has stated: "I'm very Irish, my family is all Irish and Saint Patrick's Day in my house is crazy." As a child, he was confined to a hospital bed for three months following a lymph node surgery, which left a scar on his neck and which he credits as one of the difficult experiences that made him interested in fictional worlds.When Colfer was seven, his younger sister was diagnosed with severe epilepsy; he said, "She'd have these horrid, horrid epileptic fits in the middle of the night." He "craved attention" from his parents, but it was diverted to his sister's health. He knew he wanted to be an actor, but as a coping mechanism he retreated into his imagination and began writing fairy tales.At an early age, Colfer showed a passion for writing. He was "born wanting to be a storyteller", using both writing and acting as ways to entertain people and escape reality. His grandmother was his first editor, advising and encouraging him in elementary school when he first attempted to write a fairytale-inspired novel, which would later become ''The Land of Stories''. In 2012, Colfer dedicated his first published novel to her, and quoted her: "Christopher, I think you should wait until you're done with elementary school before worrying about being a failed writer. "Colfer was bullied so severely in middle school that he needed to be homeschooled for half of 7th grade and 8th grade. When he attended Clovis East High School, he was involved with the speech and debate program, and he won "champion titles", including placing ninth in the State Competition for Dramatic Interpretation. He was also active in the drama club, the FFA, "was president of the Writer's Club, editor of the school's literary magazine, and captain of Destination ImagiNation". As a high school senior, he wrote, starred in, and directed a spoof of ''Sweeney Todd'' entitled ''Shirley Todd'', in which all of the roles were gender-reversed. One of his real in-school experiences was later turned into a subplot for his character on ''Glee'', when the high school teachers denied him the chance to sing "Defying Gravity" from the musical ''Wicked'' because it is traditionally sung by a woman.
Career The first show Colfer acted in was a community theatre production of ''West Side Story''. He then appeared in ''The Sound of Music'' as Kurt von Trapp at Good Company Players, which later inspired the naming of his ''Glee'' character.At age 18, Colfer starred as Russel Fish in ''Russel Fish: The Sausage and Eggs Incident'', a short film in which an awkward teenager must pass a Presidential Physical Fitness test or fail gym class and lose his admission to Harvard University.===''Glee''===Colfer's first TV role came in 2009 when he was cast as Kurt Hummel on Fox's ''Glee''. Kurt is a fashionable gay countertenor who is routinely bullied at school for his sexuality and participating in the very unpopular Glee Club. Colfer auditioned for the part of Artie Abrams, who uses a wheelchair, a role which eventually went to Kevin McHale.Colfer at the Time 100 Gala in April 2011 The show's creator, Ryan Murphy, was so impressed with Colfer that he created the role of Kurt specifically for him, and in the process, scrapped a planned character called Rajish so they could add Kurt. Murphy explained in the season two finale of ''The Glee Project'' that Colfer was the inspiration for the project show because he did not fit the role he auditioned for but was still "incredible and special" so a role was created for him.Jenna Ushkowitz, Colfer and Heather Morris during a performance of "Single Ladies" on the tour Glee Live! In Concert! in 2011|alt=The grayscale picture of three people, two women and a man, who dance and put their hands on their hips. The man wears a dark outfit, compound of a vest, a shirt and pants. The women wear similar leotards.In a 2010 interview with Allison Kugel, Colfer stated that:There have been a couple of times when I have gone to Ryan Murphy and told him a couple of things that have happened to me, and then he writes it into the show. Or he'll ask me what song I would want to sing, in this situation or in that situation. I don't think any of us directly try to give input on the character or on the storyline, but they definitely steal things from us.Colfer won the 2011 Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series for his performance as Kurt Hummel. In his emotional acceptance speech, he thanked Ryan Murphy for being his "fairy godfather" and dedicated the award to kids who have been bullied and told "they can't … have what they want because of who they are." He was twice nominated for an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category for his portrayal of Kurt.In 2013 and 2014, Colfer won consecutive People's Choice Awards for Favorite Comedic TV Actor. Both speeches he gave were praised by the media for being funny while making references to things like fanfiction and fanart to show his appreciation for fan culture.===''The Land of Stories''===On June 8, 2011, Colfer signed a book deal with Little, Brown and Company to write two novels for children. The first book in the series, ''The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell'', was released on July 17, 2012.The books are about two twins, named Conner and Alex Bailey, who get their grandma's story book and go through adventures in "The Land of Stories". For two weeks after the book's release, it was number one on ''The New York Times'' Best Seller list in the Children's Chapter Books category.The second book in the series, ''The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns'' (2013) debuted at number two on ''The New York Times'' Best Seller list, and by the end of 2013, it had spent eleven weeks in the top fifteen for Children's Middle Grade books. Following the success of the first two books, Colfer contracted for an additional three books with Little, Brown: two novels and a picture book.The third book in the series, ''The Land of Stories: A Grimm Warning'', was released on July 8, 2014.Now considered a series, it reached No. 4 on ''The New York Times'' Best Seller list and spent four weeks on the list.Colfer's fourth novel, ''The Land of Stories: Beyond the Kingdoms'', was released on July 7, 2015.Following its release, ''The Land of Stories'' charted at No. 1 as a series on ''The New York Times'' Best Seller list for the first time on July 26.The picture book, written by Colfer and illustrated by Brandon Dorman, ''The Curvy Tree'' was released in October 2015 and is based on a short original fairy tale of the same name, which Colfer first told in ''The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell''.The fifth book in the series, ''The Land of Stories: An Author's Odyssey'', was released on July 12, 2016.The sixth and final installment, ''The Land of Stories: Worlds Collide'' was released on July 11, 2017.In June 2017, it was announced that Colfer would make his directorial debut with a film adaptation of ''The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell''. He would also write the script and serve as one of the executive producers on the project.===Other works===Colfer wrote, starred in, executive-produced, and novelized the coming-of-age comedy film ''Struck by Lightning''. The plot revolves around Colfer's character, who is struck and killed by a bolt of lightning, and chronicles his exploits as he blackmails his fellow senior classmates into contributing to a literary magazine he is publishing. It was shot during the ''Glee'' hiatus in the summer of 2011 and had its world premiere in 2012 at the Tribeca Film Festival.In March 2012, Colfer was featured in a performance of Dustin Lance Black's play, ''8'' – a staged reenactment of the federal trial that overturned California's Prop 8 ban on same-sex marriage – as Ryan Kendall. The production was held at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre and broadcast on YouTube to raise money for the American Foundation for Equal Rights.Colfer landed a deal with the Disney Channel to adapt the book ''The Little Leftover Witch'' for a television pilot. He also wrote another movie, set in an asylum, which he planned to appear in as a supporting actor. However, both of these projects were delayed with no expected dates for production.On January 28, 2014, it was announced that Colfer would star in a new 3D CG animated family film by Marza Animation Planet, ''Robodog'', as the voice of the title character. The film, which will costar Ron Perlman, is described as "a classic, heart-warming adventure story about an unlikely duo who couldn't be more different." The film's director, Henry F. Anderson III, said Colfer is "perfect" for the project because he "has an appealing, youthful voice which fits right in with our lead character, KC, who is above all a charismatic entertainer." Vocal recording for the film began on February 1, 2014.The film is now in post-production, though as of 2019 no release date has been set.After a few months of planning, it was revealed in March 2014, that Colfer had been asked by ''Glee''s producers to write an episode. About the offer, Colfer said: "I've been asked in interviews if I ever wanted to write an episode of ''Glee'', and I said, 'Absolutely not because it was not my world.' I didn't want to tamper with someone else's image. Then they were like, 'Here, come tamper.'" The title of the episode, which aired in May 2014, is "Old Dog, New Tricks".In 2014, Colfer guest starred on an episode of ''Hot in Cleveland'' as Tony, Victoria's son. In March 2015, Jane Leeves posted an image on Twitter confirming that Colfer would be returning to an episode titled "All About Elka" in the show's final season. Colfer, other guest star Carol Burnett and Betty White   all sang and performed in a 'musical' being directed by Victoria (Wendie Malick).On May 14, 2015, it was made public that the biopic Colfer has been mentioning for almost a year was going to be about Noël Coward with the working title ''Noel'', with Colfer in the title role. Colfer prepared for the role in London. The film would be directed by Joe Stephenson. While filming was expected to begin sometime during the summer of 2015, it has been delayed.In 2016, he played Christopher in ''Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie''. He had been offered the role by Jennifer Saunders after he invited her to the ''Glee: Live'' tour in 2011.He also appeared as a guest judge in ''Chopped Junior''.In 2017, Colfer announced he would develop a new TV show called ''Indigo'', a sci-fi drama about indigo children who are misdiagnosed as having mental or physical illnesses, when they really possess supernatural abilities. ''TV Line'' reported that ''Indigo'' would be offered for sale to streaming services and television networks, with Colfer writing and directing the pilot episode, and co-executive producing with Keith Quinn and Rob Weisbach.===Other books===In 2012, Colfer released a companion book to his film ''Struck by Lightning'', called ''Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal''.In early 2017, Colfer released his second book for young adult readers called ''Stranger Than Fanfiction''. The book follows the story of Cash Carter, a world-famous television star who decides to take a cross-country road trip with four of his biggest fans, as they are getting ready to enter college.On October 1, 2019, Colfer came out with a new book, ''A Tale of Magic...''. It is a prequel to the ''Land of Stories'' series. The sequel, ''A Tale of Witchcraft...'', was published on September 29, 2020, with the final part, ''A Tale of Sorcery...'' published on September 28, 2021.Colfer's new projects include a series of children's books with space and UFOs as a theme. The first book "Roswell Johnson Saves the World” is scheduled for publication on June 4, 2024
Personal life In an interview with Chelsea Handler in December 2009, Colfer stated that he is gay. He has been in a relationship with actor and producer Will Sherrod since 2013.Colfer appeared on the British chat show ''Friday Night with Jonathan Ross'' in June 2010, together with his fellow ''Glee'' co-stars Amber Riley and Matthew Morrison. He demonstrated his skill with a pair of sai, revealing that he bought a pair on eBay and regularly practices in his trailer. He also mentioned that he would like it if his sai could be worked into an episode of ''Glee''; they first appeared in the season 3 episode "I Am Unicorn", during Colfer's character Kurt Hummel's performance of "I'm the Greatest Star" from the musical ''Funny Girl''.===Philanthropy===Colfer is an active supporter of the It Gets Better campaign and The Trevor Project, creating an It Gets Better video after the ''Glee'' episode "Never Been Kissed" aired; he dedicated his 2011 Golden Globe Award to bullied kids in LGBTQ communities.In 2013, Colfer filmed a public service announcement (PSA) with Elmo about anti-bullying for Sesame Street in Communities, and participated in the Course of the Force run benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In 2014, he participated in a PSA about Let Girls Learn, put out by the U.S. Agency for International Development. On ''Hollywood Game Night'', hosted by ''Glee'' co-star Jane Lynch, Colfer won $6,000 and donated it to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of America.Colfer was a co-chair for the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party in 2013 and 2014.He is a coalition member of Uprising of Love, an organization which supports the safety and dignity of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) Russians.During the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral election, Colfer endorsed Democratic candidate Karen Bass (who would later be elected) and donated to her campaign.
Filmography ===Film=== Year Title Role Notes2009 ''Russel Fish: The Sausage and Eggs Incident'' Russel Fish Short film2010 ''Marmaduke'' Drama Dog No. 2 Voice2011 ''Glee: The 3D Concert Movie'' Kurt Hummel2012 ''Struck by Lightning'' Carson Phillips Also writer and executive producer 2016 ''Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie'' Christopher  TBA ''The Potters'' Asher Potter ''Pre-production''===Television=== Year Title Role Notes2009–2015''Glee'' Kurt Hummel Main role; 116 episodesAlso writer on "Old Dog, New Tricks"2009–2010''Entertainment Tonight'' Himself2011''The Cleveland Show'' Kurt Hummel Voice2011''Saturday Night Live'' Himself2012''8'' Ryan Kendall TV movie2012''The Glee Project'' Himself Guest mentor2012–2014''The Talk'' Himself2013''Bitter Party of Five'' Himself2014''Hollywood Game Night'' Himself 1 episode2014, 2015''Hot in Cleveland'' Tony Chase Episodes: "Straight Out of Cleveland", "All About Elka"2017''Julie's Greenroom'' Himself Episode: "The Write Stuff! "2018''RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars'' Himself Episode: "My Best Squirrelfriend's Dragsmaids Wedding Trip"2020''Visible: Out On Television'' Himself Episode: "The New Guard"2021''Ridley Jones'' Kosy Episode: "Dinner with Ismat"
Awards and nominations  Year Award Category Work Result 2009Satellite Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television''Glee'' 2010Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Satellite Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Male Scene Stealer 2011Golden Globe Award Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series Monte-Carlo TV Festival Outstanding Actor – Comedy Series Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Grammy AwardsBest Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals "Don't Stop Believin' (Regionals version)" Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series ''Glee''  Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Male Scene Stealer  Fashion Icon: MaleHimself 2012People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actor Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series''Glee'' Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Comedy  Fashion Icon: MaleHimself 2013People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actor Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series''Glee'' Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Comedy  2014People's Choice Awards Favorite Comedic TV ActorHimself 2015People's Choice Awards Favorite Comedic TV Actor Shorty Awards Best Author Author of ''The Land of Stories'' Teen Choice Awards Choice TV Actor: Comedy''Glee''  2019Destination Imagination DI Icon Award Himself
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