The 5 Major Milestones That Launched Ben Levi Ross Into Broadway Stardom (And His Huge 2025 Comeback)

Benjamin Levi Ross has quietly become one of the most compelling and celebrated young actors in American theater, transitioning seamlessly from a groundbreaking national tour lead to critically acclaimed Off-Broadway roles and a feature film debut. As of December 18, 2025, the buzz surrounding Ross is at an all-time high, driven by his recent critically-lauded performances and an enormous, highly-anticipated return to Broadway in a classic revival.

The actor, celebrated for his emotional depth and versatility, is currently preparing for one of the biggest roles of his career, solidifying his status as a theatrical powerhouse. From his early days as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts nominee to his recent work with legendary composer Jason Robert Brown, Ross’s trajectory is a masterclass in modern stage and screen success.

Ben Levi Ross: Full Biography and Profile

Ben Levi Ross, born Benjamin Levi Ross, has built a formidable career on the stage, earning recognition for his raw, emotionally resonant performances. His career is marked by a willingness to tackle complex, demanding roles, which has earned him high praise from critics and audiences alike.

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• Full Name: Benjamin Levi Ross
• Date of Birth: January 15, 1998
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 27
• Hometown/Origin: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Known For: Playing Evan Hansen (First National Tour), Freddy in the film *Tick, Tick... Boom!*, and Ethan Dobson in the Off-Broadway musical *The Connector*.
• Partner: Taylor Trensch (Fellow Broadway actor, also played Evan Hansen). They began dating in December 2017.
• Awards & Nominations: 2024 Drama Desk Award Nominee (Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical), 2016 National YoungArts Finalist, Presidential Scholar in the Arts Nominee.
• Current Project: Starring as Mother's Younger Brother in the Broadway revival of *Ragtime* (Opening September 26, 2025).

The Five Defining Roles That Shaped His Career

Ross's career is not defined by a single role but by a series of high-stakes, critically significant performances that demonstrated his range across musical theater and on-screen drama. These five milestones are the bedrock of his topical authority in the industry.

1. The Groundbreaking Run in *Dear Evan Hansen*

Ben Levi Ross first gained widespread recognition for his work in the Tony Award-winning musical *Dear Evan Hansen*. He made his Broadway debut as an understudy for three principal roles: Evan Hansen, Connor Murphy, and Jared Kleinman.

His true breakout, however, came when he was selected to lead the show's First National Tour as the titular character, Evan Hansen. This massive undertaking cemented his reputation as a powerful, emotionally vulnerable leading man, capable of carrying a demanding, high-profile show across the country.

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In 2022, Ross returned to the Broadway production for a limited eight-week engagement, a testament to his enduring connection to the role and the show's producers. This history with *Dear Evan Hansen* is also notable for his relationship with fellow actor Taylor Trensch, who also played Evan Hansen on Broadway—a truly unique theatrical connection.

2. The Netflix Debut in Lin-Manuel Miranda's *Tick, Tick... Boom!*

In 2021, Ross made his major motion picture debut in the Netflix film *Tick, Tick... Boom!*, directed by *Hamilton* creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. He played the role of Freddy, a fellow waiter at the Moondance Diner and a friend of Jonathan Larson's.

The film, an adaptation of the autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, was a critical success and introduced Ross to a global audience outside of the Broadway sphere. His involvement in a project spearheaded by Miranda, alongside stars like Andrew Garfield, instantly elevated his profile in the entertainment world. The role, though supporting, was significant, touching on the AIDS crisis and the struggles of artists in New York.

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3. The Critically Acclaimed Performance in *The Connector*

One of Ross's most significant recent achievements came in 2024 with his starring role as Ethan Dobson in the Off-Broadway musical *The Connector* at the MCC Theater. The show, with music and lyrics by the legendary Jason Robert Brown, was a critical darling.

Ross's intense performance earned him a highly prestigious Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical. This nomination, following his success as Evan Hansen, proved his ability to master complex, original roles and solidified his place among the elite of New York theater actors. He was also a nominee for the Lucille Lortel Award for this role, further showcasing the critical acclaim.

4. The Move to Television in CBS's *Elsbeth*

Expanding his career into network television, Ross has appeared in the CBS series *Elsbeth*. He played the character of Teddy, a role that provided a different kind of visibility and allowed him to explore his craft on-screen in a long-form format.

His work on *Elsbeth* is a key example of a Broadway actor successfully crossing over, a path that many contemporary theater stars are now pursuing. Ross has expressed excitement about the potential for his character's return, hinting at exploring Teddy's relationship with his boyfriend, which would add further depth to his on-screen presence.

5. The Highly Anticipated Broadway Revival of *Ragtime* (2025)

The biggest news for Ben Levi Ross in late 2025 is his return to the Broadway stage in the revival of the classic musical *Ragtime*. Ross is set to star as Mother's Younger Brother in the production, which will open at the Vivian Beaumont Theater on September 26, 2025, and run through June 14, 2026. This role is a major artistic step, following his appearance in the New York City Center gala revival of the show in 2024.

The character of Mother's Younger Brother is an intense, conflicted young man who becomes radicalized by the social injustice of the era. This role is a dramatic departure from the anxiety-ridden Evan Hansen and the ambitious Ethan Dobson, offering Ross a chance to showcase a different kind of theatrical fire and passion on the grandest stage.

Ben Levi Ross: Personal Life and Influence

Beyond the footlights, Ben Levi Ross is a prominent figure in the queer Broadway community. He is openly gay and in a long-term relationship with fellow actor Taylor Trensch. Their relationship is a well-known and often celebrated story on Broadway, as they are one of the few real-life couples to have both starred as the same major character, Evan Hansen, in the same show.

Ross's openness about his identity and his personal life contributes significantly to his topical authority and connection with his audience, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. His career choices, from the emotional honesty of *Dear Evan Hansen* to the political fire of *Ragtime*’s Younger Brother, reflect a commitment to complex, meaningful storytelling. His continued success on both stage and screen ensures that he remains one of the most exciting and watched talents in the industry.