5 Major Career Milestones That Cement Ben Levi Ross As Broadway’s Next Leading Man (Updated December 2025)
The trajectory of Ben Levi Ross’s career has been nothing short of meteoric, transitioning from a celebrated run as the title character in Dear Evan Hansen to becoming one of the most sought-after and critically praised actors on the New York stage. As of December 2025, the buzz surrounding Ross is at an all-time high, driven by his recent award nominations and the anticipation for his major role in one of the year’s most significant Broadway revivals. His ability to embody complex, emotionally charged characters with authenticity and raw talent has established him as a cornerstone of the next generation of musical theatre stars.
This deep dive explores the key milestones and latest updates that define his career, from his breakout roles to his current, high-profile projects. Ross is not just a performer; he is an artist committed to powerful storytelling, and his recent work proves he is constantly pushing the boundaries of his craft.
Ben Levi Ross: Complete Biography and Career Profile
- Full Name: Benjamin Levi Ross
- Date of Birth: January 15, 1998
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 27
- Birthplace: New York, USA
- Education: Alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
- Family Background: Comes from a highly musical and theatrical family; his parents met as actors, and his sister is an elementary school music teacher.
- Notable Broadway Debut: Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen (Broadway and First National Tour)
- Major Recent Roles (2024-2025): Ethan Dobson in The Connector (Off-Broadway), Younger Brother in Ragtime (New York City Center Gala and upcoming Broadway revival)
- Film/TV Credits: Featured role in the film adaptation of Tick, Tick... Boom! (2021)
- Key Nominations: Drama Desk Award Nominee (2024), Outer Critics Circle Award Nominee (2024) for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical (The Connector)
- Identity: Openly gay actor, often praised for bringing genuine depth to his roles.
The Breakout Role: From Understudy to National Tour Lead in Dear Evan Hansen
While many actors spend years building up to a major role, Ben Levi Ross’s rise to prominence began almost immediately after his time at Carnegie Mellon University. His first major professional credit was joining the Broadway company of the Tony Award-winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen.
He initially served as a replacement for the titular role on Broadway, but his true breakout moment came when he was cast as the lead for the show's First National Tour. Taking on the emotionally taxing role of Evan Hansen, a socially anxious high school student who gets caught in a web of lies, requires immense vulnerability and stamina. Ross's performance resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, establishing his reputation as a formidable young talent capable of carrying a massive production.
This high-profile exposure provided the foundation for his subsequent, more challenging artistic endeavors. The role of Evan Hansen is a benchmark in contemporary musical theatre, and Ross’s nuanced portrayal of the character's mental health struggles and yearning for connection earned him a dedicated following in the theatre community.
The Critical Acclaim: Drama Desk Nomination for The Connector
In a powerful testament to his versatility and commitment to new work, Ross took on the lead role of Ethan Dobson in the new musical The Connector, which premiered at the MCC Theater in 2024.
This project, with music and lyrics by the legendary Jason Robert Brown and a book by Jonathan Marc Sherman, was a significant artistic pivot. The show delves into the world of journalism and ethics, with Ross playing an ambitious, hotshot Ivy League journalist whose talent is undeniable but whose ethics are questionable.
His performance as Ethan Dobson was a critical triumph, showcasing a darker, more complex side of his acting abilities compared to the vulnerable Evan Hansen. The industry recognized this shift with major nominations: he was a nominee for the 2024 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical.
These nominations are crucial, as they highlight his success in challenging, world-premiere material, proving he is an actor who elevates the newest voices in American theatre. The role of Ethan Dobson required a golden voice and a compelling stage presence, both of which Ross delivered, cementing his status beyond the realm of his initial breakout.
The Highly Anticipated Broadway Return: Ragtime Revival in 2025
The biggest news confirming Ben Levi Ross’s current status as a leading man is his confirmed role in the highly anticipated Broadway revival of Ragtime.
Following a triumphant New York City Center gala revival in 2024, the production is scheduled to transfer to Broadway's Vivian Beaumont Theater, with Ross reprising his role as 'Younger Brother' in September 2025.
The character of Younger Brother is a passionate, idealistic, and volatile young man who becomes radicalized by the social injustice he witnesses. It’s a role that demands intense emotional fire and a powerful tenor voice, which Ross is perfectly equipped to deliver. The *Ragtime* revival, a massive undertaking for Lincoln Center Theater, is one of the most significant theatrical events of the 2025 season, and Ross’s central involvement places him directly in the spotlight of the theatre world.
His collaboration with co-stars like Shaina Taub on this project has been noted as a significant artistic partnership, underscoring the collaborative and high-caliber environment he now operates within.
Expanding the Artistic Range: Next to Normal and Film Work
Beyond his major Broadway and Off-Broadway successes, Ross has consistently sought out roles that expand his artistic range and topical authority. His performance as Henry in the Kennedy Center's production of Next to Normal is a prime example.
Next to Normal, a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about a family grappling with bipolar disorder, saw Ross play the role of Henry, the stoner boyfriend of the daughter, Natalie. This role allowed him to explore a different kind of youthful angst and provided a strong contrast to the intensity of Evan Hansen. The Kennedy Center production, part of the Broadway Center Stage series, was a high-profile showcase that further demonstrated his ability to handle complex, modern musical theatre.
Furthermore, his foray into film, appearing in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical musical, Tick, Tick... Boom!, connected him with a global audience and the world of screen acting. While a smaller role, being part of such a celebrated and widely distributed musical film adds another layer of versatility to his growing resume.
What the Future Holds for Ben Levi Ross
With the *Ragtime* Broadway revival set for a major run, Ben Levi Ross is poised to dominate the 2025-2026 theatre season. His recent work has shown a clear pattern: a preference for challenging, emotionally rich roles in both new musicals (*The Connector*) and revered classics (*Ragtime*).
Given his Drama Desk recognition and his involvement in high-profile developmental projects—such as a reading for the new musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*—his future is exceptionally bright. Ross represents a new era of Broadway leading men who are not only vocally gifted but also possess the dramatic depth required to tackle the most demanding contemporary and classic roles. The industry and audiences alike are eagerly watching to see which groundbreaking project he will choose next after his highly anticipated run in Ragtime.
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