Five Things You Didn’t Know about Andrew Rannells

Andrew Rannells has been climbing his way to the top over the last several years.  The 36 year-old star has appeared in TV, film, and stage productions, and has found success in them all. Most recently, he has become a regular cast member on the HBO series, Girls.  His character on the show, Elijah, has become a fan favorite, and many are happy to see him join the regular cast. Over the course of his career, he has shown his fans that he is extremely versatile and loves to entertain the crowd. With his talent and work ethic, the possibilities seem endless for Rannells and the things he can accomplish.  Here are five things you didn’t know about Andrew Rannells.

1. He’s openly gay.

Andrew Rannells came out to his friends and family when he was just a teenager, and admits that nobody was surprised by the news.  He’s since referred to himself as a “gold star gay,” meaning he’s never had sex with a woman. He also says that he is very thankful to have a family who supports him.  According to Rannells: “I remember my dad saying he believed it was a choice, but that he also loved me, and that he would support me no matter what I chose to do. And then about six months later, he said, ‘I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and it clearly is not a choice. This is clearly the way you were born, because as I replay your childhood in my head, I know that you’ve been telling us this since you were born. So no, this is not a choice and I love you and I will always love you.’ So I’m so lucky to come from a family where that was the response.”

2. He had a role in the play Pokemon Live!

From 2000 to 2001, Rannells had a role in the stage play Pokemon Live! in which he played the role of James.  The play was his first ever stage appearance, and he has since gone on to have a very successful theater career.

3. He doesn’t mind showing a little skin.

Rannells had his first sex scene on the HBO series, Girls, and he said he was very excited to be asked to participate.  According to Rannells, “I took that nudity waiver as a badge of honor. I took a picture of it, I sent it to my friends. I didn’t even really read it. That’s the embarrassing part. I was so excited to sign it: ‘I’ll show anything!'”

4. He has won a Grammy Award

In 2011, Rannells received a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his role in The Book of Mormon.  Although the loss was disappointing, Rannells ended up winning a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for his vocal work with the cast.

5. He’s very proud to be from Nebraska.

Rannells was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska and while Nebraska may not be the most exciting place, he’s very proud of where he’s from.  Rannells has stated, “I still can’t shake the Nebraska off of me.”

(Photo by Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images)