Anthony Deane Rapp, born on October 26, 1971, is a distinguished American actor and singer who first captured the spotlight by originating the iconic role of Mark Cohen in the groundbreaking Broadway musical Rent. His portrayal of the aspiring filmmaker in 1996 launched him into the theatrical stratosphere, and he later reprised the role in the 2005 film adaptation of Rent as well as the show's United States tour in 2009. Beyond his work in that landmark production, Rapp demonstrated his versatility by playing Charlie Brown in the 1999 Broadway revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and originating the role of Lucas in the musical If/Then in 2014. From 2017 to 2024, he expanded his reach into television science fiction, starring as Commander Paul Stamets on the acclaimed series Star Trek: Discovery, a role that made him part of the legendary franchise's legacy.

Rapp's early life was marked by a passion for performing, and he made his Broadway debut as a child actor in the 1981 musical The Little Prince and the Aviator. He later appeared in films such as Adventures in Babysitting and Dazed and Confused, but it was his work in Rent that cemented his status as a defining voice of his generation. The musical, which explored themes of love, loss, and the AIDS crisis, earned Rapp a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. His performance in the original cast recording also brought him a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. In addition to his stage and screen work, Rapp has written a memoir titled "Without You: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent," which chronicles his experiences with the show and the loss of his mother to cancer.

In 2017, Rapp became a prominent figure in the #MeToo movement when he publicly accused actor Kevin Spacey of sexual misconduct, alleging an incident that occurred in 1986 when Rapp was 14 years old. The accusation led to widespread fallout for Spacey and prompted others to come forward with similar claims. In 2022, Rapp pursued a civil case against Spacey, but a jury ultimately found Spacey not liable on the claims of battery. Despite the legal outcome, Rapp's decision to speak out was widely seen as a catalyst for the broader movement against sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, Rapp has remained a respected figure in theater and television, known for his powerful voice and his commitment to storytelling that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.