Ben Platt emerged as one of the most celebrated stage actors of his generation, achieving early and profound success on Broadway before expanding his career into film, television, and a successful recording career. The son of prolific film and theater producer Marc Platt and philanthropist Julie Beren, he was born into a world of performance in Los Angeles, California. His theatrical journey began in childhood, with early roles in local productions paving the way for his professional debut in a 2006 national tour of The Sound of Music alongside Carrie Underwood. Platt's dedication to his craft continued through his education at the Adderley School and Harvard-Westlake School, solidifying a foundation that would soon support a meteoric rise.

Platt's Broadway breakthrough came when he originated the role of Elder Arnold Cunningham in the first national tour of The Book of Mormon, a performance he later brought to Broadway. However, it was his portrayal of the anxiety-ridden teenager Evan Hansen in the groundbreaking musical Dear Evan Hansen that catapulted him to stardom. Originating the role off-Broadway in 2015 and continuing through its Broadway transfer, Platt’s emotionally raw and vocally stunning performance earned him widespread critical acclaim. His trophy case quickly filled with the industry's highest honors, including the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical—making him the youngest solo winner of the category at the time—a Daytime Emmy Award, and a Grammy Award when the original cast recording won Best Musical Theater Album.

While conquering the stage, Platt simultaneously built a screen career. He appeared in the Pitch Perfect film series as Benji Applebaum and had roles in films like Ricki and the Flash and Run This Town. In 2019, he transitioned to television as the ambitious lead, Payton Hobart, in the Netflix series The Politician, created by Ryan Murphy, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Platt later reprised his most iconic role for the 2021 film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by his father. His film work expanded with the 2023 Sundance hit Theater Camp, which he also co-wrote, showcasing his comedic chops.

Parallel to his acting, Platt established himself as a compelling pop singer-songwriter. After signing with Atlantic Records, he released his debut studio album, Sing to Me Instead, in 2019, followed by the concert film Ben Platt Live from Radio City Music Hall on Netflix. His second album, Reverie, arrived in 2021. Following a move to Interscope Records, he released his third studio album, Honeymind, in 2024. Platt made a triumphant return to Broadway in 2023, earning a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of Leo Frank in the critically acclaimed revival of Parade, a performance that also garnered a Grammy nomination for the cast recording. His influence was recognized in 2017 when he was named to the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people, cementing his status as a multifaceted and enduring talent in the entertainment industry.