Steve Kazee is an American actor and singer best known for his acclaimed performance on Broadway, which earned him a Tony Award. Born Steven Michael Kazee on October 30, 1975, in Ashland, Kentucky, he developed an interest in performing arts early on. He pursued formal training, graduating from Morehead State University before earning a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, which prepared him for a professional career on the stage.

Kazee began his professional acting career in the mid-2000s, making his Broadway debut in 2005 in a production of Monty Python's Spamalot. He continued to build his theatrical resume with roles such as Jimmy Curry in the 2007 revival of 110 in the Shade, a performance that showcased his strong vocal abilities and earned him a Drama Desk Award nomination. His career reached a defining peak when he originated the role of Guy in the Broadway production of Once in 2012. His poignant portrayal of the heartbroken Dublin musician was met with widespread critical acclaim and won him the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, cementing his status as a leading man of the stage.

Following his success in Once, Kazee transitioned to television, securing guest roles on series such as Nashville and The Good Wife. His most notable television role came in 2015 when he joined the cast of the Showtime series Shameless for its fifth season, playing Gus Pfender, a musician who briefly marries Fiona Gallagher, played by Emmy Rossum. He returned to theater in 2018, starring as Edward Lewis in the Chicago tryout of Pretty Woman: The Musical, bringing his charismatic stage presence to the beloved romantic role.

Beyond his acting work, Kazee is also a singer and musician, having performed in concerts and released music that reflects his folk and rock influences, often intertwined with his theatrical projects. He maintains a connection to his theatrical roots while continuing to explore roles across different mediums, balancing his career between stage and screen.