Ep437 - Kevin Chamberlin: Chasing the First Laugh

Kevin Chamberlin sits down to discuss the serendipitous nature of a forty year career that has spanned from the Jersey Shore to the heights of Broadway and the global reach of the Disney Channel. He shares the story of his first big laugh as Smee in Peter Pan, an experience he describes as a drug that instantly solidified his career path. Kevin also dives into the "Uncle Fester contract," a unique industry standard he inadvertently helped create during the development of The Addams Family, and reflects on the bittersweet experience of being the sole Tony nominee for shows that were otherwise struggling with critics.

The conversation shifts to Kevin’s modern evolution as a digital creator, where he has amassed a massive following on TikTok and Instagram. He opens up about finding a creative outlet during the pandemic and how he balances his theatrical roots with the fast paced world of social media branding. Kevin also gives a look behind the scenes of his current project, When Playwrights Kill, discussing the joy of playing a role that allows him to pull from decades of experience working with legendary directors while finally portraying a gay character on stage for the first time in his theatrical career.

Kevin Chamberlin is a three time Tony Award nominee for his performances in Dirty Blonde, Seussical, and The Addams Family. His extensive Broadway credits include My Favorite Year, Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Triumph of Love, Chicago, The Ritz, Disaster!, and Wicked. On screen, he is widely recognized for his work in Die Hard With a Vengeance, the film adaptation of The Prom, and for his long running role as Bertram on the Disney Channel series Jesse. He is currently starring in the world premiere of When Playwrights Kill in Boston.

This episode is brought to you by WelcomeToTimeSquare.com, the billboard where you can be a star for a day.

Connect with Kevin:

• Instagram: @chamberlin.kevin
• TikTok: @chamberlin_kevin
• Threads: @chamberlin.kevin

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