Scott Leo “Taye” Diggs born January 2, 1971 is an American actor known for his notable roles in the Broadway musicals Rent and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well as his performances in television series such as Private Practice (2007–2013), Murder in the First (2014–2016), and All American (2018–2023). He has also starred in films including How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), Brown Sugar (2002), Chicago (2002), Malibu’s Most Wanted (2003), Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2011), The Best Man (1999), and its sequel The Best Man Holiday (2013).
Taye Diggs Biography 2025
In 1996, Taye Diggs originated the role of Benny, the landlord, in Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent, which also starred his future wife, Idina Menzel. After Rent, Diggs played Mr. Black in the off-Broadway production of The Wild Party at the Manhattan Theatre Club, where Menzel portrayed Kate. He also played The Bandleader in the 2002 film adaptation of the Broadway revival of Chicago and temporarily stepped in as Billy Flynn on Broadway. Additionally, Diggs briefly took over the role of Fiyero in Wicked, performing alongside Menzel’s Elphaba when Norbert Leo Butz, the original actor, was unavailable.
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Diggs transitioned from stage to television with a role on the soap opera Guiding Light. His film debut came in 1998 with How Stella Got Her Groove Back, which earned him significant acclaim and exposure. The following year, he portrayed a tantric sex god in Doug Liman’s Go, and an AWOL groom in the coming-of-age film The Wood, alongside Omar Epps. In The Best Man (1999), directed by Malcolm D. Lee, Diggs played the lead character, an author and best friend to the groom, portrayed by Morris Chestnut. He also starred in the 1999 remake of House on Haunted Hill, directed by William Castle. Diggs appeared on an episode of America’s Next Top Model, where he assisted the contestants with an acting challenge. Another notable role was in the comedy-drama Ally McBeal, where he played Jackson Duper, a lawyer and the love interest of Renee Raddick, with hints of a potential romance with the character Ling Woo.
Taye Diggs Biography Details
Born
Scott Leo Berry
January 2, 1971 (age 53)
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Alma mater
Syracuse University (BFA)
Occupation
Actor
Years active
1994–present
Spouse
Idina Menzel
(m. 2003; div. 2014)
Children
1
Relatives
Misty Copeland (cousin-in-law)
Taye Diggs Early Life
Diggs was born in Newark, New Jersey, and raised in the South Wedge neighborhood of Rochester, New York. His mother, Marcia (née Berry), was a teacher and actress, and his father, Andre Young, was a visual artist. When Diggs was young, his mother married Jeffries Diggs, after whom he took his surname. His nickname, “Taye,” is derived from the playful pronunciation of “Scotty” as “Scottay.” He is the eldest of five children, with two brothers—Gabriel and Michael—and two sisters—Christian and Shalom. Diggs attended Allendale Columbia School in Rochester before transferring to the School of the Arts. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in musical theater from Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts in 1993.
During his early career, Diggs performed at the Lakes Region Summer Theatre in Meredith, New Hampshire, and spent the summer of 1992 at the New London Barn Playhouse in New London, New Hampshire. His Broadway debut came in 1994 when he joined the ensemble cast of the Tony Award-winning revival of the musical Carousel. In 1995, he also danced in Sebastian’s Caribbean Carnival at Tokyo Disneyland.
Taye Diggs Bio
Aspect
Details
Full Name
Scott Leo Berry
Date of Birth
January 2, 1971
Place of Birth
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Education
Syracuse University (BFA in Musical Theater)
Family Background
Mother: Marcia (teacher & actress), Father: Andre (visual artist)
Taye Diggs Broadway Career
Category
Facts
First Broadway Role
1994 Tony Award-winning Carousel
Notable Broadway Roles
Benny in Rent (1996), The Bandleader in Chicago (2002)
Other Notable Roles
Billy Flynn in Chicago, Fiyero in Wicked
Taye Diggs Film Career
Career
Years
First Film Appearance
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Notable Film Roles
The Best Man (1999), Brown Sugar (2002), The Best Man Holiday (2013)
Recent Film Roles
Incarnation (2022), The Comeback (2023)
Taye Diggs Television Career
Aspect
Dates
Early TV Role
Guiding Light (1996)
Notable TV Roles
Private Practice (2007–2013), Murder in the First (2014-2016), All American (2018–2023)
Guest Appearances
The West Wing, Will & Grace
Taye Diggs Voice Work
Work
Years
Notable Voice Role
My Little Pony: The Movie (2017)
Other Voice Work
Narrator in The Fab Five documentary (2011)
Theater Performances
Aspect
Facts
Broadway Debut
Carousel (1994)
Other Performances
The Wild Party (1997), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2015)
Taye Diggs Personal Life
Category
Points
Marital Status
Married to Idina Menzel (2003–2014)
Children
Son: Walker Nathaniel Diggs (born 2009)
Relationships
Former partners: Amanza Smith (2014–2019), Apryl Jones (2021–2023)
Taye Diggs Philanthropy
Philanthropy
Details
Philanthropic Interests
Co-Artistic Director of Dre.dance, charity work through children’s books
Children’s Books
Mixed Me! (2015), Chocolate Me! (2015), I Love You More Than… (2018)
Taye Diggs Awards and Nominations
Awards
Years
Notable Nominations
NAACP Image Award for The Best Man (1999)
Award Wins
Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Chicago (2002)
Other Nominations
Teen Choice Award for Brown Sugar (2002)
Taye Diggs Social Media Influence
Media Influence
Points
Social Media Presence
Active on Instagram, Twitter
Engagement
Over 1 million followers combined
Taye Diggs Influence in Film and TV
Aspect
Details
Breakout TV Role
Private Practice (2007–2013)
Impact on Pop Culture
Rent and The Best Man series
Taye Diggs Work with Other Celebrities
Aspect
Facts
Collaborations
Worked with Idina Menzel in Rent and Wicked
Recent Collaborations
Co-starred with Meagan Good in Forever (2025)
Business Ventures
Ventures
Details
Business Interests
Executive producer of Forever (2025)
Investments
Involved in various media and entertainment projects
Taye Diggs Career Evolution
Career Evolution
Information
Early Roles
Broadway ensembles, Guiding Light (1996)
Later Roles
Star in Private Practice, The Best Man films
Influence on Broadway
Broadway
Years
Broadway Influence
Rent (1996), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2015)
Contributions
Created memorable roles, shaping musical theater
Taye Diggs Music Contributions
Category
Details
Music in Films
Rent (Film Soundtrack), Chicago
Contributions
Songs performed in various musical theater productions
Taye Diggs Net Worth
His net worth is estimated to be around $16 million.
Taye Diggs Summary
Taye Diggs has built a diverse and impressive career spanning Broadway, television, film, and even voice acting. Known for his roles in iconic productions like Rent and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Diggs has shown great versatility, successfully transitioning between theater and screen. Beyond his acting achievements, he has also delved into children’s literature, co-authored several books, and maintained an influential presence in both his professional and personal life. With a career that continues to thrive, Diggs remains one of the most well-respected figures in entertainment.
