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Andy Karl (born August 27, 1974[2][3] as Andrew Karl Cesewski[1]) is an American actor and singer. He is best known for performing in musical theatre specifically musicals adapted from successful movies. He has received several accolades including a Laurence Olivier Award and a Drama Desk Award as well as nominations for three Tony Awards. He is also known for playing Sgt. Mike Dodds on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from 2015 to 2016.

Key Information

Karl made his Broadway debut as a replacement in the musical Saturday Night Fever (1999). He went on to receive three Tony Award nominations for his roles in Rocky (2014), On the Twentieth Century (2015), and Groundhog Day (2017), the latter of which earned him the Olivier Award for his performance in the original London production. Karl originated the roles of Kyle in Legally Blonde (2007–2008), Joe in 9 to 5 (2009), Neville Landless / Mr. Victor Grinstead in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012–2013), and Edward Lewis in Pretty Woman: The Musical (2018–2019). Karl also was a replacement actor in the Broadway productions of Wicked (2010–2011), Jersey Boys (2011–2013), Into the Woods (2022), and Moulin Rouge! (2025).

Early life

[edit]

Karl was born on August 28, 1974[3] in Baltimore, Maryland, to Walter Cesewski and Susan Weisman.[1] He attended Towson High School, where he was on the football team and performed in theater. In high school, he played Jud Fry in Oklahoma! and General Bullmoose in Li'l Abner.[4] At age 16 he performed as the title role in Aladdin at the White Marsh Dinner Theatre.[citation needed] After high school, he attended Towson University, where he studied voice and music.[5] Karl originally planned on becoming a voice teacher until the director of a show he was in at college told him he had what it took to be a professional actor. Karl continued to perform in shows while in college. He changed his name to Karl to honor his late great-grandfather, Andrew Karl, a Baltimore fireman.[1] In Winter 1993–1994, he played the 9-foot dragon in the children's musical The Reluctant Dragon at Toby's Dinner Theatre in Columbia, Maryland.[6]

Career

[edit]

1994–2006: Early roles and Broadway debut

[edit]

Karl moved to New York in 1994. He was an understudy in the touring cast of The Who's Tommy[1] and in 1998 played Rum Tum Tugger in the touring cast of Cats. In February 2000 Karl was an understudy in the New York premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Saturday Night at the Second Stage Theatre.[7] He made his Broadway debut in 2000 as the replacement for Joey in Saturday Night Fever.[8] He continued with the production, this time in the role of Tony Manero, in its first national tour. In 2001 he performed in the musical stage production Me and Mrs. Jones at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia.[9]

Karl was next seen as Dino Del Canto in the world premiere of the musical Romeo and Bernadette at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami, Florida. The show, which ran in January 2003,[10] garnered Karl a Carbonell Award for Best Actor in a musical.[11] He reprised the role at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey in February and March, 2003.[12]

Karl was also seen at the Paper Mill Playhouse in June and July of that year, when he performed as Danny Zuko in Grease. In January 2004 he performed in the musical revue Nights on Broadway II at Caesar's Palace in Atlantic City, New Jersey.[13] In September 2004, Karl played Luke in the premiere of Altar Boyz at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. He then left the New York area to tour in the original company of Disney's On the Record. Karl returned to New York to play Luke in the Off-Broadway production of Altar Boyz, which opened on March 1, 2005 at Stage 4 of Dodger Stages (now New World Stages).[14]

On September 26, 2005, Karl performed in the Actor's Fund Concert production of On the Twentieth Century.[15] Karl's next role was the title character Adam Patterson in the Off-Broadway musical Slut at the American Theatre of Actors in Fall 2005.[16] In January 2006 Karl was in the three-person cast of Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love, a celebration of the music of Elvis Presley, at the now-closed Au Bar. In June and July of that year, he starred as Tad in the musical Bright Lights, Big City at the Prince Music Theater in Philadelphia.[17] He then joined the Broadway cast of The Wedding Singer at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, where he played the roles of Drunk Dave and Bad Haircut Guy until the show closed at the end of 2006.

2007–2015: Further Broadway roles and Law & Order: SVU

[edit]

Karl's next role was in Legally Blonde, where he played Kyle "the UPS guy", Dewey, and Grandmaster Chad at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco, where the musical had its pre-Broadway tryout from January 23 to February 24, 2007.[18] He reprised his roles in the Broadway production, which started previews on April 3 and opened on April 29, 2007, at the Palace Theatre. He was also an understudy to Emmett and Professor Callahan. He left the show on July 20, 2008.

Karl briefly left Legally Blonde in June 2007 to work on 9 to 5 in its week-long workshop.[19] After leaving Legally Blonde, Karl continued working on the musical 9 to 5. He played Joe, the love interest of Allison Janney's character, in the pre-Broadway tryout in Los Angeles. The show played at the Ahmanson Theatre from September 3 to October 19, 2008.[20] The show opened on Broadway on April 30, 2009, at the Marquis Theatre, and closed on September 6, 2009.[21]

Karl took over the role of Fiyero from Kevin Kern in the Broadway production of Wicked on February 2, 2010[22] and played the role until January 2, 2011.[23] He took over the role Tommy Devito in the Broadway production of Jersey Boys on October 11, 2011.[24]

Karl played Neville Landless in the Broadway revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood which opened on November 29, 2012, at Studio 54.[25] For this performance, he was nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical.[26]

Karl and Margo Seibert were featured as Rocky Balboa and Adrian in the new Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty musical Rocky the Musical, which opened on Broadway in February 2014.[27] In order to get into shape to play Rocky Balboa, Karl put on 12 pounds of muscle and worked with a trainer to get to a heavyweight fighter's weight.[28] Karl received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for this performance.[29]

Karl played the role of Bruce Granit in the 2015 Broadway revival of On the Twentieth Century[30] alongside Kristin Chenoweth in the role of Lily Garland/Mildred Plotka. He received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance. In 2015, Karl joined the recurring cast of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit as the unit's new sergeant, Mike Dodds, who is the son of Peter Gallagher's Chief William Dodds. The role reunites Karl and Gallagher after working together on On the Twentieth Century. He left his role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, when his character died.

2016–present: Groundhog Day and other work

[edit]

On January 28, 2016, it was announced that Karl would be playing the starring role of Phil in the musical adaptation of Groundhog Day, the role played in the 1993 movie by Bill Murray.[31] The musical ran at The Old Vic in London from Monday 11 July 2016 until Saturday 17 September 2016. Karl then reprised the role in the Broadway production of Groundhog Day, which opened on April 17, 2017.[32] For his performance in Groundhog Day in London, he received the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. On August 15, 2017, the producers of Groundhog Day announced it would end its Broadway run on September 17, 2017, but that a national tour and a possible return to London would follow.[33]

In May 2018, it was announced that Karl would star as Edward Lewis in the Broadway production of Pretty Woman: The Musical, following Steve Kazee's departure.[34] In February 2020, he was in an Off-Broadway 50th anniversary concert version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Potiphar, he played opposite his wife Orfeh as Potiphar's Wife.[35]

In 2021, he reprised his Jersey Boys role in a ProShot taping of the musical opposite Nick Jonas.[36]

On August 12, 2022, it was announced Karl would play the roles of the Big Bad Wolf and Cinderella's Prince from September 6-15 in the Broadway revival of Into the Woods filling in for Gavin Creel at the St. James Theatre.[37] On September 22, it was announced he would return to the production for a limited run from October 11-November 23 (a run that was later extended to December 2),[38] this time filling in for Joshua Henry as Rapunzel's Prince.[39] He reprised the role of Rapunzel's Prince during the opening weekend of the U.S. national tour's engagement in Washington, D.C., at the Kennedy Center this time filling in for Jason Forbach who went on for the Baker in the place of Sebastian Arcelus.[40]

From May to August 2023, he reprised the role of Phil in Groundhog Day at The Old Vic in London. From January to April 2024, he reprised the role again at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne, Australia.[41][42]

From January to July 2025, Karl joined the cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical as The Duke of Monroth at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on Broadway.[43]

Personal life

[edit]

Karl met his former wife Orfeh while in the musical for Saturday Night Fever. They were married in January 2001 and resided in Manhattan. In addition to Saturday Night Fever, Karl and his former wife have performed together in Me and Mrs. Jones, Nights on Broadway II, Bright Lights, Big City, Legally Blonde,[5] Pretty Woman: The Musical, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In May 2024, he announced they had separated after 23 years of marriage.[44] Shortly after, Karl confirmed his relationship with Groundhog Day co-star Elise McCann.[45] The two revealed that they have become engaged to be married on July 28th, 2025.[46]

Acting credits

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Film
Year Title Role Notes
2008 New York, I Love You Zoe's Boyfriend Uncredited role
2012 Joyful Noise Caleb
2014 And So It Goes Ted
2016 Little Men Unknown Uncredited role
2020 Here After Michael
2025 Atrabilious Greg Meyers
TBA Jersey Boys Tommy DeVito Proshot recording of stage musical[36]

Television

[edit]
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2007 Legally Blonde: The Musical Dewey/Kyle/Grandmaster Chad/Ensemble TV film
2015 Forever Sean Moore Episode: "Diamonds Are Forever"
2015–16 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Sgt. Mike Dodds[47] Recurring role (15 episodes)
2020 Prodigal Son Joseph Episode: "Scheherazade"
2021 No Activity Yohan (voice) Episode: "Magnolia"
2021 The Good Fight Jesse McFinley Episode: "And the Fight Had a Détente..."
2022 Blue Bloods Will Farmer Episode: "Where We Stand"
2022 Gossip Girl Guest Singer Episode: "How to Bury a Millionaire"

Theatre

[edit]
Year Title Role Venue Ref.
1995–1996 The Who's Tommy Officer #2 / Local Lad
u/s Tommy / Kevin 		Tour
1998 Cats The Rum Tum Tugger
(replacement) 		Fourth national tour
2000 Saturday Night Messrs Vlastnik / Washington / Thorell Second Stage Theatre, Off-Broadway
Saturday Night Fever Joey
u/s Tony
(replacement) 		Minskoff Theatre, Broadway [48]
2003 Romeo and Bernadette Dino Del Canto Paper Mill Playhouse
Coconut Grove Playhouse
Grease Danny Zuko Paper Mill Playhouse, Regional
2004–2005 On the Record Quartet member First national tour
2005–2006 Altar Boyz Luke New World Stages, Off-Broadway
2005 Slut Adam American Theater of Actors
On the Twentieth Century Porter New Amsterdam Theatre, Broadway Concert [49]
2006 Bright Lights, Big City Tad Prince Music Theater
The Wedding Singer David Fonda / Bad Haircut Guy
u/s Glen Guglia
(replacement) 		Al Hirschfeld Theatre, Broadway [50]
2007–2008 Legally Blonde Chad / Dewey / Kyle / Ensemble
u/s Emmett Forrest / Professor Callahan 		Palace Theatre, Broadway [51]
2009 9 to 5 Joe Marquis Theatre, Broadway [52]
2010–2011 Wicked Fiyero Tigelaar
(replacement) 		Gershwin Theatre, Broadway [53]
2011–2012 Jersey Boys Tommy DeVito
(replacement) 		August Wilson Theatre, Broadway [54]
2012–2013 The Mystery of Edwin Drood Neville Landless / Mr. Victor Grinstead Studio 54, Broadway [55]
2013 Jersey Boys Tommy DeVito
(replacement) 		August Wilson Theatre, Broadway [56]
2014 Rocky the Musical Rocky Balboa Winter Garden Theatre, Broadway [57]
Waitress Earl Hunterson American Repertory Theater, Workshop
2015 On the Twentieth Century Bruce Granit American Airlines Theatre, Broadway [58]
2016 Groundhog Day Phil Connors The Old Vic, London
2017 August Wilson Theatre, Broadway [59]
2018–2019 Pretty Woman: The Musical Edward Lewis Nederlander Theatre, Broadway [60]
2020 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Potiphar David Geffen Hall, Concert
2022 Into the Woods The Wolf / Cinderella’s Prince
(replacement) 		St. James Theatre, Broadway [61]
Rapunzel's Prince
(replacement) 		[62]
2023 Kennedy Center / National tour [63]
Groundhog Day Phil Connors The Old Vic, London
2024 Princess Theatre, Australia [64]
2024–2025 Teeth Pastor Bill O'Keefe New World Stages, Off-Broadway
2025 Moulin Rouge! The Musical The Duke of Monroth
(replacement) 		Al Hirschfeld Theatre, Broadway [43]
2026 Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Esplanade Theatre, Singapore [65]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Work Result
2013 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood Nominated
Broadway.com Audience Awards[66] Favorite Onstage Pair (with Jessie Mueller) Nominated
2014 Tony Award Best Actor in a Musical Rocky Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actor in a Musical Nominated
Drama League Award Distinguished Performance Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Actor in a Musical Nominated
Astaire Award Outstanding Male Dancer in a Broadway Show Nominated
2015 Tony Award Best Featured Actor in a Musical On the Twentieth Century Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Nominated
Drama League Award Distinguished Performance Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical Won
2016 Evening Standard Award Best Musical Performance Groundhog Day Nominated
2017 Laurence Olivier Award Best Actor in a Musical Won
The Stage Debut Award Best West End Debut Nominated
Tony Award Best Actor in a Musical Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Actor in a Musical Won
Drama League Award Distinguished Performance Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Actor in a Musical Won
2023 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards Favorite Replacement (Male) Into the Woods Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Andy Karl

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Andy Karl (born August 28, 1974) is an American actor, singer, and dancer best known for his leading roles in Broadway musicals. Originally from , , where he attended , Karl has built a career spanning stage, television, and film, with a particular emphasis on musical theater adaptations of films. Karl rose to prominence starring as Rocky Balboa in the 2014 musical Rocky: The Musical, earning his first Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. The following year, he received a second Tony nomination, this time for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical, for his role as Bruce Granit in the revival of On the Twentieth Century. In 2016, he made his West End debut starring as Phil Connors in Groundhog Day the Musical, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical; the production transferred to Broadway in 2017, where he earned his third Tony nomination in the leading actor category. He also won a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for Groundhog Day. Karl's television credits include a recurring role as Sergeant Mike Dodds on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from 2015 to 2016. More recently, he has appeared in Teeth Off-Broadway in 2024, joined the cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway in 2025, and starred as Beetlejuice in a production at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in November 2025.

Personal background

Early life

Andy Karl was born Andrew Karl Cesewski on August 28, 1974, in , . He was the younger of two boys in his family; his father, Walter Cesewski, worked as a kitchen refinisher and with a fondness for rock bands like and Led Zeppelin, while his mother, Susan Weisman, was a music teacher who played the organ at their local church. Growing up in , Karl was immersed in music from an early age, attending the same church as his mother and serving as an altar boy while learning musical skills from her organ playing. This environment fostered his childhood interest in , particularly and music, as he was surrounded by a household that valued creative expression. At age 16, in 1990, Karl made his professional debut starring as in a production at the White Marsh Dinner Theatre in , marking his first successful audition for a local theatre role.

Education

Andy Karl attended in , where he actively participated in school theatre productions, including roles in Oklahoma! and . These experiences built on his early childhood interest in performing and helped cultivate his passion for . Following high school, Karl enrolled at , where he studied voice and music, earning a degree in the field. During his time there, he performed in student productions such as Grease—in which he played Danny Zuko—and , gaining practical stage experience that honed his and singing skills. A pivotal influence came from a university instructor who, impressed by his performances, encouraged him to pursue a professional career rather than teaching. Upon completing his studies around 1994, Karl decided to relocate to to chase opportunities in professional theatre, marking the transition from academic training to the competitive world of stage acting.

Personal life

Andy Karl married fellow actress and singer on January 10, 2001, after meeting during the Broadway production of and eloping in , . The couple frequently collaborated professionally, including starring opposite each other in the 2014 Broadway musical , where Karl portrayed the title character and played . On May 14, 2024, Karl and announced their separation after 23 years of marriage, stating in a joint post: "After 23 years of a wonderful loving relationship, both onstage and off, we have made the decision to separate." The pair, who had no children together, emphasized their continued mutual respect and support. In August 2025, Karl became engaged to Australian actress Elise McCann, whom he met while co-starring in the 2019 production of Groundhog Day the Musical, where he played Phil Connors and she portrayed Rita. The couple announced their engagement on August 28, 2025, via a joint post, sharing a photo from the proposal. Karl resides in , where he has maintained a base throughout his Broadway career.

Career

Early career and Broadway debut (1994–2006)

After graduating from in 1994, Andy Karl relocated to to pursue a professional acting career, initially taking on ensemble and roles in regional theater and non-union tours. His early professional experience included serving as an in the 1996 national tour of , where he supported the production during its stop in . This foundational work in dance-oriented ensemble positions built on his university training in voice and musical theater, preparing him for more prominent stage opportunities. Karl's first leading role came in March 1998, when he was cast as the in the fourth U.S. national tour of Cats, performing the dance-heavy character through April 1999 across various venues, including a notable appearance at Baltimore's Lyric Theatre. The tour showcased his skills as a versatile performer in Andrew Lloyd Webber's long-running musical, emphasizing physicality and ensemble dynamics in T.S. Eliot-inspired choreography. Following this, he continued in supporting capacities in regional productions, gradually shifting from primarily dance-focused work toward roles requiring stronger acting components. In 2000, Karl made his Broadway debut as a replacement in the role of Joey in at the , joining the cast during the musical's original run, which had opened in October 1999 and concluded in December 2000. As part of the ensemble in this adaptation of the 1977 , he contributed to the show's high-energy sequences and received positive notice for his athletic stage presence amid the production's vibrant choreography. Returning to New York after further touring, Karl starred as Luke, the tough-guy member of a fictional Christian , in the premiere of at , which opened on March 1, 2005, following an earlier workshop at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in September 2004. This satirical musical comedy marked a key transition in his career, allowing him to take on a featured role with comedic depth beyond , and the production earned praise for its infectious energy and ensemble chemistry. Later that year, he joined the pre-Broadway tryout of in before assuming replacement roles in its Broadway transfer in August 2006.

Broadway prominence and television entry (2007–2015)

In 2007, Andy Karl joined the original Broadway cast of Legally Blonde as Kyle the UPS Guy, Dewey, and Grandmaster Chad, while also understudying the lead role of Emmett Forrest, which he performed during the production's run. The musical premiered at the Palace Theatre on April 29, 2007, and ran for 595 performances until October 19, 2008. Critics praised Karl's comedic portrayal of the hunky delivery man, describing him as a "hilarious walking sight gag" and a "walking porn" figure who added levity to the ensemble. Karl continued his Broadway presence in 2009 with the role of Joe, the love interest to Allison Janney's Violet Newstead, in the original production of 9 to 5: The Musical at the . The show, based on the 1980 film, opened on April 30, 2009, and closed after 148 performances on September 6, 2009, amid mixed reviews for its score and book despite strong ensemble energy. Karl's performance as the affable office worker was noted for its likability and charm, contributing to the production's lighter moments. During this mid-period, he also starred as Neville Landless and Mr. Victor Grinstead in the 2012 Broadway revival of at , earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical; the production ran from November 13, 2012, to March 10, 2013. Karl achieved a career breakthrough in 2014 originating the lead role of in at the , a physically demanding portrayal that drew on his early career training to execute the show's innovative sequences. The production opened on March 13, 2014, and ran for 188 performances before closing on August 17, 2014. His performance earned Karl his first Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, with reviewers hailing him as "physically astounding" and delivering a "" turn that anchored the show's spectacle. In 2015, Karl appeared as the dim-witted actor Bruce Granit in the Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of at the American Airlines Theatre, opposite . The limited engagement opened on March 15, 2015, and extended to 144 performances, closing on July 19, 2015. His comedic timing and physicality in the role garnered raves, leading to a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical and contributing to the revival's acclaim for its energy. That same year, Karl transitioned to television, joining the 17th season of Law & Order: as Sergeant , a new addition to the Manhattan SVU squad and the son of Deputy Chief William Dodds (). Introduced in the episode "Maternal Instincts" (October 14, 2015), Dodds was portrayed as a skilled but conflicted officer navigating tensions between his father's political ambitions and the team's investigative integrity, appearing in 15 episodes through the season. His arc culminated in the two-part finale "Heartfelt Passages" (May 25, 2016), where, on his final day intending to leave for a theater role, Dodds was shot by a convicted rapist during a crisis, suffering a that left him brain-dead; he was taken off , marking Karl's departure to return to Broadway.

Leading roles and international work (2016–present)

In 2016, Andy Karl originated the leading role of the cynical weatherman Phil Connors in the world premiere of the musical at in . He reprised the role in the Broadway production at the in 2017, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a in a Musical. For his performance in the London production, Karl won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2017, marking a significant international milestone following his earlier Tony nominations. He further reprised Phil Connors in a 2023 return engagement at and led the Australian premiere at Melbourne's Princess Theatre from January to April 2024, performing despite a broken leg during the run and contributing to the show's sold-out success . Karl continued his string of leading Broadway roles as Edward Lewis, the affluent businessman, in Pretty Woman: The Musical from 2018 to 2019 at the , delivering a charismatic performance opposite that helped the production earn seven Tony nominations. In the 2022 Broadway revival of at (later transferring to the ), he took on the dual roles of Rapunzel's Prince and Cinderella's Prince/The Wolf as a replacement, showcasing his versatility in Stephen Sondheim's fairy-tale deconstruction. These performances built on his prior Tony-nominated work, solidifying his status as a go-to for musical theater. In January 2025, Karl joined the long-running Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the in the role of the Duke of Monroth, a limited engagement running through July 20 that added a layer of villainous flair to his repertoire. Expanding beyond acting, he served as creator and executive producer for the 2025 holiday film Above the Clouds, which premiered on November 8 and stars and in a story of unexpected romance during an international flight diversion. Karl wrote, directed, and produced Scoonge: A Mobbed Up , a comedic adaptation of the Dickens classic that premiered in in 2022 and has continued with regional productions. Looking ahead, he is set to star as the titular ghost in Beetlejuice The Musical for its Brisbane season at the Lyric Theatre, , opening June 7, 2026, further extending his international presence.

Acting credits

Film

Andy Karl's film career has been limited, with a focus on supporting and character roles in independent and ensemble features, often drawing on his theatrical background for musical or dramatic elements. His earliest screen credit came in the anthology film (2008), directed by multiple filmmakers including and , where he appeared uncredited as Zoe's Boyfriend in one segment. In 2012, Karl played Caleb, a choir member facing family financial hardship, in the musical comedy-drama Joyful Noise, directed by and starring and . He followed with the role of Ted, a real estate agent colleague, in the And So It Goes (2014), directed by and featuring and . An uncredited appearance occurred in the coming-of-age drama Little Men (2016), directed by . Karl took a leading role as Michael, a deceased actor navigating a purgatory-like to find love, in the fantasy Here After (also known as Faraway Eyes, 2020), written and directed by Harry Greenberger, opposite . Most recently, he portrayed Greg Meyers, a supporting character in the investigation of a , in the comedy-mystery thriller (2025), directed by and starring Leon Addison Brown.

Television

Andy Karl's most prominent television role was as Sergeant Mike Dodds on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, where he appeared in a recurring capacity during the seventeenth season from 2015 to 2016. Introduced in the episode "Maternal Instincts," Dodds served as the second-in-command to Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and was depicted as the son of Deputy Chief William Dodds (Peter Gallagher), bringing a background in intelligence and a complex family dynamic to the Special Victims Unit squad. Karl portrayed the character across 15 episodes, culminating in Dodds's dramatic death during a hostage situation in the season finale "Heartfelt Passages." This role represented Karl's transition from stage to screen, leveraging his theatrical experience in a procedural drama format. Beyond SVU, Karl has made notable guest appearances on various series. In 2015, he played Sean Moore, a in a jewelry heist, in the "Diamonds Are Forever" of Forever. He portrayed Joseph Krieg, a director, in the 2020 Prodigal Son "," which explored a mystery in the world. In 2021, Karl voiced Yohan in the No Activity "". In 2021, Karl guest-starred as Officer Jesse McFinley in "And the Fight Had a ..." on , contributing to a storyline involving police brutality and civil rights. His 2022 appearances included Will Farmer, a whistleblower, in the Blue Bloods "Where We Stand," and himself as a guest singer in "How to Bury a Millionaire" on the Gossip Girl . Most recently, in 2025, Karl appeared as Charles Winston in the The Equalizer "The Grave Digger," assisting in an investigation of copycat murders linked to a past case.

Theatre

Andy Karl's theatre credits span regional productions, off-Broadway, Broadway, West End, and international tours, with distinctions noted for originating, replacement, and touring roles.
Year(s)ProductionVenueRoleNotes
1990AladdinWhite Marsh Dinner Theatre, Baltimore, MDAladdin (title role)Regional debut, originating role.
1994AnnieThe Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee, PAEnsembleRegional production, July 29–September 4.
1994BrigadoonThe Shawnee Playhouse, Shawnee, PAEnsembleRegional production, September 16–October 23.
1994Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatMill Mountain Theatre, Roanoke, VAEnsembleRegional production, December 2–31.
1995The Unsinkable Molly BrownCarousel Dinner Theatre, Akron, OHEnsembleRegional production, April 5–May 28.
1995–1996The Who's Tommy (North American Tour)Various venuesEnsembleTouring production, September 7, 1995–June 30, 1996.
1999–2000Saturday Night FeverMinskoff Theatre, New York, NYJoey (replacement); Tony Manero (understudy, replacement)Broadway, replacement from July 2000–December 30, 2000.
2000Saturday NightSecond Stage Theatre, New York, NYUnderstudyOff-Broadway, January 21–March 26.
2003GreasePaper Mill Playhouse, Millburn, NJDanny ZukoRegional production, June 4–July 27.
2003–2011WickedGershwin Theatre, New York, NYFiyero (replacement)Broadway, replacement February 2, 2010–January 2, 2011.
2004Altar BoyzPuerto Rican Traveling Theatre, New York, NYLukeOff-Broadway (NYMF), September–October, originating role.
2004–2005Disney's On the Record (US Tour)Various venuesEnsembleTouring production, November 9, 2004–July 31, 2005.
2005–2010Altar BoyzNew World Stages Stage IV, New York, NYLuke/AdamOff-Broadway, originating role from February 15, 2005 (Broadway transfer January 8, 2006).
2005SlutAmerican Theatre of Actors, New York, NYUnspecifiedOff-Broadway, September 13–November 13.
2005On the Twentieth Century (Concert)New Amsterdam Theatre, New York, NY"Life is Like a Train" PorterBroadway benefit concert, September 26.
2005–2017Jersey BoysAugust Wilson Theatre, New York, NYTommy DeVito (replacement)Broadway, replacements October 11, 2011–October 7, 2012 and February 12–December 1, 2013.
2006The Wedding SingerAl Hirschfeld Theatre, New York, NYDavid/Bad Haircut Guy/Glen Guglia (understudy) (replacement)Broadway, replacement August 29–September 24.
2006The Boy from Oz (Revival)Prince Music Theatre, Philadelphia, PATadRegional, unspecified dates.
2006The FantasticksOff-Off-Broadway venue, New York, NYUnspecifiedOff-Off-Broadway.
2007–2008Legally BlondePalace Theatre, New York, NYGrandmaster Chad/Dewey/Kyle/Ensemble; Emmett Forrest/Professor Callahan (understudy)Broadway, originating role from July 25, 2007 (also August 2007 replacement).
20089 to 5 (World Premiere)Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles, CAJoeRegional tryout, unspecified dates.
20099 to 5Marquis Theatre, New York, NYJoeBroadway, originating role, April 30–September 6.
2009Time After Time (Staged Reading)Unspecified venue, New York, NYUnspecifiedAugust 28.
2011Rocky (Workshop)Unspecified venue, New York, NYRocky BalboaDevelopmental workshop.
2012The Last Smoker in AmericaWestside Theatre, New York, NYUnspecifiedOff-Broadway.
2012–2013The Mystery of Edwin DroodStudio 54, New York, NYNeville Landless/Mr. Victor GrinsteadBroadway revival, originating role from October 19, 2012 (opened February 10, 2013).
2013The Astonishing Return of… The Protagonists! (Staged Reading)New World Stages, New York, NYUnspecifiedOctober 17–18.
2014Rocky the MusicalWinter Garden Theatre, New York, NYRocky BalboaBroadway, originating role, March 13–August 17.
2014Waitress (Workshop)American Repertory Theater, Cambridge, MAUnspecifiedDevelopmental workshop, December.
2015On the Twentieth CenturyAmerican Airlines Theatre, New York, NYBruce GranitBroadway revival, originating role, March 15–July 19.
2015Annie Get Your Gun (Concert)New York City Center, New York, NYFrank ButlerGala concert.
2016Groundhog DayOld Vic Theatre, London, UKPhil ConnorsWest End world premiere, originating role, July 15–September 17.
2017Groundhog DayAugust Wilson Theatre, New York, NYPhil ConnorsBroadway, originating role, April 17–September 17.
2018–2019Pretty Woman: The MusicalNederlander Theatre, New York, NYEdward LewisBroadway, originating role from July 20, 2018 (opened August 16).
2020Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Concert)David Geffen Hall, New York, NYPotipharOff-Broadway concert, February 17.
2022–2023Into the WoodsSt. James Theatre, New York, NYCinderella's Prince/Rapunzel's Prince/Wolf (replacement)Broadway revival, replacements September 6–15, 2022 (Wolf/Prince) and October 11–January 8, 2023 (Rapunzel's Prince).
2023Into the Woods (US National Tour)Various venuesCinderella's PrinceTemporary replacement, February 18–July 30.
2023The Radium Girls (Staged Reading)The New 42nd Street Studios, New York, NYUnspecifiedOctober 30.
2023Groundhog DayOld Vic Theatre, London, UKPhil Connors (replacement)West End revival, May 20–August 12.
2024Groundhog DayPrincess Theatre, Melbourne, AustraliaPhil ConnorsAustralian national premiere, originating role, January 24–April 21.
2024–2025TeethNew World Stages Stage I, New York, NYPastor Bill O'Keefe/Dr. GodfreyOff-Broadway, originating dual roles, October 18, 2024–January 5, 2025.
2025Moulin Rouge! The MusicalAl Hirschfeld Theatre, New York, NYThe Duke of Monroth (replacement)Broadway, replacement January 28–July 20, 2025.
2025–2026Beetlejuice (International Tour)Various venues (Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi; Esplanade Theatre, Singapore; Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane, Australia)Beetlejuice (title role)Touring production, originating role for tour, starting November 20, 2025, at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi (November 20–30); then Esplanade Theatre, Singapore (from January 15, 2026); Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane (from June 7, 2026).

Recognition

Awards

Andy Karl has received several prestigious awards for his performance as Phil Connors in the musical . In 2017, he won the for Best Actor in a Musical at the 2017 Laurence Olivier Awards ceremony held at the Royal Albert Hall in , recognizing his West End debut role in the production at . That same year, Karl earned the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for the Broadway transfer of , awarded at the 62nd Annual Drama Desk Awards on June 4 at in , highlighting his critically acclaimed portrayal of the time-looping weatherman. Additionally, in 2017, he received the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for Groundhog Day, presented at the 67th Annual Outer Critics Circle Awards ceremony on May 25 at Sardi's in New York, further affirming the impact of his lead performance.

Nominations

Andy Karl has earned multiple nominations from prestigious theatre awards bodies for his Broadway performances, highlighting his versatility in both leading and featured musical roles. His nominations span the , , and , primarily for his work in , , and Groundhog Day. In 2014, Karl received a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for portraying in *. That same year, he was nominated for the for Distinguished Performance and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical, both for . For his role as Bruce Granit in the 2015 revival of , Karl garnered a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, along with a nomination for Distinguished Performance and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical. Karl's third Tony Award nomination came in 2017 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical as Phil Connors in the Musical. He also received a Drama League nomination for Distinguished Performance for the same production. Notably, while these Tony nods eluded victory, Karl won the Olivier Award for in a Musical for the West End production of .

References

  1. https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/stars-on-stage/andy-karl
  2. https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/artsentertainment/towsons-andy-karl-earns-tony-nomination/
  3. https://andykarl.com/about
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2803471/
  5. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Andy-Karl/
  6. https://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/2024/12/10/olivier-award-winner-and-tony-nominee-andy-karl-to-join-moulin-rouge-on-broadway/
  7. https://m283arabia.com/en/whats-on/beetlejuice-the-musical-in-abu-dhabi-with-andy-karl
  8. https://www.baltimoresun.com/1998/06/29/andy-karls-hiding-under-the-makeup-cast-a-baltimore-native-plays-the-rock-em-sock-em-rum-tum-tugger-role-in-cats-tonight-at-the-lyric-theater/
  9. https://www.nj.com/inside-jersey/2015/04/andy_karl_from_rocky_to_rolling_on_the_rails.html
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/16/theater/in-rocky-andy-karl-trained-hard-for-the-title-role.html
  11. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2803471/bio/
  12. https://bettyboop.fandom.com/wiki/Andy_Karl
  13. https://thetowerlight.com/started-as-a-tiger-now-were-here/
  14. https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/stars-on-stage/andy-karl
  15. https://playbill.com/article/rocky-star-andy-karl-trains-for-the-role-of-a-lifetime-com-329771
  16. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/awards-chatter-podcast-andy-karl-groundhog-day-1000201/
  17. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/89448/snf-diva-orfeh-ties-the-knot-with-andy-karl/
  18. https://people.com/broadway-orfeh-andy-karl-separating-after-23-years-of-marriage-8648140
  19. https://www.justjared.com/2024/05/14/broadway-stars-orfeh-andy-karl-are-separating-after-23-years-of-marriage/
  20. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13419473/Broadway-stars-Orfeh-Andy-Karl-split-marriage.html
  21. https://playbill.com/article/andy-karl-and-elise-mccann-are-engaged
  22. https://people.com/broadway-andy-karl-elise-mccann-engaged-11800451
  23. https://pagesix.com/2024/05/27/entertainment/broadway-star-andy-karl-swanning-about-nyc-with-new-woman-after-ending-marriage-with-orfeh-weeks-ago/
  24. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Five-Andy-Karl-Fun-Facts-Past-Roles-Fun-Friends-and-More-20170601
  25. https://www.theatermania.com/news/crack-open-tony-nominee-andy-karls-broadway-photo-album_81252/
  26. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/6500/fresh-face-andy-karl-of-altar-boyz/
  27. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/andy-karl-119088
  28. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/legally-blonde-423552
  29. https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/30/theater/reviews/30blon.html
  30. https://variety.com/2007/legit/markets-festivals/legally-blonde-4-1200510532/
  31. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/9-to-5-480320
  32. http://www.curtainup.com/9to5ny.html
  33. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/rocky-495233
  34. https://www.vulture.com/2014/03/theater-review-rocky.html
  35. https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/theater/rocky-on-broadway-review-andy-karl-s-a-knockout-show-isn-t-d29268
  36. https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/on-the-twentieth-century-497108
  37. https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/andy-karl-gets-physical-in-on-the-twentieth-century/article_e7392900-b33e-58ea-83cc-79cce3f27030.html
  38. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/law-order-svu-dodds-dies-897533/
  39. https://lawandorder.fandom.com/wiki/Mike_Dodds
  40. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/what-happened-to-mike-dodds-law-order-svu
  41. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Andy-Karl-to-Reprise-Role-of-Phil-Connors-in-the-Australian-Cast-of-GROUNDHOG-DAY-THE-MUSICAL-20231202
  42. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/188204/exclusive-groundhog-day-star-andy-karl-reacts-to-winning-an-olivier-award-im-over-the-moon/
  43. https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2024/feb/02/groundhog-day-review-tim-minchin-musical-princess-theatre
  44. https://playbill.com/person/andy-karl
  45. https://www.broadway.com/buzz/205010/olivier-award-winner-and-tony-nominee-andy-karl-to-join-moulin-rouge-on-broadway/
  46. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Andy-Karl-And-Samantha-Dodemaide-To-Join-MOULIN-ROUGE-On-Broadway-This-January-20241210
  47. https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Andy-Karl-to-Lead-BEETLEJUICE-THE-MUSICAL-in-Brisbane-20251102
  48. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/andy_karl
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0808399/fullcredits
  50. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4919484/fullcredits
  51. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/law-order-svu-new-sergeant-826267/
  52. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/law-order-svu-andy-karl-833589/
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4180366/
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11083652/
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14550432/
  56. https://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/2419344/gossip-girl-2x06-how-to-bury-a-millionaire
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35514078/
  58. https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/281106-andy-karl
  59. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/olivier-awards-2017-winners-991807/
  60. https://playbill.com/article/come-from-away-and-the-great-comet-among-big-winners-at-the-2017-drama-desk-awards
  61. https://variety.com/2017/legit/news/outer-critics-circle-awards-2017-full-list-1202417288/
  62. https://www.broadwayworld.com/tonyawardspersoninfo.php?nomname=Andy%20Karl
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