Caesar Samayoa is an American stage actor.
Early life and education Samayoa's parents immigrated to the United States from Guatemala. He grew up in Spanish Harlem, and attended school in Emerson, New Jersey. He became interested in theater after seeing Anna Deavere Smith perform in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.
After first attending Bucknell University, Samayoa transferred to Ithaca College, where he graduated with a degree in drama.
Career Samayoa's first theater role in New York City was in 1997 in Joe Calarco’s Shakespeare's R&J, where he played Juliet, Benvolio, and Montague.
When Samayoa was first offered the opportunity to join Come From Away, he was skeptical, having heard it pitched as a "9/11 musical". In addition to the event's influence on American society, Samayoa had been in New York City on the day of the attacks. However, he changed his mind after reading the show's script at the request of his agent. Samayoa began performing as part of Come from Away's cast in 2015, and originated the roles of Kevin J. and Ali in the 2017 Broadway production. He remained with the show until 2022.
In 2023, Samayoa originated the role of Dr. Amigo in the Broadway production of How to Dance in Ohio.
In 2025, Samayoa originated the role of Don Kirshner and others in the Broadway production of the Bobby Darin bio-musical Just in Time.
Roles +YearShowRoleNotesRef1997Shakespeare's R&JJuliet, Benvolio, MontagueOff-Broadway2002`Call the Children HomeRegional2006Hot FeetUnderstudy (Louie)2007The Attic2010The Pee-wee Herman ShowUnderstudy (Bear, Cowboy Curtis, King of Cartoons, Sergio, Voices)2011Sister ActPablo2013Love's Labour's LostDon ArmandoShakespeare in the Park2015Come from AwayKevin J./Ali and othersRegional2017Broadway2022Los OtrosCarlosOff-Broadway2023EvitaJuan PerónRegionalHow to Dance in OhioDr. Emilio AmigoBroadway2024SearedHarryRegional2025Just in TimeDon Kirshner and othersBroadway
Awards +YearAwardCategoryResultRef2022Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors AwardsHOLA José Ferrer Tespis Award
Personal life Samayoa, who is gay, married talent agent Christopher Freer in June 2022. Outside of theater, he enjoys cooking.
References