Anil Kumar, a classically trained actor, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and raised in Kent, Ohio. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kent State University and earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Professional Actor Training Program at Rutgers University under the guidance of renowned instructors William Esper, Maggie Flanagan, Leonard Petit, Pierre Lefevre, and Lloyd Williamson.
Kumar has accumulated a diverse range of television credits, including leading, recurring, and guest starring roles on popular shows such as "The Cape," "Life," "Nip/Tuck," "K-Ville," "E-ring," "Inconceivable," "Six Feet Under," "24," "JAG," "ER," "Miss Match," "The Agency," "Traffic," "Law & Order: SVU," and "Oz." His film credits include "The 5," "The Ode," "Pride and Glory," "The Two Faces of Janus," "Westbank Brooklyn," "Marmalade," "Story of a Bad Boy," "The Karaoke King," and the cult hit "American Desi." Kumar is currently guest starring on the ABC series "Revenge."
As a stage actor, Kumar has performed in almost every major city in the United States. His New York City stage debut was alongside Alec Baldwin, Angela Bassett, and Liev Schreiber in the Public Theater's production of "Macbeth," directed by George C. Wolfe. While in New York, he collaborated with notable directors and actors, including Terrance McNally, Joseph Chaikin, Joe Mantello, and Lynne Meadow.
Kumar originated the role of Mohamed in the Broadway hit "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife," alongside Valerie Harper, Linda Lavin, Michele Lee, and Tony Roberts. He also originated the role of Vincent in the world premiere of Harry Kondolean's "Saved or Destroyed" at the Cleveland Public, and co-starred in the US premiere of Tom Stoppard's "Indian Ink" at ACT in San Francisco, directed by Carey Perloff.
As a founding member of East 4th Street Productions, Kumar originated leading roles and produced several critically acclaimed world premier plays in NYC and LA, including "Backseats and Bathroom Stalls," "What's Wrong with Getting Laid?," and "The Dairy Farm: Land of Milk and Hunnies." His play "Love Sucks" enjoyed a sold-out 16-week run at The Coast Playhouse in West Hollywood.
Kumar is currently working on his first solo play, "Rise and Shine: a semi-autobiographical cautionary tale," which will soon premiere in Los Angeles, directed by Reena Dutt and featuring musical direction by Samrat Chakrabarti.
In addition to his acting career, Kumar serves on the Board of Directors for the elementary school dance program Ballroom Madness, which implements a dynamic dance program that develops creative potential, sets a foundation of respect, teamwork, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment for every student. He has also written three children's books with his sister-in-law, illustrator and collaborator Heather Valenzuela.
When not acting, Kumar enjoys snowboarding, is a Pisces, and plays the guitar very poorly.
