Austin P. McKenzie is an American stage and screen actor, as well as a recording artist. Born on August 24, 1993, in Mesa, Arizona, he is best known for his performances in ABC's When We Rise and the 2015 Broadway Revival of Spring Awakening.
After working at a summer camp for children and adults with mental and physical challenges, McKenzie enrolled at Columbia College Chicago to study American Sign Language and Childhood Education. However, he decided to pursue a career in acting after accepting a role in a small play in Los Angeles.
McKenzie made his theatrical debut in September 2014, playing the role of Melchior Gabor in the Deaf West Theatre production of Spring Awakening. The production was simultaneously performed in American Sign Language and spoken English, featuring a mix of hearing and deaf actors.
In 2015, the production transferred to Broadway, and McKenzie officially made his Broadway debut. He also starred in the feature film Speech & Debate, a dark comedy about a trio of misfit teenagers.
In 2017, McKenzie made his television debut as the lead in ABC's mini-series When We Rise, which focused on the gay, female, and civil rights movements. He portrayed the activist Cleve Jones, who was a key figure in the fight against AIDS.
In addition to his acting career, McKenzie is also a recording artist. He has released two full studio albums, which are available worldwide. His music is jazzy, mysterious, soulful, and dark, similar to the likes of Jeff Buckley, Lana del Rey, and Amy Winehouse.
Austin P. McKenzie currently resides in Los Angeles and is expected to release his next album later in 2020. He is also set to appear in the film "Unhinged," starring Russell Crowe, which is expected to premiere later in 2020.
