Jonathan David Larson is an American actor best known for portraying DC’s superhero, Flash, in their “Justice League” franchise. He was born on September 30, 1992, in Wyckoff, New Jersey to parents of Dutch and German descent. Even at a young age, Miller knew he was bound for stardom and started training as an opera singer at six years old. The aspiring actor continued his schooling until he was 16 and then dropped out to pursue acting full-time.
was born on February 4, 1960, in Mt. Vernon, New York, to Nanette and Allan Larson. He was an American composer, lyricist, and playwright. He was most famous for musicals such as “Rent” and “Tick, Tick… Boom!” He received multiple awards posthumously, including a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
At a young age, Larson took singing lessons and learned to play the trumpet, tuba, and piano. He attended White Plains High School, where he acted and performed lead roles in various productions. He then attended Adelphi University with an acting scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. During his stay at the university, he collaborated with David Glenn Armstrong, and the two co-wrote “Saved! – An Immoral Musical on the Moral Majority.”
He received multiple accolades and praise for several works. One of his earlier works, “Superbia,” was inspired by George Orwell’s “1984” and won the Richard Rogers Production Award and the Richard Rogers Development Grant. Unfortunately, “Superbia” never went into full production. Larson’s subsequent work, “Tick, Tick… Boom!” was an autobiographical rock monologue expressing his rejection caused by the disappointing outcome of “Superbia.” It was later reworked into a stage musical and was later adapted into a film in 2021. “Rent” was also one of the works that put Larson on the map. It was a rock musical loosely based on the 1896 opera “La bohème.” “Rent” told the story of young artists and their struggles to make a name for themselves in Lower Manhattan’s East Village.
Unfortunately, Larson was found dead in his home on January 25, 1996. His death was determined to be caused by an aortic dissection. He was only 35 years old. With his works receiving worldwide acclaim, people were saddened to learn that the writer had passed in his prime. As his works spread, people started wanting to learn more about the composer’s personal life, his relationships, and his sexuality. Was Jonathan Larson gay? Did he get married? Did he have relationships with women? Let’s read further and learn more about the playwright’s sexuality.
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Jonathan Larson’s Relationships
Although “Tick, Tick… Boom!” was the playwright’s autobiography, little is known about Larson and his relationships. He had dated many women, but most were short flings. He has two known relations with women, but other than that, Larson kept his relationships private. The following is a summary of Larson’s known relationships.
Jonathan Larson and Victoria Leacock
Victoria Leacock and Larson met at Adelphi University when she was only 17 years old. Leacock was kind, bohemian, and exotic, which drew Larson to her. It’s unclear when the couple started dating and when their relationship ended. Leacock reportedly stated that she and Larson had troubles in their relationship because Larson was too busy with his career. Larson had his sights on becoming a renowned playwright and to have his works adapted for the stage. He reportedly didn’t show much interest in Leacock’s career pursuits.
After the couple split, they remained good friends. Their bond evolved and transcended beyond friendship and romance. She was his confidante who reviewed a lot of his work. She also provided him with ideas he later used in his plays. When Larson passed away, Leacock still promoted him and his work as much as she could. Larson’s relationship with Leacock influenced many aspects of “Tick, Tick… Boom!”
Jonathan Larson and Susan Wilson
Susan Wilson was a dancer turned teacher and dated Larson before his death. There is very little information about the dancer and her relationship with Larson. They were reportedly together for several years, longer than Leacock, but she was allegedly often with other men. Wilson eventually left Larson for another woman. This experience also had a significant influence on Larson’s “Rent.”
Praise for Larson and His Works
Though he spent most of his short life trying to make ends meet and getting his work adapted for the stage, most praise came after the writer’s death. In 1996, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical, Best Musical, Best Original Score, Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Lyrics, and New York Drama Critics’ Circle for Best Musical for “Rent.” He was also nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Music, and Outstanding Lyrics in 2002 for “Tick, Tick… Boom!”
Jonathan Larson’s Legacy
After Larson’s death, his family established the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation, an organization that provided monetary grants and support for emerging artists, theatre composers, and writers in countries all over the world. In 2021, “Tick, Tick… Boom!” was adapted into a film by director Lin-Manuel Miranda. Andrew Garfield portrayed Larson in the film. The film was named one of the best films of 2021 by the American Film Institute and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the 79th Golden Globe Awards. Garfield won the nomination.
Was Jonathan Larson Gay?
No, Jonathan Larson was not gay. Larson has two known relationships with women and with several others that are unknown. He was not spotted with nor rumored to be in relationships with men. He was, however, a strong supporter of the LGBTQ community and was an advocate for equal rights.
Featured Image: “Jonathan Larson”, by Library of Congress, licensed under PDM 1.0 DEED