Jefferson Mays

Jefferson Mays, born Lewis Jefferson Mays on June 8, 1965, is a distinguished American actor recognized for his remarkable contributions to film, television, and especially the stage. Growing up in Clinton, Connecticut, Mays was influenced by his father, a naval intelligence officer, and his mother, a children's librarian. He pursued higher education at Yale College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California, San Diego.

Mays gained widespread acclaim for his performance in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play *I Am My Own Wife* by Doug Wright, appearing on Broadway from November 2003 to October 2004 after initial runs Off-Broadway and at the La Jolla Playhouse. His portrayal earned him the prestigious Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play in 2004, along with a Drama Desk Award, an Obie Award, and a Theatre World Award. His excellence was further recognized internationally with the 2007 Helpmann Award for Best Male Actor in a Play for the Australian production of the same work.

In 2007, he portrayed Henry Higgins in a revival of *Pygmalion* and later starred in *Journey's End* as Private Mason. Mays showcased his versatility in the 2013 Broadway musical *A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder*, where he played eight different roles, winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical and receiving a Tony nomination. His career continues to reflect a dedication to the craft and an impressive range of performances across multiple genres.