Biography
American actor Skylar Astin wasn't just exceedingly handsome - the guy could also sing, as he proved in his breakout performance in the surprise musical/comedy hit "Pitch Perfect" (2012). Raised just outside of New York City, Astin went on to attend Tisch School of the Arts in Manhattan, but left when he landed a role in the Broadway production of "Spring Awakening," appearing in the lauded play from 2006 to '08. After making his film debut in the quirky show-tune-tinged comedy "Hamlet 2" (2008), he performed in a 2010 revival of "Rent." He subsequently worked on TV pilots that weren't picked up, but finally had a banner year in 2012, with various roles in major screen productions, most notably "Pitch Perfect." Suddenly, Astin was more than just a young actor who could belt it out; he had a bona fide following. A native New Yorker who was born Skylar Lipstein, Astin opted to go with his middle name after deciding to pursue acting and singing seriously as a teen. Dropping his drama studies in 2006 to join the original Broadway cast of the hit musical "Spring Awakening," Astin later had his first foray into cinema with the outrageous oddball indie "Hamlet 2," starring Steve Coogan. While continuing to build his screen resume, he also won over more theater fans with a featured role as Mark Cohen in a 2010 version of the beloved musical "Rent," directed by no less than star song-and-dance man Neil Patrick Harris. Although Astin was involved in a number of TV and film projects that failed to take off, he connected with various high-profile productions in 2012. After guest appearances on episodes of the irreverent cable comedy "Girls" (HBO, 2012-18) and the long-running medical series "House" (Fox, 2004-2012), he portrayed Jesse Swanson, the vocally skilled love interest of Anna Kendrick's lead character in "Pitch Perfect," which won over an extremely enthusiastic crowd. He followed this considerable success with a bit part in the CGI-animated video-game adventure "Wreck-It Ralph" (2012) and a featured role in the raucous comedy "21 & Over" (2013). Astin next starred opposite Briga Heelan in workplace-romance sitcom "Ground Floor" (TBS 2013-15) for two seaons before returning to his breakout role in "Pitch Perfect 2" (2015). After so-starring in the comedy "Graves" (Epix 2016-17) with Nick Nolte, Astin replaced Santino Fontina as Greg in the final season of the cult musical comedy "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" (CW 2015-19).
