Caesar Samayoa
American stage actor
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Caesar Samayoa is an American stage actor.
Early life and education
Samayoa's parents immigrated to the United States from Guatemala.[1] He grew up in Spanish Harlem, and attended school in Emerson, New Jersey.[1][2] He became interested in theater after seeing Anna Deavere Smith perform in Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.[1][3]
After first attending Bucknell University, Samayoa transferred to Ithaca College, where he graduated with a degree in drama.[2][4]
Career
Samayoa's first theater role in New York City was in 1997 in Joe Calarco’s Shakespeare's R&J, where he played Juliet, Benvolio, and Montague.[2][3]
When Samayoa was first offered the opportunity to join Come From Away, he was skeptical, having heard it pitched as a "9/11 musical".[5][6] In addition to the event's influence on American society, Samayoa had been in New York City on the day of the attacks.[5] However, he changed his mind after reading the show's script at the request of his agent.[6] Samayoa began performing as part of Come from Away's cast in 2015, and originated the roles of Kevin J. and Ali in the 2017 Broadway production.[6] He remained with the show until 2022.[6]
In 2023, Samayoa originated the role of Dr. Amigo in the Broadway production of How to Dance in Ohio.[7]
In 2025, Samayoa originated the role of Don Kirshner and others in the Broadway production of the Bobby Darin bio-musical Just in Time.[8]
Roles
| Year | Show | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Shakespeare's R&J | Juliet, Benvolio, Montague | Off-Broadway | [2][3] |
| 2002` | Call the Children Home | Regional | [9] | |
| 2006 | Hot Feet | Understudy (Louie) | [10] | |
| 2007 | The Attic | [11][12] | ||
| 2010 | The Pee-wee Herman Show | Understudy (Bear, Cowboy Curtis, King of Cartoons, Sergio, Voices) | [10] | |
| 2011 | Sister Act | Pablo | ||
| 2013 | Love's Labour's Lost | Don Armando | Shakespeare in the Park | [13] |
| 2015 | Come from Away | Kevin J./Ali and others | Regional | |
| 2017 | Broadway | [10] | ||
| 2022 | Los Otros | Carlos | Off-Broadway | [14][15] |
| 2023 | Evita | Juan Perón | Regional | [16][17] |
| How to Dance in Ohio | Dr. Emilio Amigo | Broadway | [10][7] | |
| 2024 | Seared | Harry | Regional | [18] |
| 2025 | Just in Time | Don Kirshner and others | Broadway | [8] |
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors Awards | HOLA José Ferrer Tespis Award | Won | [19] |