(Michael Walker) is among today’s most successful and multitalented artists, who has garnered acclaim in both the music and acting arenas. His love of music and performing dates back to his childhood in New Orleans, where he first performed publicly at age five, appeared on his first recording at age nine, and released his self-titled major label debut for Columbia Records at 19, only a year after his high school graduation. In the two decades since, he has released 24 albums, totaling more than 28 million in sales, and has received numerous honors, including three Grammy Awards.
Connick’s initial foray into the world of motion pictures came in 1990 when he made his feature film acting debut in the World War II drama “Memphis Belle.” His acting credits also include Jodie Foster’s “Little Man Tate”; Jon Amiel’s “Copycat”; “Independence Day,” with Will Smith; “Hope Floats,” opposite Sandra Bullock; “Mickey,” written by John Grisham; William Friedkin’s “Bug”; Richard LaGravenese’s “P.S. I Love You,” with Hilary Swank; and “New in Town,” opposite Renée Zellweger. Most recently he starred alongside Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd in Dolphin Tale which reached #1 at the box office. On the small screen, Connick recently appeared opposite Mariska Hargitay on NBC’s “Law & Order SVU.” He also starred in the ABC presentation of the musical “South Pacific” and played the recurring role of Grace’s love interest, Dr. Leo Markus, on the hit NBC series “Will & Grace.” In addition, he won Emmy Awards for the PBS Great Performances concert specials “Harry Connick, Jr: Only You,” and “Harry Connick, Jr. In Concert on Broadway.” He also starred in two holiday specials, “When My Heart Finds Christmas” and “Harry for the Holidays,” both built around his bestselling holiday albums.
No stranger to the New York theater scene, he returned to Broadway in the revival of On A Clear Day You Can See Forever following the sold-out, critically acclaimed 2010 run of Harry Connick, Jr. in Concert on Broadway at the Neil Simon 18 Theatre. His concerts at the Neil Simon marked the 20th anniversary of his sold-out concert series at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in 1990. Connick received Tony nominations for his performance as Sid Sorokin in The Pajama Game, which was hailed as “absolutely sensational” and “a Broadway debut of legendary proportions,” and for the music and lyrics he composed for Thou Shalt Not which was directed by Susan Stroman.
