Jan 2, 1971
Capricorn
Newark, NJ
54 years old
N/A
N/A
Movie Actor
Scott Leo “Taye” Diggs (born January 2, 1971) is a multifaceted American actor, producer, and singer. He’s known for his compelling performances across Broadway, television, and film. Notable credits include Rent, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Private Practice, Murder in the First, and blockbuster films like How Stella Got Her Groove Back (his cinematic debut) and the celebrated genre romance The Best Man .
Early Life & Education
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Taye is the eldest of five children from Marcia (Berry), a teacher and actress, and Andre Young, a visual artist . Raised in Rochester, NY, he adopted “Diggs” from his stepfather, Jeffries Diggs, and earned the nickname “Taye” from a playful twist on “Scotty” .
He attended Allendale Columbia School and the School of the Arts, then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Syracuse University in 1993 .
Broadway Beginnings & Stage Triumphs
Made his Broadway debut in the 1994 revival of Carousel .
Landed a breakthrough role as Benny in Rent (1996, Broadway), later reprised for the film adaptation .
Played Billy Flynn in Chicago (2002) and took on the famously complex role of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2015), receiving widespread acclaim .
Screen Career: Film & Television Highlights
Film
1998: Film debut in How Stella Got Her Groove Back (Winston Shakespeare) .
1999: Starred as Harper Stewart in The Best Man, earning a much-loved role that he reprised in The Best Man Holiday (2013) .
Other notable roles include Brown Sugar, Chicago, Malibu’s Most Wanted, Equilibrium, and voice roles in My Little Pony: The Movie en.w.
Television
Late 1990s–2000s: From soap opera Guiding Light to sitcom Ally McBeal and starring role in Kevin Hill .
2007–2013: Gained recognition as Dr. Sam Bennett on Private Practice.
2014–2016: Led TNT thriller Murder in the First .
2018–2023: Featured as Coach Billy Baker in CW’s All American, influencing castmates even after his departure.
Additional TV credits include guest spots on Grey’s Anatomy, The West Wing, Will & Grace, and voice roles in animated series .
Beyond Acting: Writing, Producing & Teaching
Authored popular children’s books: Mixed Me!, Chocolate Me (2015), I Love You More Than… (2018), and My Friend! (2021) .
Co-directs Dre.dance, a dance company, and hosts workshops as a choreographer and teacher in LA .
Produced TV dramas like Kevin Hill and Day Break, and served as executive producer on Lifetime’s Terry McMillan Presents: Forever (2024) .
Personal Life
Married Rent co-star Idina Menzel in 2003; welcomed son Walker (2009). They divorced in 2014. Taye later dated Amanza Smith and Apryl Jones .
Fatherly influence celebrated: proud dad moments include red-carpet appearances with Walker, now a teen .
Why Taye Diggs Inspires
Taye Diggs’s career—spanning beloved stage roles, powerful TV characters, film hits, children’s literature, and creative production—highlights both his artistry and his passion for storytelling. A dynamic performer, teacher, and parent, he continues to leave a heartfelt impact in entertainment and beyond.
