Jonathan Burke: Broadway Actor From The Inheritance to Choir Boy

Jonathan Burke is an American stage and television actor who’s built a reputation as one of Broadway’s most dependable performers. Raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he trained at two respected institutions before landing original Broadway cast roles in back-to-back productions. His credits span Tony-winning plays, Off-Broadway premieres, national tours, and recurring TV appearances on major streaming platforms.

What sets Burke apart isn’t just range — it’s consistency. He’s originated roles in The Inheritance, Choir Boy, and Tuck Everlasting, three very different shows that each demanded something distinct from their casts. Whether he’s carrying a dramatic monologue or holding his own in an ensemble, he brings the same grounded intensity. For anyone tracking the current generation of Broadway talent, Burke’s name comes up often and for good reason.

Note: Jonathan Burke shares a surname with other public figures, including actress Delta Burke and journalist Jennifer Burke. Despite the common last name, there’s no verified family connection between them.

Early Life and Education

Jonathan Burke grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where he first got serious about performing. Baltimore has a strong arts community, and Burke took full advantage of it from an early age. His path from a local kid with talent to a working Broadway actor started with two programs that shaped everything that followed.

He attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, a public high school that’s produced a long list of professional actors, musicians, and dancers. The school’s conservatory-style training gave Burke a structured foundation in acting, voice, and movement during his formative years. It’s the kind of program that separates casual interest from genuine commitment, and Burke clearly fell into the latter category.

After graduating, he enrolled at Ithaca College in upstate New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre. Ithaca’s program is well-regarded in the industry, and it gave Burke the technical polish and professional preparation he needed. The curriculum covered acting, singing, dance, and production — the full toolkit for a working musical theatre performer. By the time he graduated, he had the training and the drive to start auditioning in New York.

Broadway Career

Burke’s Broadway career didn’t happen overnight, but once it started, the momentum was real. He’s been part of three original Broadway casts — an accomplishment that most working actors never achieve even once. Each show gave him a different kind of challenge, and he met every one of them.

Tuck Everlasting

Burke’s first Broadway credit came with Tuck Everlasting, the musical adaptation of Natalie Babbitt’s beloved novel. He joined the original Broadway ensemble when the show opened in 2016. While it wasn’t a long-running hit, Tuck Everlasting introduced Burke to Broadway audiences and gave him valuable experience working at the highest level of American theatre. Being part of an original cast — even in an ensemble role — carries weight in the industry, and it signaled that Burke was ready for bigger things.

Choir Boy

His breakout came with Choir Boy, Tarell Alvin McCraney’s acclaimed play about a gifted young singer navigating identity and tradition at an elite Black prep school. Burke originated the role of Pharus Jonathan Young, the lead character, when the production hit Broadway in 2019. It was a demanding part — emotionally complex, vocally challenging, and absolutely central to the story.

The production earned strong reviews, and Burke’s performance drew particular attention. Playing Pharus required him to balance vulnerability with defiance, and he did it with a naturalness that felt effortless even when the material was heavy. Choir Boy established Burke as more than a reliable ensemble member; it proved he could carry a show.

The Inheritance

Burke continued his original-cast streak with The Inheritance, Matthew Lopez’s two-part epic that reimagined E.M. Forster’s Howards End through the lens of contemporary gay life in New York. The production transferred to Broadway in 2019 after a celebrated London run and went on to win the Tony Award for Best Play.

Being part of a Tony-winning production cemented Burke’s standing in the Broadway community. The Inheritance was a massive undertaking — two full-length plays performed in repertory — and it required sustained commitment from every cast member. Burke was up to the task, contributing to what became one of the most talked-about theatrical events of its season.

Off-Broadway and Regional Theatre

Burke’s work hasn’t been limited to Broadway. He’s maintained an active presence Off-Broadway and in regional theatres across the country, taking on roles that showcase his versatility.

Off-Broadway highlights include:

• Toni Stone at Roundabout Theatre Company — He originated the role of Elzie in this production about the first woman to play professional baseball in a men’s league.
• Joan of Arc: Into the Fire at The Public Theater — He played the Priest/Judge in this musical at one of New York’s most respected Off-Broadway venues.
• Langston in Harlem at Urban Stages — He took on the role of Junior Addict in this production honoring Langston Hughes.

In regional theatre, Burke has worked at The Muny in St. Louis (one of the largest outdoor theatres in the country), Syracuse Stage, Hangar Theatre, and several other venues. His role as Bert in Mary Poppins at Syracuse Stage earned him a SALT Award for Leading Actor in a Musical. He’s also toured nationally with productions of Mary Poppins, A Christmas Story: The Musical, and Cats.

TV and Film

While theatre remains Burke’s primary home, he’s made steady inroads into television. His screen credits include appearances on several well-known series:

• Harlem (Amazon Prime) — He played the recurring role of Eric in this comedy-drama series about a group of friends in New York City.
• New Amsterdam (NBC) — He appeared in the popular medical drama set at a public hospital in Manhattan.
• Only Murders in the Building (Hulu) — He made an appearance in this hit mystery-comedy starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez.

Burke’s screen work reflects the same professionalism he brings to the stage. TV roles for theatre actors can sometimes feel like afterthoughts, but Burke has chosen projects that let him do real work on camera. His ability to move between stage and screen without losing his edge speaks to the depth of his training and instincts as a performer.

Personal Life

Burke is based in New York City, which makes sense given that Broadway is the center of his professional life. He’s spoken publicly about his identity as a Black, queer actor and has been open about the importance of representation in theatre and media. In interviews, he’s discussed how his mother played a significant role in shaping his values and supporting his career from the beginning.

Outside of performing, Burke has been involved in community outreach and arts education initiatives. He’s used his platform to advocate for greater diversity in casting and storytelling, something that’s clearly personal to him given the kinds of roles he’s chosen throughout his career. His commitment to the community extends beyond what happens on stage — it’s a consistent thread in how he talks about his work and his responsibilities as an artist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Broadway shows has Jonathan Burke been in?

Jonathan Burke has been part of three original Broadway casts: Tuck Everlasting (2016), Choir Boy (2019), and The Inheritance (2019). He originated the lead role of Pharus Jonathan Young in Choir Boy and was part of the Tony Award-winning cast of The Inheritance.

Where did Jonathan Burke go to school?

Burke attended the Baltimore School for the Arts for high school, then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre from Ithaca College in New York. Both programs are well-regarded for training professional performers.

Where is Jonathan Burke from?

Jonathan Burke is from Baltimore, Maryland. He grew up there and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts before moving to New York to pursue his acting career.

What TV shows has Jonathan Burke appeared in?

Burke has appeared in Harlem on Amazon Prime, New Amsterdam on NBC, and Only Murders in the Building on Hulu, among other television credits.