Lin-Manuel Miranda
1980–present
Creating and starring in the hit Broadway musicals *Hamilton* and *In the Heights*
Early Life
Lin-Manuel Miranda was born on January 16, 1980, in New York City. His parents were from Puerto Rico, and they filled their home with music, stories, and love for their culture.
As a kid, Lin loved to write. He made short plays and songs at home and even put on shows for his family. Music and words became his favorite tools for sharing ideas.
Loving Music and Learning
Lin went to a school where he discovered hip-hop, theater, and classic Broadway songs. He liked mixing styles together, which made his music sound fresh and exciting.
In college, he kept writing and performing. That’s where he began working on a musical called *In the Heights*, inspired by the neighborhood where he grew up.
Big Break on Broadway
*In the Heights* opened on Broadway in 2008 and became a huge success. It won awards and showed how different kinds of music and stories could shine on stage.
Later, Lin had a bold idea: tell the story of American history using rap and hip-hop. This idea became *Hamilton*, a musical about Alexander Hamilton.
Changing Theater Forever
*Hamilton* became one of the most famous musicals in the world. People loved its catchy songs, diverse cast, and exciting way of teaching history.
Lin didn’t just write the music—he also performed in the show! His work helped many kids and adults feel excited about learning history.
More Than Musicals
Lin has worked on movies, TV shows, and animated films. He wrote songs for movies like *Moana* and *Encanto*, which many families enjoy singing together.
He also uses his fame to help others, supporting schools, disaster relief, and young artists. Lin believes stories can make the world kinder and more connected.
Legacy
Lin-Manuel Miranda showed that creativity and hard work can open big doors. By mixing cultures, music styles, and history, he inspired a new generation to tell their own stories.
His message is simple and powerful: your voice matters, and your story is worth sharing.
🎉 Fun Facts
Lin-Manuel wrote the first song of *Hamilton* while on vacation.
He loves word games and puzzles, especially crosswords.
Lin often performs surprise songs at schools and community events.
He named his son Sebastian after Sebastian the crab from *The Little Mermaid*.