Claybourne Elder is a Grammy, Screen Actors Guild Award, Drama Desk, and Lucille Lortel–nominated actor currently appearing as John Adams on HBO’s hit series The Gilded Age. He was most recently seen on Broadway in the Tony Award–winning revival of Company and is also known for his performances in Bonnie and Clyde, Sunday in the Park with George, Torch Song, and Sondheim on Sondheim at the Hollywood Bowl.
He began his career originating the role of Hollis in Stephen Sondheim’s Road Show and later originated the role of Ollie in Tennessee Williams’ One Arm. Additional credits include Do I Hear a Waltz? at New York City Center, Allegro at Classic Stage Company, and Venice at The Public Theater.
As a soloist, he has performed at Carnegie Hall and with the LA Philharmonic, the American Pops Orchestra, and the Utah Symphony. Beyond the stage, Claybourne launched City of Strangers, an initiative that provides free Broadway tickets to people who might not otherwise have the means. To date, the program has given away more than 3,000 tickets and has received national attention on This American Life, CBS This Morning, and The Kelly Clarkson Show.