A Journey from Disney to the West End
Corbin Bleu, best known for his role as Chad Danforth in the High School Musical trilogy, has come a long way since his early days on the Disney Channel. Now 37, he has transitioned into a successful career on the stage, with aspirations of winning an Olivier Award this Sunday.
His current nomination comes for his performance in The Great Gatsby – A New Musical at the London Coliseum. This marks a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his growth from a teen actor to a respected stage performer.
Early Beginnings and Career Foundations
Corbin’s journey began at just two years old when he started working in commercials and modelling for brands like Gap and Tommy Hilfiger. He quickly followed in the footsteps of his father, David Reivers, who appeared as Corbin’s real-life dad in High School Musical, Jump In! and Free Style.
After joining theatre school, Corbin made his Broadway debut at 20 as Usnavi de la Vega in In The Heights. His West End debut came last year as Nick Carraway alongside Amber Davies, who played Jordan Baker. Since then, he has returned to Broadway to reprise his role as Nick in The Great Gatsby.
Diverse Stage Credits and Recognition
Corbin’s stage credits are extensive, including roles such as Ted Hanover in Holiday Inn, Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray, and Jesus Christ in Godspell. He also appeared as Bill Calhoun/Lucentio in Kiss Me, Kate, earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor.
Speaking on Amber’s Call To Stage podcast, Corbin shared his deep connection to Broadway. “I had my sights set on Broadway from a very early age,” he said. “My mum kept so many of our school work papers and reports, and there was one that I had written in my second grade where I talk about being on Broadway, it was so cool.”
Reflections on His Past and Present
Corbin reflected on his time in High School Musical, saying, “I have things, projects and actors that I grew up with that shaped who I am and inspired me to do what I do.” He added, “It’s surreal to me that I’m part of that, in a way I feel moved from it because there is no way that’s me. But there is of course that we are 20 years out from it and I’ve had an entire career since then and there are people that it’s all they can see.”
Despite his success, Corbin remains close to his High School Musical co-star Monique Coleman, who played Taylor. The pair even starred together in A Christmas Dance Reunion in 2021.
Beyond the Stage: Dancing and Music
In addition to his stage work, Corbin has explored other creative avenues. He was the runner-up on season 17 of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars and has released two albums. His versatility as an entertainer continues to shine through different mediums.
Corbin now resides in the US with his long-time wife, Sasha Clements, who is also an actress. Their partnership has been a constant source of support throughout his career.
The Olivier Awards and Future Prospects
The Olivier Awards 2026 will return to the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate its 50th anniversary on April 12. Among the frontrunners for London’s biggest theatre awards are Paddington: The Musical and Into The Woods, each receiving 11 nominations.
As Corbin continues to make waves on the stage, his journey from a Disney star to a celebrated actor is a testament to his dedication and passion for the performing arts. With his recent nomination, the world is watching to see if he will add another accolade to his impressive resume.
