Hamilton Original Cast: Verified Lineup and Roles
The Hamilton original cast refers to the principal actors who first performed the fully-staged Broadway production at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on August 6, 2015. This verified cast profile covers Lin-Manuel Miranda’s dual role as Alexander Hamilton and narrator, Phillipa Soo as Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler Church, Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds, Christopher Jackson as George Washington, Anthony Ramos as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, and Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr. Below you’ll find names, characters, and verifiable production milestones relevant for research, performance comparisons, and historical context.
Principal Cast and Characters
The table below lists the core cast members of the original Broadway production of Hamilton and the principal characters they originated on stage.
| Actor | Primary Character(s) | Verified Role Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lin-Manuel Miranda | Alexander Hamilton, Narrator | Book, music, and lyrics by Miranda; originated both roles on Broadway. |
| Phillipa Soo | Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton | Originated the role of Eliza on Broadway. |
| Daveed Diggs | Marquis de Lafayette, Thomas Jefferson | Performed both roles in the original cast. |
| Renée Elise Goldsberry | Angelica Schuyler Church | Originated Angelica; won Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. |
| Jasmine Cephas Jones | Peggy Schuyler, Maria Reynolds | Originated both roles in the original production. |
| Christopher Jackson | George Washington | Originated the role of Washington on Broadway. |
| Anthony Ramos | John Laurens, Philip Hamilton | Performed both roles in the original cast. |
| Okieriete Onaodowan | Hercules Mulligan, James Madison | Originated both roles on Broadway. |
| Leslie Odom Jr. | Aaron Burr | Originated the role of Burr; later nominated for a Tony Award. |
Original Broadway Opening and Key Dates
Hamilton opened off-Broadway at The Public Theater in early 2015 before transferring to Broadway. The official Broadway opening occurred on August 6, 2015, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The production ran for a decade, concluding on July 9, 2025, making it one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. Ticket prices at launch varied by demand and seating, with premium prices above standard tiers for high-demand performances.
Notable Replacements and Legacy Performers
While the original cast defines the initial creative window, several notable performers joined the company in subsequent years. Jonathan Groff assumed the role of King George III, starting as a temporary performer and later becoming a permanent fixture. Other major replacements included Jeremy Pope, Andrew Rannells, and Rory O’Malley in various roles. Non-musician cameos and ensemble members also shaped the show’s evolving tapestry, but the original nine principal performers remain the definitive starting point for any cast lineage study.
Verifiable Production Milestones
Since opening, Hamilton has achieved multiple historic benchmarks. The show won 11 Tony Awards in 2016, including Best Musical, and later earned a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. A filmed version released on Disney+ in 2020 expanded access globally, featuring the original cast members in their originating roles. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work on the soundtrack and score became a cultural touchstone, driving sustained interest in the cast and creative team.
Original Cast Impact and Fan Community
Fans often distinguish the original cast from later actors who joined the touring companies and West End productions. The Broadway original cast recording, released ahead of the Tony telecast, captured the performances that first resonated widely. Listener interest in vocal timbre, character embodiment, and historical interpretation continues to shape discourse around who played which role and how those choices influenced the musical’s reception.
Beyond the Original Cast: The 2025 Touring Landscape
By 2025, multiple touring companies and international productions feature their own casts, interpretations, and orchestrations. While these iterations keep the show visible across regions, the original Broadway version remains the benchmark for critical analysis, fan comparisons, and archival study. Understanding the original lineup helps contextualize later casting decisions and variations in staging, orchestration, and choreography.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was in the original cast of Hamilton on Broadway? The original Broadway cast included Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Daveed Diggs, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Christopher Jackson, Anthony Ramos, Okieriete Onaodowan, and Leslie Odom Jr.
- Which Hamilton original cast member won a Tony? Renée Elise Goldsberry won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Angelica Schuyler Church.
- When did the original Broadway production of Hamilton open and close? The show opened on August 6, 2015, and closed on July 9, 2025.
- Was Lin-Manuel Miranda part of the original cast? Yes, Lin-Manuel Miranda originated the roles of Alexander Hamilton and the Narrator on Broadway.
- Where can you see the original cast perform together again? The original cast reunited for the filmed performance released on Disney+ in 2020; no full staged reunions are scheduled for 2025.