Taye Diggs & Idina Menzel: From "Rent" to Love, Marriage and Parenthood

Julia Bodeeb
Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel both performed in the Broadway show "Rent." This show ran on Broadway for almost 12 years after starting in the East Village, in NYC. They both had a big presence in the long-lasting hit show.

Idina has a luminescent intensity and a memorable voice. Taye has a stunning smile and a high energy stage presence. While viewing "Rent" it was easy to see that these two stars have a natural affinity for the stage and would have strong careers in entertainment.

Idina Menzel & Taye Diggs Were Fabulous in "Rent"

I saw "Rent" in the Nederlander Theater, from the discount seats up front in the first two rows. It was amazing to see this young cast perform in this avant garde tale of life in New York City. "Rent" was an incredibly emotionally moving performance.

Idina and Taye must have fabulous memories of that time in their lives. "Rent" also helped them build fame and career stability. The play earned $280 million dollars during its run on Broadway, notes the New York Times.

The Loss of Jonathan Larsen, Creator of "Rent"

They also suffered through the unexpected tragedy of losing the creator of the show "Rent," Jonathan Larsen, shortly before the show opened on Broadway. He was only age 35 at the time of his death. That must have been a very difficult experience for the cast. That sudden loss also likely helped the cast bond strongly.

Idina and Taye fell in love while working together on "Rent." They are now married and have one child, a son named Walker Nathaniel Diggs.

Taye Diggs

Taye was born in New Jersey and grew up in Rochester, New York. He is a graduate of Syracuse University and earned a B.F.A. in musical theater, notes IMDB. It seems Taye knew early on exactly what kind of career he wanted.

Since performing in "Rent," Taye has also had roles in "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," "The Wood," "The Best Man," "Wicked" and "Captain Richard Davenport."

Taye Diggs is the creator of a new show that will appear on ABC. The show will be called "Matched," notes Perez Hilton. This new series will show the process of adopting children and the people who are involved in making that happen such as doctors, lawyers and social caseworkers.

Idina Menzel

Idina was born in Syosset, New York. She earned a BFA degree in Drama from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts.

Idina won a Tony Award for her role in "Rent" on Broadway. She also has acted in "Glee," "Wicked," "Enchanted," "Ask the Dust," and "Private Practice."

Idina also creates original music and tours as a singer. Her current album is called "I Stand" was released by Warner Brothers. Idina is a mom, an actress and a singer too. She keeps herself very busy.

What next for this Broadway couple who found love on the stage?

Photos of Idina Menzel & Taye Diggs


To see a photo of Idina and Taye at the Kennedy Awards go HERE.

To see Taye and Idina with their son Walker, go HERE.

Sources:

Perez Hilton

IMDB

New York Times

Idina Menzel

IMDB

Published by Julia Bodeeb

Winner, Pulitzer Center Global Issues contest (Washington, DC), semi-finalist: The Nation's poetry contest. Published in newspapers, magazines and many online websites. Sold jokes to a major comic. Over a...  View profile

6 Comments

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  • Cherie12/7/2010

    Idina Menzel won her Tony for "Wicked" not "Rent" for which she was nominated!

  • Charlotte Kuchinsky11/4/2010

    Nicely done.

  • Michele Starkey11/4/2010

    Nice write up on this, cheers :) (p.s. I saw Rent!)

  • Gayle Crabtree11/3/2010

    Another good write-up.

  • Angel Vee11/3/2010

    Neat!

  • Tiffany Booth11/3/2010

    Fantastic! Thanks for sharing =0)

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