James Cusati-Moyer: Spotlight on a Fearless Talent Shaping Queer Theatre

James Cusati-Moyer, born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has emerged as one of the most compelling actors of his generation, recognized for his fearless choices and unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling. Raised by a single mother, Cusati-Moyer credits his grandmother’s love for classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals as the spark that inspired his early passion for performing arts .

After high school, Cusati-Moyer honed his craft at the prestigious Yale School of Drama, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts. The rigorous training and diverse projects at Yale would lay the foundation for a career defined by range and depth, and fuel his commitment to inclusive, boundary-pushing work .

Cusati-Moyer’s Broadway debut came in the revival of "Six Degrees of Separation," directed by Trip Cullman, where his performance quickly caught the attention of critics and casting directors alike . However, it was his role as Dustin in Jeremy O. Harris’s "Slave Play" that catapulted him into the national conversation. The production, which interrogates race, sexuality, and power dynamics in bold new ways, earned Cusati-Moyer a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play in 2020 .

The critical acclaim didn’t end at Broadway’s doors. In 2024, Cusati-Moyer reprised his role in "Slave Play" for its West End run, further cementing his reputation as a fearless interpreter of complex, intersectional material . His approach to character-building, described as both "rigorously intellectual and deeply empathetic," makes him a standout voice in the evolving landscape of queer theatre.

His off-Broadway credits are equally notable, including the world premiere of Terrence McNally’s "Fire and Air" at Classic Stage Company and "The Soldier’s Tale" at Carnegie Hall, collaborating with industry legends such as Michael Cerveris .

Cusati-Moyer’s impact extends beyond the stage. On television, he brought nuance to the role of Nico Stavros on the Fox procedural "Prodigal Son," and played Val in Shondaland and Netflix’s "Inventing Anna," working alongside Anna Chlumsky . Additional credits include appearances on "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," "The Path," "Red Oaks," "Blue Bloods," and "Time After Time" .

His film work features roles in "Black Adam" (2022) as Samir, "Maestro" (2023) as Georgie, and a standout appearance in the indie horror "False Positive" (2021) . Upcoming projects include the independent feature "The True Beauty of Being Bitten by a Tick" (2025) and the Italian film "Sacred Creatures," signaling his growing international profile .

As an openly queer artist, Cusati-Moyer’s work resonates powerfully within LGBTQ+ communities. "Slave Play" was celebrated for its frank interrogation of identity and desire, and Cusati-Moyer’s performances have often been framed by critics as emblematic of a new generation of artists dedicated to honest, inclusive storytelling .

In interviews, he has reflected on the responsibility and joy of representing queer perspectives, especially on major platforms. Cusati-Moyer has been vocal about the importance of roles that reflect the complexity of LGBTQ+ experiences and challenge reductive stereotypes, stating that “the act of being visible, especially in work that doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, is itself a form of activism” .

Now, as he joins the cast of the highly anticipated play "Messy White Gays" in New York City, Cusati-Moyer is poised to further his mission of queer visibility and theatrical innovation. The production, already generating buzz for its candid exploration of identity, privilege, and community, offers another platform for Cusati-Moyer’s unique blend of vulnerability and command.

Fans and critics alike await his next moves—on stage, on screen, and as a leading voice for authentic representation in the arts. James Cusati-Moyer’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of queer storytelling in contemporary culture.