Mike Faist, born Michael David Faist on January 5, 1992, in Gahanna, Ohio, is an American actor known for his dynamic performances on stage and screen. Adopted by Julia and Kurt Faist, who own a real estate business, Mike discovered his passion for performing arts at a young age. Inspired by classic MGM films, he began taking dance classes at the age of five and soon started auditioning for community theater productions. His early roles included parts in "The Wizard of Oz," "Oliver!," and "Alice in Wonderland."

He attended Gahanna Lincoln High School, where he continued to hone his acting skills, performing in productions like "Grease" and "Jesus Christ Superstar." After graduating high school a year early, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater. He enrolled in the American Musical and Dramatic Academy but dropped out after two semesters to focus on auditions while selling tickets in Times Square to make ends meet.

His career took off when he originated the role of Morris Delancey in Disney's "Newsies" on Broadway from 2012 to 2013. However, his breakthrough came with the role of Connor Murphy in the Broadway musical "Dear Evan Hansen" from 2015 to 2018. His performance earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, as well as a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program.

In addition to his stage work, Mike Faist has appeared in several independent films and television series. His notable film roles include Riff in Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" (2021), which garnered him critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. He also starred in the series "Panic" and played significant roles in films like "The Atlantic City Story" and "Wildling."

His personal life is as intriguing as his professional one. At the age of 17, he met his birth mother and her family, who are mostly pilots. This connection led him to obtain his pilot's license, adding another dimension to his multifaceted personality.