Anthony Ramos | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 29, 2025

Who is Anthony Ramos?

Anthony Ramos is a talented American actor and singer, widely recognized for his breakthrough role in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s acclaimed Broadway musical, Hamilton. In this groundbreaking production, which premiered in 2015, Ramos showcased his extraordinary skills by originating the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton. His performance garnered critical acclaim, driving his subsequent ventures in film and television. Following Hamilton, Ramos starred in Spike Lee’s Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It and had a supporting role in Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born, further establishing his versatility as both an actor and singer.

In addition to his acting career, Ramos has made significant strides in the music industry. He released his debut EP, The Freedom EP, in January 2018, drawing inspiration from contemporary social issues. His subsequent albums, including The Good & The Bad and Love and Lies, have showcased his evolution as a recording artist, with Rolling Stone highlighting his ambition for pop stardom. Ramos’s career reached new heights when he was cast as Usnavi in the film adaptation of Miranda’s musical In the Heights, illustrating his ability to capture the essence of diverse characters and narratives, effectively resonating with audiences around the world.

Early Life and Education

Anthony Paul Ramos Martinez was born on November 1, 1991, in Brooklyn, New York, to a Puerto Rican family. Raised in the housing projects of Bushwick by his single mother, Mildred, Ramos experienced financial struggles that shaped his perspective on life. Growing up in a challenging environment, he often related to the sentiments expressed in Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical "Hamilton," particularly the line “See, I never thought I’d live past twenty.” This upbringing instilled in him a fierce determination to succeed, motivating him to pursue his passions in the performing arts.

Ramos attended Halsey Junior High School, where he embraced his love for music and performance by participating in a student group called The Halsey Trio. He later attended New Utrecht High School, where he initially aspired to be a baseball player. However, an unexpected audition for a talent show revealed his talent for acting and singing. Inspired by the experience, he shifted his focus from sports to the performing arts. Ramos graduated from high school in 2009 and earned a scholarship to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), where he honed his craft in musical theater and prepared for a career on stage and screen.

Early Career in Theater

After graduating high school in 2009, Anthony Ramos took a significant step towards realizing his dreams by enrolling at the American Musical Dramatic Academy (AMDA). Despite struggling academically in high school, he secured a scholarship with the help of a dedicated teacher. This opportunity provided him with the training and foundation necessary for his burgeoning career in theater. After completing the musical theater program in 2011, Ramos began auditioning for various roles, yet faced challenges in gaining recognition in a competitive industry.

In 2012, he took on a supporting role in a Salt Lake City production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s "In the Heights". However, an audacious attempt to land a part in the show's national tour ended in disappointment when he bombed the audition. Though this critique was disheartening, Ramos persevered and continued to hone his craft through regional productions and cruise-ship musicals. By 2014, he was performing in "Hearts and Lights", a dance show featuring The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, which served as a stepping stone toward his eventual breakthrough in "Hamilton".

Breakthrough on "Hamilton"

Anthony Ramos achieved significant acclaim for his breakthrough role in the groundbreaking musical "Hamilton." He was cast in 2015 to portray the dual roles of revolutionary John Laurens and Alexander Hamilton's eldest son, Philip Hamilton. As the youngest member of the original cast, Ramos brought a unique perspective to his characters, infusing them with an understanding of the precariousness of life. His performance contributed to the musical's overwhelming success and earned him both critical recognition and a dedicated fanbase.

Ramos's portrayal in "Hamilton" caught the attention of notable figures, including President Barack Obama, who praised his talent after attending the show. His involvement in the original cast led to an Emmy Award nomination when the musical was adapted into a film for Disney+. Ramos's engaging performances, along with the timeless themes of the show, helped solidify his place in musical theater and set the stage for his future endeavors in acting and music. The experience acted as a launching pad for his subsequent roles in both film and television, showcasing his versatility as both an actor and a recording artist.

Movies and TV Shows

Anthony Ramos has showcased his versatile talent on both the big and small screens since his breakthrough role in the acclaimed musical Hamilton. After departing from Hamilton in 2016, he quickly made a mark in television, starring in Spike Lee’s Netflix series She’s Gotta Have It, where he played Mars Blackmon. This role allowed him to demonstrate his charisma and acting prowess, leading to further opportunities. He also made memorable appearances on the revival of NBC’s Will & Grace, adding to his growing list of television credits.

In film, Ramos appeared in the critically acclaimed A Star is Born (2018), directed by Bradley Cooper, where he played Ramon, a supportive friend to Lady Gaga’s character. This role not only broadened his exposure to a wider audience but also garnered him nominations alongside the ensemble cast. His filmography expanded with the release of the musical adaptation In the Heights (2021), where he starred as the charming Usnavi. Despite facing challenges at the box office, Ramos's performance was highly praised, solidifying his reputation as a leading man in Hollywood.

Most recently, Anthony Ramos took on the lead role in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) as Noah Diaz, showcasing his range and ability to lead in blockbuster films. Looking ahead, he is set to appear in Marvel's Ironheart, where he will portray a villain, further cementing his status in the entertainment industry. With a dynamic blend of musicality and acting talent, Ramos continues to rise as a multifaceted entertainer in film and television.

Music Career

Anthony Ramos has not only made his mark as an actor but has also cultivated a successful music career. Beginning with the release of his debut EP, "The Freedom EP," in January 2018, Ramos used music as a means to express his thoughts and feelings in response to the political climate following the 2016 election. The EP showcases his ability to blend personal experiences with broader societal commentary, resonating deeply with listeners who share his sentiments. This strong debut highlighted his transition from theater to pop music, setting the stage for his later works.

In June 2019, Ramos signed with Republic Records, further solidifying his presence in the music industry. He released his first full-length album, "The Good & The Bad," later that year to positive reception, debuting at No. 21 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. His follow-up album, "Love and Lies," released in June 2021, continued to build on his growing reputation as a pop artist, drawing attention for its promising sound and personal touch. Critics noted that Ramos was setting his sights on pop stardom, indicating that his music career was on the rise alongside his acting achievements.

Leading Man Roles

Anthony Ramos has firmly established himself as a leading man in Hollywood, particularly with his remarkable performance in the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's beloved musical, In the Heights. Released in June 2021, the film showcased Ramos in the lead role of Usnavi, a bodega owner in Washington Heights. Director Jon M. Chu was impressed by Ramos’s earlier portrayal of the character during an understudy performance, despite initially seeking a lesser-known talent. Ramos's depiction of Usnavi was hailed for its authenticity and relatability, reflecting the vibrancy of Latino culture in New York City. Critics noted that his performance not only captivated audiences but also solidified his potential as a leading man in the film industry.

Continuing his trajectory of success, Ramos starred as Noah Diaz in the much-anticipated blockbuster Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, released on June 9, 2023. Taking on the role of an ex-soldier struggling to support his family in Brooklyn, Ramos embraced the action-packed and adventurous world of the Transformers franchise. His casting as a lead in such a high-profile film underscored his growing star power and versatility as an actor. Additionally, Ramos is set to appear as a supervillain known as The Hood in Marvel's upcoming television series Ironheart, further proving that he is on a path toward becoming one of Hollywood's most sought-after leading men in both film and television.

Personal Life: Married Life and Engagements

Anthony Ramos was previously engaged to actress Jasmine Cephas Jones, who gained prominence for her roles as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds in the original cast of "Hamilton". The two met during the rehearsals for the groundbreaking musical, where their chemistry was undeniable, as noted by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who observed that they "couldn't keep their eyes off each other." Their relationship blossomed after they began dating in February 2015, and they became engaged on Christmas Eve in 2018, marking a joyous milestone in their relationship.

Despite their strong bond and shared experiences in the theater world, Ramos and Cephas Jones's engagement came to an end in November 2021. The news shocked fans who had followed their love story, and it underscored the challenges that public figures navigate within their personal lives. Following their split, both Ramos and Cephas Jones have continued to focus on their careers, showcasing their talents in various projects while also maintaining their individual identities outside of their relationship.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary Insights

As of 2023, Anthony Ramos's net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This impressive figure is largely attributed to his successful career in both acting and music. After his breakthrough role in the Broadway sensation "Hamilton", Ramos transitioned seamlessly into film and television, showcasing his range and talent in projects like "In the Heights", "A Star is Born", and "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts". Each of these roles not only elevated his profile but also contributed to his financial success. With numerous ongoing and upcoming projects, it is expected that his net worth will continue to grow significantly.

In addition to his film and television earnings, Ramos has carved out a niche in the music industry. His solo EPs and albums, including "The Good & The Bad" and "Love and Lies", have been well-received, showcasing his artistry beyond acting. He signed with Republic Records, which has further solidified his position as a recording artist. The combination of his acting salaries, music sales, and potential future royalties may lead to an even more lucrative career, allowing Ramos to capitalize on his rising fame as both a leading man in Hollywood and a pop star.