Full Name: Corbin Bleu Reivers
Born: February 21, 1989 (Age 34) in Brooklyn, New York
Known For: High School Musical, In The Heights, Jump In!
Net Worth: $4 million
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
About Corbin Bleu
Corbin Bleu is an American actor, singer, dancer and television personality best known for starring as Chad Danforth in the Emmy-winning High School Musical TV movies and feature film.
Since getting his big break in the mid-2000s with High School Musical, Bleu has displayed incredible versatility as a performer, going on to achieve success on Broadway, record hit songs, compete on reality shows, and take on dramatic film roles.
Let‘s take a look at Corbin Bleu‘s background and journey to stardom.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Corbin Bleu Reivers was born on February 21, 1989 in Brooklyn, New York. His father is Italian-American and his mother is Jamaican-American – this multicultural exposure influenced his eclectic musical tastes growing up.
Bleu started modeling as a toddler and booked his first role in a TV movie called To Dance with Olivia at just 6 years old. This kicked off a promising career, with the young Bleu landing guest spots on popular 90s/early 2000s shows like ER, Malcolm & Eddie, Neds Declassified and The Amanda Show.
In 2004 came a role that would change Bleu‘s career: Chad Danforth in the Disney Channel original movie High School Musical. The low-budget musical film defied expectations, becoming a runaway smash hit with millions of adoring young fans. High School Musical propelled Corbin Bleu and his co-stars Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale to global stardom.
High School Musical Phenomenon
High School Musical premiered on Disney Channel on January 20, 2006 and became an instant pop culture sensation. It was quickly turned into a concert tour, ice show, stage musical, book series – you name it. With its cast of fresh-faced talents and catchy tunes, it was an undeniable phenomenon.
Corbin Bleu‘s character, the athletic and loyal Chad Danforth, quickly established him as a fan favorite. Chad served as Troy Bolton‘s (Zac Efron) best friend and provided much of the comedy alongside Lucas Grabeel‘s Ryan Evans.
The High School Musical franchise kept rolling out hit content starring Bleu and the gang. High School Musical 2 premiered in 2007 and High School Musical 3: Senior Year was released theatrically in 2008, grossing over $250 million worldwide.
Other Disney Roles
Between his High School Musical projects, Corbin Bleu starred in another fan favorite Disney Channel original movie: Jump In! This 2007 film centered on competitive jump roping, allowing Bleu to showcase his incredible dancing skills.
Bleu also flexed his voice acting chops as King Char in the animated film The Reef 2: High Tide (2012). And in 2017-2020, he could be heard as the voice of Ray on the Disney preschool series Vampirina.
Music Career
Capitalizing on his High School Musical fame, Corbin Bleu launched a successful music career starting in 2007. His pop single "Push It to the Limit" reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 20. Over 2007-2010, Bleu released 3 studio albums: Another Side, Speed of Light, and I‘m Dying Tonight.
Combining Bleu‘s smooth R&B vocals and dance-pop style, hits like "Celebrate You" and "Moments That Matter" made him a fixture on Radio Disney with multiple Top 10 hits. To date, Bleu has sold over 1.5 million albums worldwide.
Broadway
In 2010, Bleu took his talents to Broadway, originating the starring role of Usnavi de la Vega in Lin Manuel Miranda‘s smash musical In the Heights.
Bringing his dazzling dance skills, impressive vocals, and infectious energy to the stage 8 times a week, Bleu was critically acclaimed in the role. He even earned a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical.
Bleu ended up headlining In the Heights for nearly 2 years, helping cement it as a modern Broadway classic.
Film Roles
Amidst his Disney fame and Broadway turn, Corbin Bleu also sought out more challenging film projects. He took on leading roles in the dramas Free Style (2009) and To Write Love on Her Arms (2012), gaining praise for his dramatic depth.
Bleu had a memorable supporting part in 2010‘s campy Sugar as Butch, and co-starred with Twilight‘s Anna Kendrick in the indie comedy The Last Day of Summer (2007). Showing his range, he‘s also appeared in horror flicks like The Monkey‘s Paw (2013).
Most recently, Bleu had a major role in the BET+ series The Ms. Pat Show (2022). And this year he‘ll be seen in the faith-based sports drama American Underdog.
Dancing with the Stars
In 2017, Corbin Bleu competed on Dancing with the Stars season 17, partnered with pro dancer Karina Smirnoff. With his stage experience and natural rhythm, Bleu impressed judges and fans each week with consistent top-notch performances.
Bleu ultimately finished the competition in 2nd place, losing by the closest margin ever on DWTS (less than 1% of the vote). But he cemented his status as one of the show‘s best competitors ever.
Fun Facts About Corbin Bleu
- Graduated from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts in 2007
- Has a Bachelor‘s Degree in Film and Television Production from NYU (2017)
- Married actress Sasha Clements in 2016 after meeting in a 2011 production of Godspell
- His singing voice is a sparkling 4-octave tenor range
- Named one of People Magazine‘s "25 Most Beautiful People" in 2007
- Holds dual American and Italian citizenship
- Avid philanthropist supporting Make-A-Wish and Starlight Children‘s Foundation
Why We Love Corbin Bleu
After following Corbin Bleu‘s career over the last 15+ years, here are just a few of the reasons he‘s developed such a passionate fanbase:
- His talent: whether singing, dancing, or acting – Bleu is a triple threat with charisma and star power to spare.
- His work ethic: Bleu has worked professionally since childhood, challenging himself with iconic roles like Usnavi and Chad Danforth.
- His humility: despite achieving huge fame, Bleu remains grounded and gracious to fans.
- His values: Bleu presents a positive image for youth, promotes self-confidence, and gives back to worthwhile causes.
- His smile: Corbin Bleu just radiates joy. His energy lights up any screen.
Corbin Bleu is the real deal – a consummate entertainer who can do it all. He‘s made us laugh, cry, sing along, and dance in the aisles. Here‘s hoping we get to enjoy his talents for many more years to come!