The award-winning triple threat—Broadway, films, television—is back dazzling audiences with his patented charm, killer looks and a huge helping of sheer talent. More, please.

By Richard Pérez-Feria / Photography by Mike Ruiz

On a de rigueur perfectly sunny afternoon sitting at one of the festive alfresco meals I’d come to love at The Ivy in Beverly Hills back in 2006, my lunch companion shared he attended a screening of “what will surely be the movie of the year, United 93, about the horror that was 9/11.” Among the many accolades my friend offered about the Paul Greengrass-directed film, what really stood out, he said, was the “unforgettable portrayal” of Mark Bingham, the last passenger to board the ill-fated San Francisco-bound flight from Boston. My agent got me into a screening a few hours later.

The first time I laid eyes on Cheyenne Jackson in a darkened movie theater on Hollywood Boulevard, I was instantly captivated. Physically the actor looked like a much taller amalgamation of Casper Van Dien and Tom Cruise with the acting chops of, say, a young Gene Hackman. With this performance—portraying Bingham, the heroic, gay, sweetly handsome, Bay Area rugby player—Cheyenne Jackson announced himself to the world as a legitimate contender for genuine greatness. (A year later, I saw Jackson on Broadway as lead in the hit musical, Xanadu, co-starring Jane Krakowski. Another jaw-dropping, award-worthy performance by Jackson).

Still, who was this guy?

Cheyenne Jackson was born in Spokane, WA in 1975 and spent his early years in rural Idaho (he’s the third of four children) before moving—first, back to Spokane as a teenager and later to New York City in 2001. A classic triple-threat (actor, singer, dancer), Jackson made his NYC stage debut in the Tony Award-winning musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie (as understudy) followed in 2005 by his first leading role in a Broadway musical, All Shook Up. From there, it’s safe to say that Cheyenne Jackson was on stage, on film and on our television screens nonstop for the entirety of the next two decades. He seems to be everywhere at once. And the raves keep coming in.

Over the course of his eclectic and genuinely interesting career, the star veteran of stage and screen, has been nominated for myriad awards—Grammys! Emmys! Drama Desk!—and won the Boston Society Of Film Critics Award for best ensemble cast for United 93. To date, Jackson has headlined 15 winning roles on (and off) Broadway including his celebrated run in Finian’s Rainbow and starred in more than 35 films and television shows. Most recently, Jackson was winning hearts as the lovable Max in three seasons of Call Me Kat on Fox co-starring Mayim Bialik and the amazing Leslie Jordan (you should Google Jackson’s uncanny impression of the beloved late star).

Truth is, as an avowed “gleek,” I loved Jackson’s turn in the second season of Glee as Dustin Goolsby, the new coach of Vocal Adrenaline, the main rival to protagonist ensemble, New Directions. Jackson just may be at his most deliciously comfortable when the role calls for ethical fluidity, as his year on Ryan Murphy’s hit musical show certainly did. And speaking of television’s prolific Svengali, Jackson also starred in four consecutive seasons of Murphy’s award-winning American Horror Story, most notably opposite Lady Gaga and Matt Bomer in season five.

“Nobody is ever just a straight up protagonist or antagonist—everybody’s morally ambiguous,” Jackson says. “People either love me or they think I’m obnoxious, I get that.”

Fresh off playing Sir Harry in the New York City Center production of Once Upon A Mattress, Jackson is currently starring as Georges in the Pasadena Playhouse production of La Cage Aux Folles (some of photographer Mike Ruiz’s amazing images accompanying this feature may have tipped this off) directed by Sam Pinkleton.

“I’m a Broadway baby, through and through,” Jackson says. “It’s my first love, and it’s what brought me to New York in the first place. Look, I was a 12-year-old kid in Northern Idaho listening to Billie Holiday and Lena Horne and Sarah Vaughn and Nat King Cole. This whole genre of music is a part of who I am.”

Well, the parts that Cheyenne Jackson has revealed to an enraptured audience, have certainly been first rate. But as is the case with the planet’s most talented—and fascinating—people, there’s oh, so much more to learn. Let’s find out more together.

Gown by Hermione Elma Atelier
Necklace by Erickson Beamon

You’ve been at the top of your game for two decades, no small feat for any actor. I can’t help to think of your roles in two parts, with the pandemic helping to trigger your current work. Do you feel that way or is it one long journey thus far?
Ooh, that’s interesting. I feel like my career is one long stream of consciousness adventure. Everything informs everything else. So yes, the pandemic definitely triggered current work and making me realize what I want to do, and more importantly, why.

You’re one of the very few actors/singers whom I’ve seen on Broadway, in a movie theater, on my television screen at home and on a cabaret stage; yet, somehow, you never seem to be “you.” I mean, you deliciously disappear into the role you’re portraying, a deft trick to be sure.
That’s very kind. I certainly love to jump in and play, whatever the part is. I think, of course I bring parts of myself to everything. Even if it’s something that is shameful, or not very nice. That’s the fun part. I also do not judge my characters. They are who they are.

How have your husband, actor Jason Landau, and children helped you, particularly through difficulties the past couple of years?
He is my Jewish prince who has my back no matter what. Twelve years together now, and I’m so happy he chose me.

With everything you’ve accomplished, what else would you like to do?
I’m writing! I’ve written two pilots and a rom-com, and I believe that is going to be my next adventure.

Gown by Aknvas
Earrings and Necklaces (Throughout): Erickson Beamon at Seventh House PR

How much fun are you having on stage with La Cage Aux Folles? Sure seems a long way from your rural Idaho childhood.
I am having the most fun I’ve ever had onstage. And you’re talking to someone who has roller skated wearing bootie shorts. It’s heaven, and I hope everyone gets to see it.

I’m low-key obsessed with your duet singing “Say Something” with Jackie Evancho (it’s worth a Google, folks). Even given that you’ve had a lifetime of performing with amazing duet partners, is there one singer you haven’t collaborated with yet that it’s a definite bucket list item? Patti LuPone? Barbra? Celine? Mariah? Taylor Swift?
I would have said Sarah Bareilles, but I got to tick that one off the list when I did Into the Woods with her. So I’m gonna say... Brandi Carlile. I think we would kill it.

**Left:**
Gown by Hermione Elma Atelier
Necklace by Erickson Beamon
**Right:**
Gown by Beauté Comme Toi
Earrings by Erickson Beamon

How sexy do you feel? I mean, at nearly 50, you’ve arguably never looked better, and you seem so comfortable in your own skin. It’s very appealing.
Ha. Thank you. Being comfortable in my own skin is definitely the goal, so if you’re seeing that, then I must be projecting that. I do feel sexy. I also am enjoying aging. Aging is a privilege and I have wrinkles now and lots of gray hair and I’ve earned them all. Also I am happy. I love my kids and I love making art with my friends.

Tell me your dream project:

Film/Broadway Musical/TV Series: A biopic of Rock Hudson in the latter part of his life / some new, hasn’t been written yet broadway musical by Pasek and Paul / the show I’ve just written and am about to pitch to folks.
Co-stars: Kathy Bates, Sarah Paulson, Drew Droege, Lily Rabe, Kevin Cahoon, Rachel Dratch, Amy Schumer... basically anyone who makes me laugh and isn’t an asshole.
Comedy/Drama

What’s the one thing everyone gets wrong about you?
I have no idea. Maybe that I sang backup for Liza Minnelli? I think my Wikipedia says that, cuz that one time with the Broadway Inspirational Voices we sang with her. But I wouldn’t call that backup singing. But I actually would sing backup for her if she wanted.

Finish this for me: Cheyenne Jackson is...Perfectly imperfect.

**Left:**
Dress worn as Top by Liwen
Red Gown by 831 MINHLE

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Cheyenne Jackson
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Interview by Richard Pérez-Feria
Fashion Stylist: Raytell Bridges at Art Department
Hair: Carolyn Cina
Makeup: Sterling Tull
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Fact Checker: Seana Watson
Location: Love Studios NYC

Cheyenne Jackson’s Best Act