Meet the Honorees of the 2016 HOLA Awards: JAVIER MUÑOZ

Javier Muñoz’s passion for the stage has spanned many years and cities. His love of theatre began in high school during a production of The King and I in Brooklyn, New York. His passion for acting only grew when he was signed by an agent before his high school graduation, leading him to enroll in NYU's Tisch School for the Arts. Not a stranger to hard work, Muñoz participated in the AmeriCorps work study program, which allowed him to pay his way through college.

Through AmeriCorps, Muñoz taught theater in community programs and schools throughout New York City. Muñoz became the first person in his family to graduate from college, and was also one of two ­honorees to receive the Community Service Award upon his graduation from Tisch. Also during this time, Muñoz worked closely with the non-profit organization, Children & The Classics, which taught literacy in schools throughout New York City. Muñoz performed in various regional theater projects, including The Porch (Ziad) at Altered Stages; Venice (Venice) at Center Theatre Group; Two Gentlemen of Verona (a rock opera) (Proteus) at Shakespeare Theatre of DC; Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Richard III (Dorset) and Into The Woods (The Baker).

In 2005, Muñoz auditioned for Lin-Manuel Miranda, writer, composer and star of the Tony-winning hit In The Heights. Miranda chose Muñoz as his understudy in the role of Usnavi, which Muñoz later assumed full time upon Miranda's departure. When Miranda began writing the Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning smash Hamilton, Muñoz was an active part of the musical's early development and creation. They developed the role of Alexander Hamilton together, and Muñoz served as Miranda's ­alternate at the Public Theater off-Broadway debut in 2015, as well as throughout the Broadway engagement. On July 11, 2016, Muñoz assumed the title role of Alexander Hamilton full-time on Broadway. Ben Brantley of The New York Times has said that Muñoz’s performance maintains “the balance of a ­revolutionary show about a revolutionary era that seems better every time I see it," adding, "his Hamilton is sexy with his penetrating stare and Don Juan smile. When he's courting the ladies and other characters describe him as a tomcat, you know exactly what they mean." Muñoz currently resides in New York City.

Javier Muñoz will receive the HOLA and R.Evolución Latina Dare To Go Beyond Award at the 2016 HOLA Awards on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. For more information, click here.