### Lin-Manuel Miranda: A Detailed Biography
#### 1. Early Life
Lin-Manuel Miranda was born on January 16, 1980, in New York City, to parents Luis A. Miranda, Jr. and Luz Towns-Miranda. Growing up in a Hispanic neighborhood in northern Manhattan's Inwood section, Miranda was exposed to diverse musical genres that later influenced his creative style. He attended Hunter College Elementary School and Hunter College High School. From a young age, Miranda showed a deep interest in musical theater; he wrote his first musical as a high school student. Miranda went on to attend Wesleyan University, where he continued to develop his talents, notably creating an early version of "In the Heights" during his sophomore year, which was staged at the university in 1999.
#### 2. Career
After graduating from Wesleyan in 2002, Miranda's career began to take shape. He worked on revising and expanding "In the Heights," which eventually opened on Broadway in 2008. The musical was a critical and commercial success, earning him a Tony Award for Best Original Score.
Miranda's next major project was "Hamilton," a musical that tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through a vibrant and contemporary blend of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. After a series of workshops and off-Broadway performances, "Hamilton" opened on Broadway in 2015. It became a massive success, both critically and commercially, catapulting Miranda to new heights of fame.
In addition to his work in theater, Miranda has also been involved in film and television. He composed music for the Disney animated movie "Moana," which included the Academy Award-nominated song "How Far I'll Go." Miranda has acted in TV shows like "House," "Modern Family," and "His Dark Materials," and films such as "Mary Poppins Returns."
#### 3. Notable Achievements
Lin-Manuel Miranda's career is marked by several notable achievements. With "In the Heights," he won the Tony Award for Best Original Score and the show won Best Musical. "Hamilton" earned him numerous accolades, including Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2016, and several Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
Miranda has also received a MacArthur "Genius" Grant in 2015 for his work in theater. His influence extends beyond the stage; he has been recognized for his advocacy for Puerto Rico, especially in the wake of Hurricane Maria in 2017. Miranda was awarded a star on the Puerto Rico Walk of Fame and has actively supported efforts to rebuild the island.
#### 4. Personal Life
Lin-Manuel Miranda is married to
Vanessa-Nadal, a high school friend whom he reconnected with as an adult. The couple tied the knot in 2010 and have two children together. Miranda is known for his philanthropy, particularly in his efforts to support arts education and disaster relief. His family ties and cultural heritage are significant influences in his work and public engagements.
Miranda's collaborations include significant figures such as
Thomas-Kail, his long-time director;
Alex-Lacamoire, a frequent musical collaborator;
Stephen-Sondheim, a mentor and legendary figure in American musical theater; and
Quiara-Alegria-Hudes, who wrote the book for "In the Heights." Each of these collaborations has significantly shaped his career trajectory, contributing to his unique narrative style and musical compositions.
Through his innovative work and passionate advocacy, Lin-Manuel Miranda has become a pivotal figure in contemporary theater, continually pushing the boundaries of musical storytelling while engaging with a wide range of social and political issues.