Erik Liberman

The son of Havana-born author and vision scientist Jacob and social worker Marsha, Erik was born in Miami, Florida. He was mentored by Maureen Stapleton, named a YoungArts winner in high school, and trained at London's Complicité and National Theatre, where he came under the wing of Judi Dench. He received a grant to study with master clown teacher Philippe Gaulier in France, and in Los Angeles, was the face of noted improv-and-sketch-comedy school, The Groundlings.

Liberman was "discovered" by 21-time Tony Award winning director and producer Harold Prince as a winner of the Lotte Lenya Competition. Prince hired him for his Broadway debut in "LoveMusik," written by Oscar winner Alfred Uhry and starring Tony winners Donna Murphy and Michael Cerveris, remarking of the actor, "Erik is the real deal. Once you've seen him, you can't forget him."

Liberman went on to receive Helen Hayes, Ovation, Garland, Connecticut Critics Circle and NYMF Awards, his onstage work reviewed as "a showcase of sheer star power." He originated the roles of The Telephone Guy in the award-winning "The Band's Visit" opposite Tony Shalhoub, Charles Revson opposite Patti LuPone and Christine Ebersole in "War Paint," and Clopin, King of the Gypsies, in Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz, and Peter Parnell's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

Other theatre highlights include: Motel the Tailor in "Fiddler on the Roof" opposite Harvey Fierstein and the film's star, Topol, and co-direction of "Raising the Roof," the show's all-star, 50th anniversary celebration at Town Hall; acclaimed portrayals of Groucho Marx Off Broadway and at The White House; major revivals of Stephen Sondheim musicals; and choreography for "Mabou Mines Dollhouse," which played Off Broadway twice, toured the world, and was filmed for television. In addition, he has appeared in benefit concerts under the auspices of Sondheim, Lin Manuel Miranda, and Carol Burnett.

Liberman has contributed essays to The Huffington Post and The Hollywood Reporter, and to numerous books including "Performance of the Century" and, with his father, "Wisdom from an Empty Mind" and "Luminous Life." His online master class series, "Bridge to Broadway," benefited 45 charities and earned him a 2020 Encore Award from The Actors Fund. He is an advocate for environmental conservation, BLM, and the rights of the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities.