Derek Klena Biography: Siblings, Ethnicity, Songs, Height, Age, Movies, Net Worth, Wife

Derek Anthony Klena, famously known as Derek Klena, is an American actor and singer who has established himself as a prominent leading man on the Broadway stage.

He rose to prominence through his breakout performance in the Off-Broadway production of Dogfight before making a transition to major Broadway roles in Wicked, Anastasia, and Jagged Little Pill.

His work, which often explores complex contemporary and historical characters, earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Derek Anthony Klena
• Stage Name: Derek Klena
• Born: October 3, 1991
• Age: 34 years old
• Birthplace: San Dimas, California
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Singer
• Height: 1.80m
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Klena
• Siblings: Lauren Klena, Dillon Klena
• Spouse: Elycia Scriven (m. 2018)
• Children: Dax Arthur Klena, Otto Klena
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Derek Anthony Klena was born on October 3, 1991, in San Dimas, California, where he was raised in a Jewish household by Mr. and Mrs. Klena, alongside his two younger siblings, Lauren Klena and Dillon Klena.

He attended South Hills High School in West Covina, where he balanced a passion for musical theater with a talent for baseball, eventually serving as a pitcher for the school’s team.

Upon graduation, he enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he initially studied theater before deciding to change his major to psychology.

He is of white ethnicity and a practicing Christian.

Career

Derek Anthony Klena began his career in the Southern California regional theater circuit, where he performed in various productions between 2009 and 2011 while attending university.

He gained significant attention in 2012 when he was cast as Tommy Ross in the Off-Broadway revival of Carrie, a role that led directly to his collaboration with composers Pasek & Paul for the musical Dogfight.

His performance as Eddie Birdlace in Dogfight earned him a Clive Barnes Award nomination and served as his official entry into the New York theater scene.

In 2013, he achieved a major milestone by making his Broadway debut as Fiyero in the 10th-anniversary company of Wicked, which firmly established him as a rising star in the industry.

The middle of his career was defined by originating roles in high-profile new musicals that showcased his vocal range and dramatic depth.

He originated the role of Michael Johnson in the 2014 Broadway production of The Bridges of Madison County and later starred as Dmitry in the 2017 stage adaptation of Anastasia.

In 2019, he took on the role of Nick Healy in the Alanis Morissette-inspired musical Jagged Little Pill, a performance that garnered him his first Tony Award nomination.

During this period, he also expanded his portfolio into television, appearing in series such as The Carrie Diaries, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Derek Klena has solidified his legacy as a reliable and transformative leading man whose presence often signals the commercial and critical success of a production.

He recently took over the role of Christian in the Broadway company of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and in a unique career pivot, he was selected as a player for the Savannah Bananas baseball team in 2025.

His ability to navigate between the discipline of professional athletics and the demands of musical theater has made him a unique figure in modern entertainment.

He continues to be a sought-after performer for both established revivals and original workshops, influencing the next generation of musical theater actors through his technical precision and stage presence.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @derek_klena
• Facebook Handle: Derek Klena
• Twitter Handle: @derekklena

Personal Life

Derek Anthony Klena was born on October 3, 1991, and is currently 34 years old.

He has been in a long-term relationship with Elycia Scriven, whom he married in 2018 after several years of dating.

The couple resides in New York City and has two sons, Dax Arthur Klena, who was born in September 2022, and Otto Klena, who followed in 2024.

While he maintains a professional public profile, he occasionally shares glimpses of his family life and his ongoing passion for baseball.

He has not been linked to any other public relationships or rumors, as he has remained committed to his wife since before his Broadway rise.

Filmography

• The Carrie Diaries (2014)
• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2015)
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2016)
• Blue Bloods (2016)
• Quantico (2017)
• The Code (2019)
• Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (2022)

Net Worth

Derek Anthony Klena has an estimated net worth of $2 million, which he has accumulated through a decade of consistent work as a Broadway leading man and television actor.

His primary income sources include his salaries from major theatrical runs, royalties from original cast recordings, and appearances in various television series.