Mike Faist Biography: Age, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Net Worth, Siblings, Music, Movies

Michael David Faist, known professionally as Mike Faist, is an American actor, singer, and dancer celebrated for his emotionally resonant performances in Broadway musicals and major films.

He gained prominence, originating the role of Connor Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen (2015–2018), earning a Tony Award nomination and Grammy and Daytime Emmy Awards.

His breakthrough film role as Riff in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021) garnered critical acclaim and a BAFTA nomination.

Profile

• Full Name: Michael David Faist
• Stage Name: Mike Faist
• Born: 5, January 1992
• Age: 33 years old
• Birthplace: Gahanna, Ohio, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Singer, Dancer
• Height: 1.83m
• Parents: Julia Faist and Kurt Faist
• Siblings: 2
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million to $3 million

Early Life and Education

Michael David Faist was born on January 5, 1992, in Gahanna, Ohio, and was adopted by his parents, Julia and Kurt Faist, who ran a real estate business. Growing up, he helped with their business during summers, doing construction work.

Information about his siblings from his adoptive family is unavailable. However, at the age of 17, he met his birth mother and her family, including two half-brothers. One of his half-brothers taught him to fly, which led to Faist earning a pilot’s license.

Faist attended Gahanna Lincoln High School, starring in productions like Grease (Danny Zuko) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon), and trained with The Academy of Performing Arts in Columbus. After graduating from high school early in 2009, he moved to New York.

He enrolled at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy but dropped out after two semesters to pursue a career in the performing arts, specifically acting. His ethnicity is American with undisclosed ancestry from his birth family, and his religious beliefs are not publicly documented.  

Career

Mike Faist began his career in 2011, originating the role of Morris Delancey in Disney’s Newsies at Paper Mill Playhouse, later transferring to Broadway (2012–2013), where he also understudied the role of Jack Kelly. His early struggles included living in a McDonald’s parking lot and collecting food stamps while earning $150 weekly for White Christmas.

He appeared in Off-Broadway productions, such as “Appropriate,” and independent films, including “The Unspeakable Act” (2012), “Touched with Fire” (2015), and “The Grief of Others” (2015), showcasing his ability to tackle complex roles.

His stage work and small-screen appearances in Law & Order: SVU and Deception built his reputation as a versatile performer. Faist’s breakthrough came in 2015 when he originated the role of Connor Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen, from its Washington, D.C., workshop to its Broadway run (2016–2018).

His portrayal of a troubled teen earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, and a Daytime Emmy for performing “You Will Be Found” on The Today Show.

In 2021, he starred as Dodge Mason in Amazon’s Panic, earning a Critics’ Choice Super Award nomination, and played Riff in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, praised for its “magnetic” intensity and earning a BAFTA nomination.

He drew inspiration from Bruce Davidson’s 1959 photograph series “Brooklyn Gang” for Riff, reflecting his immersive approach. In 2023, he made his West End debut as Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain opposite Lucas Hedges.  

Faist’s recent work includes starring as Art Donaldson in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers (2024) alongside Zendaya and Josh O’Connor, where he learned to play tennis to portray a conflicted athlete. Additionally, he played Danny Lyon in The Bikeriders (2023), starring Austin Butler. He joined Netflix’s East of Eden series with Florence Pugh in 2024.

Beyond acting, Faist writes short stories and co-founded the Ohio Artists Gathering, a theatre festival in 2018. His selective project choices and interest in filmmaking, as noted by The Bikeriders director Jeff Nichols, underscore his artistic depth and potential as a future filmmaker, solidifying his reputation as a thoughtful and multifaceted performer.  

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @mike_faiist

Personal Life

Mike Faist is currently single after previously dating dancer Tilly Evans-Krueger. Known for valuing privacy and a grounded lifestyle rooted in his Midwestern upbringing,

Faist avoids the spotlight outside of his acting career and does not maintain a public Twitter presence, underscoring his preference for staying out of the public eye when not on screen.

Filmography

•    The Unspeakable Act (2012) – Tony
•    Touched with Fire (2015) – Supporting Role
•    The Grief of Others (2015) – Supporting Role
•    Our Time (2016) – Supporting Role
•    I Can I Will I Did (2017) – Lead Role
•    Active Adults (2017) – Supporting Role
•    Wildling (2018) – Supporting Role
•    The Atlantic City Story (2020) – Lead Role
•    West Side Story (2021) – Riff
•    Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game (2022) – Roger Sharpe
•    Challengers (2024) – Art Donaldson
•    The Bikeriders (2023) – Danny Lyon

Net Worth

Mike Faist’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and USD 3 million. His earnings primarily stem from his acting career, which includes high-profile roles in Broadway productions such as Dear Evan Hansen and films like West Side Story and Challengers.