Ali Louis Bourzgui
Born (1999-08-31) August 31, 1999 (age 26)
Pittsfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Education Ithaca College (BFA)
Occupations Actor and singer
Years active 2021–present

Ali Louis Bourzgui (born August 31, 1999)[1] is an American actor and singer known for his roles in musical theater, particularly on the Broadway stages. He won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance in The Lost Boys (2026).

Early life and education

Bourzgui was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and grew up in the Berkshires; his mother would "[take him] to a couple of Broadway shows a year." His father is Moroccan-American, and his mother is Italian-Irish American.[2] Bourzgui originally planned to become an environmental engineer or ornithologist, but was inspired by the works of "Joe Iconis, Mark Ruffalo, and Kimberly Akimbo" to pursue an acting career. He graduated with a BFA from Ithaca College.[3]

Career

In 2021, a few months after graduating from Ithaca, Bourzgui made his professional debut in the first national tour of The Band's Visit as Haled. Following a 2023 tryout run in Chicago, Bourzgui made his Broadway debut in the titular role in the 2024 Broadway revival of The Who's Tommy, a performance for which he received a Theatre World Award, and a Drama League Distinguished Performance Award nomination.[4][5] In 2025, he starred as Orpheus in the Broadway production of Hadestown.[6] In 2026, he originated the role of David in a musical adaptation of The Lost Boys.[7] For his portrayal, he won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.[8]

Personal life

Bourzgui is Muslim.[9] He is in the folk band Resident Lightweight.[10]

Theatre credits

Year Production Role Venue Ref
2021–2022 The Band's Visit Ensemble/Haled North American Tour
2023 Fun Home Roy/Mark/Pete/Bobby Jeremy TheaterWorks Hartford, Regional
Layalina Young Mazin/Yousif Goodman Theater, Regional
The Who's Tommy Tommy Goodman Theater, Regional
2023–2024 Company Paul US National Tour
2024 The Who's Tommy Tommy Nederlander Theatre, Broadway
We Live in Cairo Amir New York Theatre Workshop, Off-Broadway
2025 Hadestown Orpheus Walter Kerr Theatre, Broadway
Sweet Smell of Success Sidney Falco MasterVoices, Concert [11]
2026 The Lost Boys David Palace Theatre, Broadway

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2024 Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical The Who's Tommy Nominated [12]
Drama League Award Distinguished Performance Nominated [13]
Theatre World Award Outstanding Debut Won [14]
2025 Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical We Live in Cairo Nominated [15]
2026 Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical The Lost Boys Nominated [16][17]
Drama League Award Distinguished Performance Nominated [18][19]
Tony Award Best Featured Actor in a Musical Won [8]
Dorian Award Outstanding Featured Performance in a Broadway Musical Nominated [20]
Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards Favorite Featured Actor in a Musical Nominated [21]

References

  1. ^ "Ali Louis Bourzgui". IBDB. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  2. ^ Grass, Caroline (14 September 2022). ""The Band's Visit," Interview with Ali Bourzgui". Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  3. ^ Teeman, Tim (1 April 2024). "How Ali Louis Bourzgui of 'The Who's Tommy' Became Broadway's Breakout Star". Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  4. ^ "About1 — The Theatre World Awards".
  5. ^ "2024 Drama League Awards — The Drama League".
  6. ^ "Watch Ali Louis Bourzgui Sing 'Epic III' in Hadestown on Broadway".
  7. ^ Hall, Margaret. "Caissie Levy, LJ Benet, Ali Louis Bourzgui, Paul Alexander Nolan, More Will Star in The Lost Boys on Broadway". Playbill. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  8. ^ a b Sherman, Rachel (5 May 2026). "Tony Awards Nominations 2026: The Complete List". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
  9. ^ Grass, Caroline (14 September 2022). ""The Band's Visit," Interview with Ali Bourzgui". Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  10. ^ Gioia, Michael (10 July 2025). "Broadway's Ali Louis Bourzgui Releases New Music — and Reveals Why It Hits Close to Home (Exclusive)". Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  11. ^ "Sweet Smell of Success - Mastervoices".
  12. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (13 May 2024). "Stereophonic Leads 2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards, Wins Best Play; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  13. ^ "Sarah Paulson Wins Drama League Award; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
  14. ^ "Cole Escola, Maleah Joi Moon, Rachel McAdams, More Win 2024 Theatre World Awards". Playbill. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
  15. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (12 May 2025). "Maybe Happy Ending Leads 2025 Outer Critics Circle Awards; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  16. ^ "Outer Critics Circle Award 2026 Nominations". New York Theater. 21 April 2026. Retrieved 23 April 2026.
  17. ^ Russo, Gillian (11 May 2026). "2026 Outer Critics Circle Award winners announced". New York Theatre Guide. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
  18. ^ Gans, Andrew (20 April 2026). "2026 Drama League Awards Nominations Are Out; Read the Full List". Playbill. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  19. ^ Hipes, Patrick (23 April 2026). "Daniel Radcliffe, Luke Evans Among Drama League Award Nominees". Deadline. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
  20. ^ Mandell, Jonathan (1 June 2026). "2026 Dorian Theater Award winners: Schmigadoon. Prince Faggot. Ragtime: Joshua. Junior. Quincy. Qween". New York Theater. Retrieved 1 June 2026.
  21. ^ "Chess, Schmigadoon! & Two Strangers Lead 2026 Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards Nominations—Vote Now". 4 May 2026.