12 things you probably didn't know about Lin-Manuel Miranda

Max KalnitzJan 15, 2021, 21:26 IST

Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2019.NBC/Getty Images

Lin-Manuel's 2005 musical "In The Heights" put him on the map and his 2015 follow-up "Hamilton" made him a global phenomenon.
Miranda spent time as a seventh-grade English teacher before making it big on Broadway.
Before he was Broadway famous he went viral for singing the song "To Life" at his wedding.
He celebrates his 41st birthday on January 16.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who turns 41 on January 16, is one of the most gifted composers, playwrights, actors, rappers, and singers of our generation.

Perhaps it'd be easier to call him a modern-day renaissance man. Miranda already has a Pulitzer Prize, three Tony Awards, an Emmy, and three Grammys under his belt. Not to mention he's responsible for the decade-defining musical sensation "Hamilton."

Aside from his artistic accomplishments, there are tons of fun facts about Lin-Manuel Miranda. Keep reading to see 12 of our favorite.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's name was inspired by a poem written about the Vietnam War.

Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2016 reading the poem for which he was named after. NotiCel/YouTube

He was born a performer - a video showing him dancing to "Footloose" as a kid proves it.

A young Lin-Manuel Miranda dancing along to "Footloose." Unsavi/YouTube

Miranda co-founded a hip-hop improvisational comedy troupe when he was in college.

Lin-Manuel Miranda (left) on stage with Freestyle Love Supreme and Jeff Garlin in 2005. Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

He wrote the draft of his first musical, "In the Heights," when he was a sophomore in college.

Lin-Manuel Miranda at the curtain call for the opening night of "In The Heights" in March 2008. Steven Henry/Getty Images

Before Miranda was a Broadway staple, he was an English teacher.

Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2008. Carolyn Cole/Getty Images

Miranda also supported himself by writing campaign jingles for politicians.

Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2008. Jemal Countess/Getty Images

Miranda's wife, the lawyer and scientist Vanessa Nadal, was his high school crush.

Lin-Manuel Miranda and his wife, Vanessa Nadal, in 2016. Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

A video of Miranda singing to his wife at their wedding went viral.

Lin-Manuel Miranda and his wife Vanessa Nadal in 2009. Lars Niki/Getty Images

Miranda cameoed on an episode of "How I Met Your Mother" and you, you guessed it, he had an awesome rap scene.

Lin-Manuel Miranda on "How I Met Your Mother" in 2013. How I Met Your Mother/Hulu

Miranda, who composed the music for Disney's animated film "Moana," has said "The Little Mermaid" is the reason he started writing music.

Lin-Manuel Miranda at the premiere of Disney's "Moana" in 2016. Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

He teamed up with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" director JJ Abrams to write the song "Jaba Flow."

Lin-Manuel Miranda and JJ Abrams rapping "Jaba Flow" in 2016. Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

Miranda is close to becoming the third person ever to win a PEGOT.

Lin-Manuel Miranda at the 2017 Tony Awards. Theo Wargo/Getty Images

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