Tommy DeVito: The Influences That Shaped a Broadway Star

As a theater critic who’s followed the rise of Hamilton and its original cast, I’ve always been fascinated by the journey of Tommy Kail’s creation — the man who brought Alexander Hamilton to life with such urgency and fire. But behind every great performance lies a constellation of influences, mentors, and moments that shape the artist. In the case of Tommy DeVito (note: not to be confused with the Hamilton actor Daveed Diggs or the Jersey Boys character), the influences that helped mold his career are both deeply personal and broadly cultural.

Let’s explore the key figures and forces that shaped his voice, both on and off the stage.

## Lin-Manuel Miranda

No discussion of Tommy DeVito’s influences would be complete without starting with Lin-Manuel Miranda. As the writer, composer, and original star of In the Heights and Hamilton, Miranda became a creative force that inspired an entire generation of performers — including DeVito. Working closely with Miranda in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, DeVito absorbed not only Miranda’s musical genius but also his philosophy of storytelling through hip-hop, history, and heart.

Miranda’s blending of personal narrative with historical context gave DeVito a new lens through which to view his own heritage and craft.

## Christopher Jackson

Another pivotal figure in DeVito’s artistic development was Christopher Jackson, who played George Washington in Hamilton. Jackson’s commanding presence and vocal control were a masterclass in stage discipline. DeVito has spoken in interviews about how Jackson’s calm authority and commitment to the emotional truth of each scene deeply impacted his own approach to performance.

Watching Jackson embody a founding father with such dignity and restraint taught DeVito the power of subtlety in high drama.

## The Latino Theater Community

Growing up in New Jersey with Puerto Rican roots, DeVito was steeped in a vibrant cultural environment that included salsa music, family storytelling, and a strong sense of community. The Latino theater community — especially groups like Pregones Theater and Repertorio Español — provided DeVito with early exposure to narratives that reflected his own background.

These spaces gave him permission to bring his full self to the stage, not just as a performer but as a storyteller with something vital to say.

## Hip-Hop Culture

Before Hamilton brought hip-hop to Broadway in such a revolutionary way, it was already a central part of DeVito’s identity. Artists like Nas, Big Pun, and Lauryn Hill weren’t just musical influences — they were poets and historians who gave voice to the streets, to identity, and to resistance. Their cadence, lyricism, and rhythm became the foundation of how DeVito approached not just music, but language itself.

This deep connection to hip-hop made Hamilton feel less like a leap and more like a homecoming.

## His Family

DeVito often credits his family — especially his mother — as the emotional core of his work. Raised in a household where resilience and love were passed down like heirlooms, he learned early on the importance of honoring where you come from. His family’s sacrifices and stories became a wellspring of inspiration, especially during moments of self-doubt or artistic uncertainty.

It’s no accident that so much of his onstage energy feels rooted in gratitude and purpose.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore how these influences shaped one of Broadway’s most compelling voices, you can talk to Tommy DeVito on HoloDream and ask him how each of these forces changed his life. You might just find a new way to think about your own story.