Lin-Manuel Miranda gained global recognition thanks to the success of Hamilton, but it was shaped by his dark childhood experiences.
Lin-Manuel Miranda skyrocketed to fame with the creation of the Broadway musicals In The Heights and Hamilton, with both winning numerous Tony Awards. But his success came years after “six months of grey” during his youth.
Lin-Manuel Miranda experienced ‘death’ at just age 3
Lin-Manuel Miranda is the mastermind behind the wholesome and inspirational soundtrack for family favorites Moana and Encanto, but much darker memories influence his directing approach. Talking to BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs in 2019, the Broadway icon revealed a kindergarten tragedy made him “very aware” that life was fleeting.
Miranda, 44, lost his best friend at the age of three or four when she accidentally drowned, making him “aware of the ticking clock earlier”.
“And I think I am drawn to characters who are very aware of it,” he continued. Hamilton’s titular character, Alexander Hamilton, raps in the show: “I imagine death so much it feels more like a memory/When is it gonna get me?”
The Emmy-nominated star admitted he experienced “six months of gray” after discovering his friend had drowned in a lake behind her home. Both parents thought she was under the care of someone else.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s net worth surged after Hamilton’s five-year run
In 2023, Miranda’s estimated net worth is $90 million, putting him ahead of Hollywood stars such as Margot Robbie and Zendaya, who stand at $60 million and $22 million, respectively.
It’s down to Hamilton’s lucrative royalties. As the book’s sole author, Lin-Manuel received a seven percent cut, equation to $105K per week during the musical’s typical eight-show week from 2015 to 2016.
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians star biggest payday, however, came after leaving the cast. Hamilton sold its film rights to Disney in a $75 million deal that is believed to be one of the largest film acquisitions ever, as per Deadline.
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