‘Hamilton’ Actor Christopher Jackson to Deliver the Keynote Speech at Hudson County Community College’s 2018 Commencement Celebration

An American actor, musician, composer, and lyricist, Christopher Jackson originated the role of President George Washington in the blockbuster Broadway musical, “Hamilton.” He was nominated for a Tony in 2016.

The 42-year-old multitalented thespian grew up in Illinois and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. He performed on Broadway in “In the Heights,” “The Bronx Bombers,” “After Midnight,” “The Lion King,” “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” and “Memphis.” Mr. Jackson’s Off-Broadway credits include “Bronx Bombers,” “The Jammer”, “Lonely, I’m Not,” “In the Heights,” and “Cotton Club Parade.”

The versatile actor has also appeared on TV and film. His credits include “Oz,” “A Gifted Man,”  “ Person of Interest,” “Gossip Girl,” “Fringe,” “Tracers,”  “Nurse Jackie,” “The Good Wife,” and “ Afterlife .” He currently stars in the hit CBS drama series "Bull" where he plays Chunk Palmer, a stylist who prepares defendants for trial.

Mr. Jackson was the Composer/Songwriter for “Sesame Street,” and with six Emmy nominations, he won for his song, “What I Am.” He was a co-music supervisor and writer for The Electric Company (PBS).  He recorded an original Lin Manuel-Miranda song for the film, “Moana.”

An advocate for the organization Autism Speaks, he lives with his wife and children in New York.