There’s buzz abound that Lin-Manuel Miranda is involved in a secret project for Queen Elizabeth’s upcoming jubilee (per Entrepreneur). It’s not clear what the project is and whether Miranda will be utilizing his composing, acting, or singing skills, but his alleged involvement further cements his legacy.
Miranda rose through the ranks of Broadway with hits like In The Heights and Hamilton. Before and after his success composing recent Disney favorites like Moana and Encanto, the actor/composer has graced both the big and silver screen. His roles range widely in genre, from television comedy and drama to film musical roles, big and small. Based on the ratings at IMDb, these are the best of his career so far.
The Odd Life Of Timothy Green – 6.6
Disney’s fantasy comedy-drama film, The Odd Life of Timothy Green premiered in theatres in 2012. The story follows a young boy whose legs magically grow leaves. Miranda was cast in the supporting role of Reggie, alongside Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton.
Miranda’s role as Reggie acted as a wealth of information for the magical Timothy and his bewildered parents on the subject of his rapidly curious condition. Reggie is a botanist who is entrusted with the secret of the growing leaves on Timothy’s body and lends a positive perspective to the film.
Mary Poppins Returns – 6.7
Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns marked Miranda’s first leading musical movie role following his departure from Hamilton on Broadway in 2016. As sprightly lamplighter Jack, Miranda returned to his musical roots in an energetic way and remains a memorable addition.
The spiritual successor to Dick Van Dyke from the classic musical Mary Poppins, Miranda’s optimistic portrayal of Jack the lamplighter allowed him to sing and dance his way into the hearts of audiences. His energetic, yet gentle manner makes this a memorable portrayal, and his chemistry with Emily Blunt’s Mary Poppins, breathes new life into this Disney musical reboot.
Tick, Tick… BOOM- 7.0
Miranda’s feature film directorial debut, tick, tick… BOOM on the life and work of Broadway composer, Jonathan Larson, is one of the best movie musicals of the 2020s so far, released last year to critical acclaim. In “Sunday”, a large musical number featuring surprise cameos from famous Broadway heavyweights, Miranda himself makes a cameo.
Miranda plays a Moondance diner cook in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance. His cameo is a delightful scene opener that lovingly features Broadway talent. Miranda’s vision for the scene was charting a dream sequence that featured all of Larson’s musical influences (per Vanity Fair). It’s only fitting that Miranda, inspired by Larson’s work, be the one to tell his story back in the 21st century.
In The Heights – 7.3
Miranda’s alternative Broadway musical, In The Heights received the big-screen treatment in 2021. Centered around multiple lives in New York’s Washington Heights district, Miranda’s signature rhymes and rhythm help this film truly come alive. His cameo as Piragua Man offers a lively addition to a multicultural cast.
Aside from functioning as a light-hearted interlude to the film’s main action, Miranda’s Piraguero marks a cheeky cameo from the musical’s maestro. He infuses the few scenes he’s in with pure delight, singing of his piragua business, a Puerto-Rican shaved ice treat, in a truly scene-stealing manner.
Difficult People – 8.0
Difficult People is a Hulu original series chronicling two struggling comedians in New York City. In the season 2 episode, Billy and Julie falsely claim they have created a hip-hop musical about president Jimmy Carter, with Miranda’s endorsement. In a cameo at the end, Miranda confronts Billy angrily about the fake endorsement.
Miranda and Hamilton appear by name throughout the episode, and it’s at the end that he makes a surprise cameo. Although this episode aired in 2016, at the height of Hamilton‘s popularity on Broadway, his cameo was another example of his talent. His appearance shows audiences he is a team player and open to parodies of his work.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine – 8.1
Fox’s cop comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine featured many guest stars over its continued run, so it’s no surprise Miranda’s guest-starring role would be played by one of the show’s biggest fans. His role as David Santiago added humor and camaraderie with the other players that warranted a much-needed appearance in a future season.
Miranda’s turn as Amy Santiago’s overachieving brother, David in season 6 episode 9, “The Golden Child” is similar to the real Miranda, sans any sincerity. His love for the show is clearly felt in his hilariously arrogant performance. His perfect demeanor leads to sibling rivalry when he and Amy attempt to one-up each other in a hilariously bad dance battle.
Hamilton – 8.4
The Disney+ filmed stage version of the 2015 musical, Hamilton, granted audiences the opportunity to experience the stage phenomenon. Miranda’s titular role, as well as his songwriting skill, catapulted him to stardom, and its higher rating makes this a crowd-pleasing performance.
Miranda’s Alexander Hamilton crackles across the stage as he spits rhymes that equal his spirit and ambition. Although Hamilton has come under fire in recent years for its erasure of scrutiny regarding America’s founding fathers, the electricity of his performance coupled with his chemistry with fellow actors shows why he deserved every accolade.
His Dark Materials – 8.5
This television adaptation of Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials book series follows a fantastical world where magic and science collide in a battle between parallel universes. Miranda’s role as adventurer Lee Scoresby proved his dramatic ability on the silver screen.
Miranda’s turn as Lee Scoresby in season 2’s episode, “Tower of the Angels,” earned a highly scored IMDb rating, and it’s easy to see why. His character in season 2 pairs with Andrew Scott’s formidable shaman, and coupling with the steely magician helps Miranda’s universe-hopping Texan lighten the action with witty one-liners while balancing dramatic moments with fervor.
Fosse/Verdon – 8.6
The popular FX biographical miniseries Fosse/Verdon, following the lives of musical pioneers Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, has many guest stars over its limited series run. Miranda’s end-of-season role adds more pizazz to its star-studded appearances.
Miranda’s role as Roy Schneider, a fictionalized version of Bob Fosse for the taping of his autobiographical film, saw the actor physically in a different light. The actor was made up in a flashy, sequined 1970’s-esque outfit, and blonde hair, and he was able to show his comedic chops. Miranda also served as a producer on the miniseries.
House – 9.7
This popular procedural drama follows a brash doctor who specializes in diagnostic medicine. In House‘s season 6 premiere, “Broken” Miranda is given ample opportunity to stretch his dramatic talent. When the titular doctor is sent to a psychiatric hospital, Miranda’s character Alvie, House’s roommate, carries many scenes.
Alvie has bipolar disorder and raps at every opportunity. Despite being initially disliked for this, he forms a friendship with House. His energy and effervescence allowed him to juggle comedy and drama, and it’s fitting this episode is his highest-rated work on IMDb.
