Edward Juvier, a Texas-born Cuban American, has spent nearly two decades captivating audiences nationwide with his versatility, charisma, and dedication to acting. From his early days in Les Misérables to his current role as Osgood in the national tour of Some Like It Hot, Juvier’s journey is a testament to his passion for storytelling and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
Edward’s love for the arts began in his childhood, growing up in a family that valued music and creativity. “Singing was part of my family,” he recalls. “My sister played piano, and our parents would make us perform family shows — her playing, me singing.” His mother’s love for musicals like The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins further fueled his passion. “We watched them almost as if they were required reading,” he says with a laugh.
His first foray into theater came in junior high school with a production of Oklahoma. Still, it wasn’t until he performed with a professional company in Galveston at the age of 18 that he realized acting could be a career. “I looked at those actors and thought, this is something people can do for a living. This is a job!” he says. Inspired by the character actors he worked with, Juvier decided to pursue a Life in theater.
Edward’s journey took him to the Boston Conservatory, where he honed his craft and graduated in 2000. Even before completing his studies, he was cast on the national tour of Les Misérables, a role that would define the early years of his career. Alternating between the road company and the Broadway production, Juvier describes the experience as “a beautiful start to my career” and a major milestone that allowed him to focus on building meaningful connections in the industry.
Juvier’s career is a tapestry of diverse roles and experiences. He has performed in iconic productions like The Phantom of the Opera, where he covered 11 different roles, as well as regional productions of Kinky Boots, Gypsy, and The Drowsy Chaperone. His portrayal of Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone earned him a Kevin Kline Award nomination, and he has also brought characters like Sancho Panza (Man of La Mancha) and Nicely-Nicely (Guys and Dolls) to life. His voice has even been featured in the animated series Pokémon and Fighting Foodons, showcasing his range as a performer.
Juvier is currently touring as Osgood Fielding III in Some Like It Hot, a Queer-forward musical about two men who disguise themselves as women to escape a notorious mobster. As the story unfolds, one of them awakens to his true self. The show reminds us that musicals can be both entertaining and culturally significant, celebrating identity, authenticity, and diversity. Juvier’s character Osgood embodies these themes beautifully, as he is a kind man who leads with love, models acceptance, and proves that goodness can be genuinely captivating.
I know the above to be true because I caught his performance at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. Edward’s comedic timing and charm made the show so much fun, and his portrayal of Osgood was a highlight of the evening. He brought warmth and sincerity to the character, making him not only lovable but also deeply memorable.
While Edward aspires to write and direct, his true passion remains in theater. “I’m a creature of the theater,” he says. “I love the ritual of it. I love doing the same thing repeatedly, sharing inside jokes, and the moments with stagehands and performers. It’s truly like going to church for me.”
Frank Gaimari: What does the term “character actor” mean to you, and how has it influenced your career?
Edward Juvier: To me, being a character actor means finding truth in the details. I’ve always been drawn to roles that are a little off-center because they often reveal the heart of the story in unexpected ways. Playing characters like Sancho Panza or Osgood has reminded me that comedy and sincerity can coexist. I love exploring that mix of humor and humanity — that’swhere I feel most at home.
FG: You’ve been part of iconic productions like Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera. What lessons did you take away from those experiences?
EJ: Both Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera taught me discipline and consistency. Those shows run like beautiful machines, and being part of them showed me the value of maintaining excellence night after night. They also taught me humility. When you step into something that has been running for decades, you realize you’re a small part of a much larger legacy. You learn to honor the work that came before you while finding your own way to keep it alive. Most of all, they taught me how powerful theater can be when everyone is moving toward the same purpose. That sense of unity has stayed with me ever since.
FG: Your role as Osgood in Some Like It Hot has been widely praised. What drew you to this character, and how do you make it your own?
EJ: Osgood is such a joyful character. What drew me to him is his openness and goodness. He leads with his heart, and that kind of sincerity can be surprisingly hard to play. I try to approach him with honesty rather than caricature. It’s easy to lean into the comedy, but what makes him special is that he genuinely means every word he says. When you play him from that place of truth, the humor takes care of itself. I also love that I continue to learn from him every day. The way he lets things roll off his back and moves through the world with optimism is something to admire. Getting to share that energy every night is a real gift.
FG: As a Cuban American, how has your heritage influenced your perspective and approach to storytelling?
EJ: My heritage has shaped how I view the world and connect with others. Cuban culture is rich with music, humor, resilience, and a strong sense of community, all of which influencehow I tell stories. I am always aware that I can do this because of the sacrifices made by previous generations. The fact that I am a musical theater performer touring the country is only possible because of my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. I carry their strength and gratitude with me every day.
FG: What advice would you give to aspiring actors who want to pursue a career in musical theater?
EJ: Be curious and stay kind. Talent matters, but curiosity and kindness will take you even further. Keep learning, stay open, and surround yourself with people who make you better. Also, remember that no one’s path looks the same — there’s no single “right” way to build a career in theater. Stay patient with yourself and trust that your timing is your own. And finally, never forget why you started. The joy that got you here is what will keep you going.
FG: You’ve worked in both regional and national productions. How do these experiences differ, and what do you enjoy about each?
EJ: Regional theater often feels like a creative laboratory. You’re building something from the ground up, and there’s a real sense of discovery in the process. Every production has its own personality, and the relationships formed in those rooms are incredibly special.
Touring, on the other hand, gives you the thrill of sharing that work with audiences all over the country. You get to see how different communities respond to the same story, which keeps it fresh and exciting.
Both experiences feed each other. The creative spirit of regional work and the discipline of touring balance me out as an artist.
FG: What’s next for you? Are there any dream roles or projects you hope to tackle in the future?
EJ: Right now, I’m enjoying being fully present in Some Like It Hot. It’s such a rare gift to be part of a show that celebrates joy and acceptance, and I’m savoring every moment of it. Of course, my goal is to continue building my theatrical career with roles that challenge me and allow me to grow. I’d love the chance to return to Broadway and keep telling stories that make people laugh, think, and feel connected.
Edward Juvier’s career exemplifies versatility and dedication. Whether he’s in a comedic or dramatic role, his performances feel authentic and heartfelt. As he continues to bring stories to life, audiences can expect more unforgettable moments from this talented actor.
Edward’s website: ttps://www.edwardjuvier.com/
Frank Gaimari is an author and film reviewer in Seattle. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://www.FrankGaimari.com.
Support the Seattle Gay News: Celebrate 51 Years with Us!
As the third-oldest LGBTQIA+ newspaper in the United States, the Seattle Gay News (SGN) has been a vital independent source of news and entertainment for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest since 1974.
As we celebrate our 51st year, we need your support to continue our mission.
A monthly contribution will ensure that SGN remains a beacon of truth and a virtual gathering place for community dialogue.
Help us keep printing and providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ voices.
How you can donate!
Using this link: givebutter.com/6lZnDB
Text “SGN” to 53-555
Or Scan the QR code below!
