Anthony Rapp’s Costume Insights

Continuing with our #HacksTheNewsletter celebrity series and since this weekend is Halloween, we hope you enjoy these Halloween Costume Hacks from none other than my brother, triple threat actor Anthony Rapp.

For those of you who don’t know Anthony, he is a film and Broadway actor who started his career in his childhood in The King & I but is most famous for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway production of Rent. I had the pleasure and privilege of joining him on many Friday evenings post-show during my sophomore year at Yale after I finished an internship in Manhattan. The only thing more impressive than his acting skills are his authenticity, self-awareness, and love of family.

Today, “Uncle Anthony” and his fiancée Ken are in Toronto as Anthony continues to play Lieutenant Commander Paul Stamets on the television series Star Trek: Discovery among many others. In honor of October 31st, 2020, I asked Anthony to share some of his favorite costumes on screen and stage. Happy Halloween!

Anthony Rapp’s Halloween Hacks:

Alyssa: What is the most “transformed” you have felt by a costume in your acting career?

Anthony: When I played Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch in 2003, I wore a blond and pink Mohawk wig with dreadlocks cascading down the back; a blue bustier and flared-out skirt; elaborate drag makeup featuring glittery eyelids and lips; and silver lamé, 5-inch platform heeled boots. To say I was transformed by that is a profound understatement. It’s one of the most enjoyable acting experiences I’ve ever had.

Alyssa: What is the most comfortable costume you have ever worn?

Anthony: The iconic sweater and scarf I wore as Mark in RENT were extremely comfortable. And a bonus was that I never had to change clothes during the performance. (I’m talking about the stage version; I did change clothes in the film.) Our costume designer, Angela Wendt, was masterful at creating costumes that looked good and authentic and were very wearable.

Alyssa: What do you enjoy most about the hair/make-up “getting ready” process for each shoot that you do?

Anthony: It’s always a great opportunity to put the final pieces into place. I’m an actor who builds my character from the inside, and I really enjoy it when the look of the character matches how it feels to be in his skin.

Alyssa: What will you be for Halloween this year?

Anthony: I dress up for a living, so I’ll be myself for Halloween, as I generally have been in my adult life. I love seeing how other people dress up, though.