Things have worked out pretty well for Leslie Odom Jr., but the Broadway star and actor had a plan in case a career in show business didn’t pan out.

Odom rocketed to stardom after playing Aaron Burr in the original Broadway production of “Hamilton,” a role that earned him a Tony Award for best actor in a musical and a Grammy Award for best musical theater album. Now, he’s returning to the part that launched his career, having reprised the role of Burr in “Hamilton” on Broadway beginning Sept. 9 and continuing through Nov. 26.

Odom has become a force in the industry, but he was prepared to go in another direction.

Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr during the curtain call for the musical "Hamilton" on Sept. 9, 2025 in New York City. Bruce Glikas / WireImage

“Shortly before ‘Hamilton,’

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