Kiril Kulish

Kiril Jacob Kulish (born February 16, 1994) is an American actor, singer, and dancer. He gained fame for his portrayal of the title role in the original American production of Billy Elliot the Musical, which earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. Born in San Diego, California to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants Raisa Kulish and Phil Axelrod, Kulish grew up speaking Russian, Ukrainian, and English. He began studying ballet at the age of five and ballroom dancing at eight. Kulish trained at the San Diego Academy of Ballet and achieved numerous accolades, including winning the Junior division Grand Prix at the Youth America Grand Prix multiple times.