Anthony Rapp is best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the Tony Award-winning rock opera Rent. Rent explores a struggle with life, love, and AIDS, and the impact each has on our society. Rapp shared an OBIE (Off-Broadway) Award with the rest of the cast for the performance. After taking the show from Off-Broadway to Broadway, Chicago to London, Rapp reprised his role in the 2005 Sony Pictures major motion picture adaptation. Rent ended its incredibly successful 12-year Broadway run in September of 2008.

Rapp's prolific career includes roles in additional Broadway shows, major motion pictures, and several television series.

In 2000, Rapp released his first solo album, Look Around, and in 2006, Rapp published his national best-selling book "Without You: a Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Musical Rent." Rapp's novel details his experiences during Rent's original run as, well as his personal struggle with losing his mother to cancer.

In 2016, Rapp was cast in Star Trek: Discovery as Lt. Commander Paul Stamets, the first openly gay character in the Star Trek television series. This was Rapp's first television regular role.

Rapp made headlines in 2017 when he came forward with an accusation against Keven Spacey from 1986, following the Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse allegations and #MeToo movement.

Rapp also serves on the board of the non-profit organization Friends In Deed, which provides emotional support for anyone with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, cancer or other life-threatening physical illnesses, their families, friends, and caregivers.

At the podium, Rapp takes audiences through his career, the loss of his friend and Rent playwright, Jonathan Larson, and his mother's battle with cancer. In an insightful exploration of the social importance of the show, Rapp highlights the role Rent played in thrusting LGBT, HIV/AIDS, and poverty issues into the national spotlight.

Rapp is available in partnership with Collective Speakers.

College, Health, Entertainers, Authors, Hot Campus Topics, Diversity, For Diversity Events, Diversity Topics, Celebrity, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault Awareness Month Sexual Violence, AIDS / HIV,