Donald David Cryer (born March 8, 1936) is a veteran American stage, television and film actor and singer and one of the founders of San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater which began in Pittsburgh and New York’s Mirror Repertory Theatre. In recent years, he is best known for the role of Firmin in The Phantom of the Opera, which he has played for nearly 19 years on the road and on Broadway. He has also played more performances of the Bernstein Mass, as The Celebrant (including at the Metropolitan Opera and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) and more performances as Juan Peron in Evita than any other actor. Cryer and his first wife, the songwriter Gretchen Cryer, are the parents of the actor Jon Cryer and his sister Robin Cryer Hyland. With his second wife, the dancer and actress Britt Swanson, he is the father of four children: Rachel, Daniel, Carolyn, and Bill. He has eight grandchildren.
Gretchen Kiger Cryer, playwright, lyricist and actress ; and Margaret Elizabeth Swanson Cryer, dancer and actress
Children
With Gretchen Kiger Cryer: Robin Cryer Hyland and Jon Cryer; With Margaret Elizabeth Swanson Cryer: Rachel Britt Saul, Daniel Russell Cryer, Carolyn Elizabeth Cryer and William David Cryer.
Star Sign
Pisces
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Fact
1
Has left the Touring company of The Phantom of the Opera and now is portraying the role of the opera house owner on Broadway. [August 2006]
2
He has been on the road with Phantom of the Opera since it began its national tour. He plays one of the opera house owners. [December 2004]