When most people think of Malcolm Gets, they immediately picture the lovably awkward Richard Karinsky from NBC’s hit sitcom “Caroline in the City.” But there’s so much more to this talented performer than meets the eye. Born December 28, 1963, in Waukegan, Illinois, Gets has spent decades building an impressive career that seamlessly blends television, film, Broadway theater, and music.
What sets Gets apart from many actors is his incredible range of artistic abilities. He’s not just an actor – he’s also a classically trained pianist, composer, singer, dancer, and choreographer. This diverse skill set has allowed him to tackle everything from sitcom comedy to serious Broadway drama with equal finesse.
Early Life and Education
Gets came from a family with interesting international roots. Both his parents had grown up in London before making their way to America, bringing a bit of English culture to their Illinois household. His mom, Lispbeth, dedicated her career to special education, while his dad, Terence, worked as a college textbook rep for a Boston publisher. The family wasn’t one to stay put – they moved from Illinois to New Jersey when Malcolm was little, then packed up again for Gainesville, Florida, when he turned six.
Even as a kid, Gets was clearly gifted academically. He breezed through school so quickly that he ended up skipping two whole grades. By 16, he was already walking across the stage at Buchholz High School in Gainesville to collect his diploma. His stellar academic record earned him a scholarship to the University of Florida, where he dove headfirst into theater studies.
At UF, Gets really found his groove. He not only earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre in 1988 but also snagged the Best Newcomer’s Award in acting – pretty impressive for someone who was still figuring out his path. But he wasn’t done learning yet. Next stop: Yale Drama School, where he spent the next few years earning his Master of Fine Arts degree in 1992.
Musical Foundation and Training
Long before Gets ever stepped in front of a camera, music was his first love. He started tickling the ivories at age eight, with dreams of becoming a classical pianist. Those early piano lessons weren’t just a hobby – they became his ticket through college, as he played gigs wherever he could find them to help cover expenses.
When he hit fourteen, Gets added voice lessons to his artistic arsenal. Around the same time, he was also hitting up a local dance studio in Gainesville, rounding out his performance skills in a way that would prove invaluable later on. His classical music training gave him a deep appreciation for the art form, though he’d eventually develop a special soft spot for Stephen Sondheim’s complex compositions.
Breakthrough Role in Caroline in the City
Gets achieved his greatest television success with his portrayal of Richard Karinsky in “Caroline in the City,” which aired from 1995 to 1999. The character of Richard, Caroline’s quirky and often bumbling assistant at the greeting card company, became a fan favorite thanks to Gets’ impeccable comedic timing and ability to make the character both endearing and believable.
The role showcased Gets’ natural talent for physical comedy and his ability to deliver witty dialogue with perfect timing. His chemistry with the ensemble cast, particularly with Lea Thompson’s Caroline, helped make the show a success during its four-season run. The character of Richard allowed Gets to demonstrate his range as a performer, balancing moments of genuine vulnerability with laugh-out-loud comedic situations.
Broadway Career and Theater Achievements
While television brought Gets widespread recognition, his heart has always remained close to the theater. His Broadway career includes several notable productions that have earned him critical acclaim and industry recognition. In 2002, he starred as Dusoleil in the musical “Amour” at the Music Box Theatre, a performance that earned him nominations for both the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical.
Gets’ other significant Broadway credits include “The Story of My Life” at the Booth Theatre in 2009, where he played Alvin Kelby, and “Macbeth” at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. His theater work extends beyond Broadway to include Off-Broadway productions and regional theater, where he has consistently demonstrated his versatility as a performer. In 1995, he was awarded the prestigious Obie Award, recognizing his outstanding achievement in Off-Broadway theater.
Film and Television Appearances
Beyond his signature television role, Gets has maintained a steady presence in both film and television throughout his career. His film work includes notable appearances in “Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle” (1994), where he portrayed F. Scott Fitzgerald, and “Grey Gardens” (2008), in which he played George “Gould” Strong. These roles demonstrated his ability to handle both period pieces and contemporary dramas with equal skill.
His television appearances have been equally diverse, with guest roles on acclaimed series such as “Sex and the City,” “The Good Wife,” “Blue Bloods,” and more recently, “Tales of the City” in 2019. Each appearance has allowed Gets to showcase different aspects of his acting ability, from comedy to drama to character work.
Musical Career and Recordings
Gets’ musical talents have not gone unnoticed in the recording industry. In 2009, he released his first solo album through PS Classics, a recording that highlighted his skills as both a vocalist and pianist. The album represented a return to his musical roots and demonstrated his ability to interpret songs with the same emotional depth he brings to his acting roles.
His musical theater background has also led to various recording projects and special performances, where he has been able to combine his love of music with his theatrical training. Gets’ classical piano training continues to influence his musical work, bringing a sophisticated understanding of composition and arrangement to his performances.
Personal Life and Legacy
Gets came out as gay in the late 1990s and has been open about his personal life while maintaining his privacy. He lives with his long-term partner and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry. His openness about his sexuality has made him a role model for other performers in the industry.
Throughout his career, Gets has remained committed to his craft, continuously seeking out challenging roles that allow him to grow as a performer. His dedication to both his artistic development and his personal authenticity has earned him respect from colleagues and fans alike.
Conclusion
Malcolm Gets represents the best of what a versatile performer can achieve in the entertainment industry. From his early days as a classically trained pianist to his breakthrough television role and continued success on Broadway, he has consistently demonstrated that true artistry comes from dedication, training, and the courage to pursue diverse creative challenges.
His legacy extends beyond any single role or performance, encompassing a career built on artistic integrity and a commitment to excellence across multiple disciplines. Whether making audiences laugh as Richard Karinsky or moving them to tears on the Broadway stage, Malcolm Gets continues to prove that the most memorable performers are those who bring their whole selves to their craft.
