Thomas Kail
Biography
Thomas Kail is an American director known for his work in theatre and television. He directed the Off-Broadway and Broadway productions of Lin-Manuel Miranda's musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, winning the 2016 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Hamilton. Kail received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2018. In television, he directed the series Fosse/Verdon in 2019, earning two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on the series. Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Kail has twenty-two known credits in production. His birth date is noted in records as either January 20, 1977 or January 20, 1978. He is also known as Tommy Kail.
Career overview
Thomas Kail is an American television and theatre director known for his work on the Off-Broadway and Broadway productions of the musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, which were created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. For his direction of Hamilton, Kail received the 2016 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. In addition to his theatre work, Kail directed the television series Fosse/Verdon in 2019, earning two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on the project. Throughout his career, he has also received recognition including a Kennedy Center Honor, which was awarded to him in 2018.
Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Kail has established a recognized career across television and theatrical production, accumulating numerous known credits. He is also known by the name Tommy Kail. His professional background includes directing both stage and screen projects that have garnered major industry accolades and award nominations.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
35 titles- Moana (2026) Director
- Moana (2026) Executive Producer
- Hamilton (2025) Director
- Hamilton (2025) Producer
- Hamilton: Reuniting the Revolution (2025) as Self
- We Were the Lucky Ones (2024) Executive Producer
- We Were the Lucky Ones (2024) Director
- Up Here (2023) Executive Producer
- Up Here (2023) Director
- World's Best (2023) Producer
- In the Heights (2021) Thanks
- We Are Freestyle Love Supreme (2020) as Self
- We Are Freestyle Love Supreme (2020) Producer
- Tiny Beautiful Things (2020) Director
- Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes On You (2020)
- Hamilton: History Has Its Eyes On You (2020) Director
- The Undefeated Presents: Hamilton In-Depth (2020) as Self
- The Undefeated Presents: Hamilton In-Depth (2020) Director
- Siempre, Luis (2020) as Self
- Fosse/Verdon (2019) Director
- Fosse/Verdon (2019) Executive Producer
- Fosse/Verdon (2019) Story
- Fosse/Verdon (2019) Creator
- IN THE HEIGHTS - Ramon C. Cortines (2018) Stage Director
- Hamilton: One Shot to Broadway (2017)
- Grease Live (2016) Co-Executive Producer
- Grease Live (2016) Director
- Hamilton's America (2016) as Self
- 2 Broke Girls (2011) Director
- In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams (2009) as Self
- Charlie Rose (1991) as Self
- Tony Awards (1956) as Self - Nominee
- Tony Awards (1956) Songs
- Fiddler on the Roof Director
- Fiddler on the Roof Producer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Thomas Kail best known for?
Thomas Kail is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Moana (2026), Moana (2026), Hamilton (2025), Hamilton (2025).
When and where was Thomas Kail born?
Thomas Kail was born on January 20, 1978 in Alexandria, Virginia.
How many credits does Thomas Kail have?
Thomas Kail has accumulated over 35 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2026.
What is Thomas Kail's background in cinema and television?
Thomas Kail is an American director known for his work in theatre and television. He directed the Off-Broadway and Broadway productions of Lin-Manuel Miranda's musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, winning the 2016 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Hamilton. Kail received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2018. ...