In the fairy tale movie Into The Woods, Billy Magnussen became best known for In the fairy tale movie. Who can forget Magnussen’s musical role as Rapunzel’s prince? The American actor is busy cementing his place on the small and big screen after winning several accolades on Broadway.

Billy Magnussen and his early life

Billy Magnussen was born as William Gregory Magnussen on April 20, 1985, in Woodhaven, Queens, New York, to an aerobics instructor, Daina and a professional bodybuilder and kickboxer, Greg Magnussen. Magnussen has two younger brothers.

Billy Magnussen smiling while taking selfie with his mother Daina Magnussen

Billy was raised in Queens around Woodhaven Blvd until his family moved to Cumming, Georgia when he was 10. Furthermore, he graduated from South Forsyth High School in 2003 and went to the North Carolina School of Arts. Billy had followed in his father’s footsteps until high school, but an injury sidelined him from wrestling. Since then, he has developed his interest in acting.

Billy Magnussen’s movies and TV shows

Magnussen made his acting debut in 2007 with an appearance Broadway play,  The Ritz. He continued with minor roles in movies like Blood Night: The Legend of Mary Hatchet and Happy Tears until he obtained his first starring role as Claude in the movie Twelve (2010).

From right to left: Billy Magnussen, Kristine Nielsen, Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce in the play, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

In 2011, he appeared in two movies, including The Lost Valentine and Damsels in Distress. He starred in an independent feature film Surviving Family in 2012.

After several years, he returned to the stage. Billy played a role as Spike alongside Sigourney Weaver and David Hyde Pierce in the play Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which premiered at the McCarter Theater and then at Lincoln Theater and John Golden Theater 2012. Furthermore, Magnussen was nominated for Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role.

In 2014, he starred alongside Anna Gunn in an off-Broadway production of the critically acclaimed play Sex With Strangers. That year was considered the turning point in his career when he got his most excellent exposure as Rapunzel’s Prince in the fairy tale movie Into the Woods. MacKenzie Mauzy played Rapunzel, and he played her prince in the film.

MacKenzie Mauzy played Rapunzel and Billy Magnussen played her prince in the movie Into the Woods.

He has recently appeared in films like Bridge of Spies, The Big Short, Birth of a Dragon, Ingrid Goes West and others. He will be seen as Ryan in Game Night in 2018 alongside Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams.

Billy has guest-starred in numerous TV shows like American Crime Story, As the World Turns, Boardwalk Empire, Law & Order Criminal Intent, NCIS: Los Angeles, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and more.

Besides acting, he is also passionate about music. He once contributed as a bass player and songwriter for The Dash’s NYC-based rock band. Now, he plays guitar in another band named Reserved for Rondee.

Is Billy Magnussen gay?

Over the years, speculations have arisen over his sexual orientation. He has starred in a few gay-themed plays, including The Ritz and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Perhaps, his reel-life roles have led to rumors of him being gay. But he has never spoken anything about it. 

Billy Magnussen with MacKenzie Mauzy

He flaunted his biceps and six-pack abs while performing his role as Spike in the play. Likewise, he was seen shirtless in the latest movie Ingrid Goes West.

Neither has he shared his love life with fans, nor has he ever been spotted with any woman in public. Apart from his career, his fans are curious about him as his girlfriend. After seeing Billy and MacKenzie Mauzy’s chemistry in Into the Woods, fans have thought that they might be dating in real life.  But they haven’t reacted to fans’ assumptions.