Gregory Jbara

Gregory Jbara (pronounced /dʒəˈbɑːrə/; born September 28, 1961) is a Tony Award-winning American film, television and stage actor. Jbara was born in Nankin Township (now Westland), Michigan, the son of an advertising office manager and an insurance claims adjuster. He is of Lebanese and Irish descent. After graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, Michigan, Jbara attended the University of Michigan from 1979 to 1981. He majored in Com... more

Gregory Jbara (pronounced /dʒəˈbɑːrə/; born September 28, 1961) is a Tony Award-winning American film, television and stage actor. Jbara was born in Nankin Township (now Westland), Michigan, the son of an advertising office manager and an insurance claims adjuster. He is of Lebanese and Irish descent. After graduating from Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, Michigan, Jbara attended the University of Michigan from 1979 to 1981. He majored in Communication Studies and took classes in Theatre and Musical Theatre. He left Michigan to attend Juilliard (1982-1986) where he received his BFA in acting. Jbara originated the role of "Jackie Elliot" (known as "Dad") in the Broadway production of Billy Elliot the Musical, which opened on November 13, 2008. For his portrayal of "Dad" Jbara received the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Tony awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical during the 2008-2009 Broadway awards season. On May 5, 2005, Sardi's caricatures of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels... less