Diggs was born in New Jersey, the son of Marcia (née Berry), a teacher and actress, and Jeffries Diggs. He was raised in Rochester, New York, where he attended The School of The Arts. He is the oldest of five children; he has two brothers and two sisters. Diggs received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater from Syracuse University. He performed many times at the popular Lakes Region Read more...

In 1996, he got his big break, originating the role of the nasty landlord Benny in Jonathan Larson's Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning Rent. After Rent he appeared as Mr. Black alongside Idina Menzel's Kate in Andrew Lippa's off-Broadway production of The Wild Party. Diggs also played Billy Flynn in the long-running Broadway revival of Chicago and temporarily filled in for Norbert Leo Butz Read more...

Diggs married his Rent, Wild Party, and Wicked Broadway co-star Idina Menzel on January 11, 2003 after dating for 7 years. They have a Yorkshire Terrier named Sammy Davis, Jr. and two cats named Ella and Coltrane, who they call their "jazz cats."