Though he has six Broadway shows on his résumé,Andrew Durandis living proof that the hustle never stops for theater actors. Durand, who was nominated for the best leading actor in a musical Tony Award for his performance as real-life robberElmer McCurdyin the musicalDead Outlaw, revealed that he was working some side jobs even after getting his big break. "There was one time I was working for a Tasker app," Durand exclusively toldParadefor the recentcover storyspotlighting Broadway's big year. "I was building a cabinet for someone in their house, and they were like, 'Did I see you inWar Horseon Broadway?' And I was like, 'Yes… Where would you like this cabinet?' So yeah, highs and lows — that's what it's all about. But I'm grateful to be an actor. I used to resent that, but now I love it because I appreciate the highs so much. And the lows are just the time to sort of gather yourself and look forward to what's next." 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 Durand said he was "so excited" when his name was announced as a 2025 Tony Award nominee on May 1 for his work in the new musical byDavid YazbekandErik Della Pennawith a book byItamar Moses. The show, whichreceived seven nominations, is based on the real-life story of McCurdy, an outlaw who was killed in a shootout after robbing a train in 1911. His mummified body was later displayed at an Oklahoma funeral home before becoming a staple in the traveling carnival and sideshow circuit in the 1920s. Related:Once Upon a Time, They Considered Giving Up. Now They're 2025 Tony Nominees (Exclusive) "I think the most exciting part about [the Tony nominations] is that we all sort of made a small piece of nuanced art that we really believe in, and [that] we put our hearts and souls into, and people responded to that," said Durand. "That's why we got to Broadway, based on the merits of our work in our show. So that feels really good." In a coffin on display for most of his performance, Durand also explained toParadehow he remains impossibly still when he must play dead. "It's a newfound skill," he said. "Everyone thinks it's very impressive. I didn't know that it's a skill, but it is. It's very hard." In order to maintain focus, "Sometimes I think about Elmer. Sometimes I think about my own life. Sometimes I think about my shopping list," Durand said. "And I just try to set little goals," he continued. "So instead of thinking of it as, like, 40 minutes in a coffin, I'm like, 'All right, if I can make it the next 20 seconds, someone is going to walk in front of me, and I can blink or swallow.' So, ironically, being in that coffin has been a great metaphor for life and how to approach [it]." Durand is one of the many stars featured inParade's cover story highlighting the diverse and star-studded Broadway season. Related:Andrew Durand, Broadway's 'Dead Outlaw,' Is Dressed to Kill on Opening Night (Exclusive) Hosted byWickedstarCynthia Erivo, the 78th Tony Awards will celebrate excellence during Broadway's 2024-25 season. They will air live on CBS and can be streamed on Paramount+ (live for Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the special airs). For more interviews with your favorite Tony-nominated stars, check back toParadeuntil the Tony Awards airs live Sunday, June 8, on CBS. And followParadeon Tony Awards night for live updates from the red carpet, press room and afterparties. This Tony Nominee Was Working for a Tasker App After Starring on Broadway (Exclusive)first appeared on Parade on May 24, 2025
