Brian M. Love (born December 12, 1973) is an American actor, singer, puppeteer, and martial artist. He is best known for his stage roles as Simba (understudy) in Disney's The Lion King and E.F. (Frank) Farrington in the world premiere of Brooklyn's Bridge.
On television, Love has appeared in multiple national commercials including National Football League (NFL) Fantasy Football, and the United States Golf Association (USGA). Love has also worked with entertainment icon Jerry Lewis, performing as a singer on his annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon.
As a recording artist, Love has sung for and worked with Motown trailblazers Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder. With Wonder, he was part of his ensemble arrangement recording of Jonathan Larson's "Seasons of Love" from the musical RENT. Love also was a member of the South African singing ensemble that recorded the 2010 FIFA World Cup Theme for ESPN.
His stage appearances include the Broadway cast of The Lion King - the Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning highest grossing Broadway production of all time, the Gazelle Tour of The Lion King, the 1st and 2nd National Tours of Jonathan Larson's RENT (Angel and Benny Tours, respectively), and the Sister Act National Tour - produced by Whoopi Goldberg. In 2022, Love also had the opportunity to play the role of Sebastian in Hale Centre Theatre's production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, a performance that earned him a 2023 Broadway World Award Nomination for Best Performer in A Musical.
Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio. His father, Houston Love, Jr., the grandson of a slave and son of a sharecropper, is a retired career educator and administrator. His mother, Laurel Ann Love (nee Jennings) is a retired social worker and musician.
Love attended Admiral King High School, lettering in both baseball and basketball and performing in every school musical and talent show in his junior and senior years. He graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland with a degree in Communications and English and would later complete some graduate work at Boston University. Formal Voice Training: Seth Riggs, who created and teaches the Speech Level Singing Technique and has worked with recording performers such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, James Ingram, Ray Charles, George Michael, Madonna, Bette Midler, and Barbra Streisand.
Brian Love has built a distinguished career in theater, performing on Broadway, in four national tours, and in numerous regional productions. His notable stage credits include:
Love has appeared in national television commercials and theater-filmed adaptations, including:
Love has collaborated with notable musicians, including Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder. He participated in Wonder's ensemble arrangement of "Seasons of Love" from the musical RENT and was a South African singing ensemble member for ESPN's 2010 FIFA World Cup theme.
Brian Love has been recognized for his dynamic stage presence, expressive performances and strong vocal ability. His performances in Brooklyn's Bridge and Calendar Girls received critical praise, with the Orlando Sentinel highlighting his contributions to both productions.
The following is a list of Brian M. Love's notable stage credits.