L. Jefferson Mays, a native of Connecticut, embarked on his theatrical journey by studying at Yale College, where he later honed his craft in the Graduate Drama Program at the University of California, San Diego. During his time at La Jolla Playhouse, he had the opportunity to appear in numerous productions, laying the foundation for his illustrious career.
As a two-time Obie Award winner, Mays has had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed directors such as Des McAnuff and Anne Bogart. For several years, he was an integral member of Bogart's SITI company, a testament to his dedication to his craft.
Throughout his career, Mays has made appearances in various television specials and films, including the works of George Hickenlooper. However, it is his exceptional stage work that has garnered him widespread recognition. One of his most notable roles was as the star of Doug Wright's Tony and Pulitzer-winning one-man Broadway show "I Am My Own Wife," directed by Moises Kaufmann, the founder of Tectonic Theatre Project.
Currently, Mays is touring the world, reprising his Tony-winning role, and will be entertaining audiences in London, Krakow, San Francisco, and other locations during the 2005-2006 season. In his personal life, Mays is married to actress Susan Lyons, whom he wed in 2004, and the couple resides in New York City.
Mays has the distinction of having played the iconic role of Hamlet not once, but twice. His first performance as the prince of Denmark was during his undergraduate years at Yale, and he later reprised the role at the San Diego Rep in 1995.
