Anthony Deane Rapp (born October 26, 1971) is an American stage and film actor and singer best known for originating the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway production of Rent in 1996 and later for reprising the role in the film version and the Broadway Tour of Rent in 2009. He also performed the role of Charlie Brown in the 1999 Broadway revival of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.Rapp was born in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Mary Lee (née Baird) and Douglas Rapp， After his parents' divorce, he was raised by his mother, a trained nurse，
Rapp attended high school at Joliet West High School in Joliet, Illinois and theatre camp at Interlochen Arts Camp. In junior high school, Rapp won numerous awards for his singing， His brother is playwright, novelist, and filmmaker Adam Rapp