The original cast of RENT never imagined that they would get to film the movie version of RENT. If anything they thought they’d only be in for a short cameo. Now there are cast versions world wide. Even though they do play the same parts I don’t have room for them all. So, there are only the two main one, Broadway and Film. On April 26^th of this year the original Broadway cast will be getting together for a 10 year anniversary concert. The film is released on DVD February 21^st , 2006.

BROADWAY CAST

            FILM CAST

Mark Cohen: In the original cast of RENT, Anthony Rapp played Mark. He was the first person of the cast to ever meet Jonathan. This character was also based on Jonathan himself. Mark is in love with filmmaking and is the one to capture the year on film. Originally, Rapp sang Rodgers songs in a workshop. He never regrets the show for a minuet and never will.

 Mark Cohen: Anthony Rapp also played Mark in the film version. He is currently 35 years old and he never thought he’d be in the film. If anything he only expected to do a short cameo. Rapp was born in Joliet, Illinois. He currently has two films in post production and was also in the film Twister. A little known fact about Anthony is that even though his character Mark is straight, Rapp has been homosexual since he cam out of the closet at age 14.

Rodger Davis: Adam Pascal was in the film version as well but with longer hair. Adam was in the popular film School of Rock as Theo. He is currently 36 and his birthday is the day right after Anthony Rapp’s yet the year before. That’s something you don’t see every day!

  Mimi Marquez: Daphnie Ruben-Vega was the first girl to play Mimi. The character was based on a girl friend Jon had who was a dancer. Daphnie was not able to do the film version because she was pregnant at the time. She will always be remembered as Mimi to Jonathan.

     Mimi Marquez: Rosario Dawson played Mimi in the film version of RENT. She is currently 27 years old and has three movies in post production and two in pre production. She has been in films such as Sin City and Alexander. She will be in Sin City 2 as well.

Tom Collins: This character was also based on one of Jon’s roommates, was played by Jesse L. Martin originally. This was a different role for Martin because the character is a homosexual.  He is not but did a great job of acting like it! This character is also in love with Angel.

     Tom Collins: Jesse L. Martin was in the film version as well. He is currently starring on Law and Order. He is 37 years old. He was on the X-Files in 1991 and has done many TV appearances. Jesse is not homosexual in real life despite his role as Collins.

Angel Dumatt Shunard: Originally played by Wilson Jermaine Heredia, this character is the love of Tom Collins. Wilson had never done a role quite as different as Angel. You see not only is he homosexual but he is also a cross dresser. Sadly he dies on Halloween.

       Angel Dumatt Shunard: Wilson was also in the film version. He is currently 36 years old and has two films in post production. When he was younger, Wilson was constantly surrounded by music. He was born in Brooklyn, New York , in 1971 on December 2^nd.

  Maureen Johnson: This character was based on the same girl as Mimi who also often left Jon for other men and eventually another woman. Originally played by Idina Menzel, Maureen is also a homosexual. While Menzel is not a homosexual she did a great job of playing one!

  Maureen Johnson: Idina Menzel also played Maureen in the film version of RENT. She is currently 36 years old and was born on May 30, 1971. She grew up in Syosset, New York. She recently completed “Ask The Dusk” set to come out this year. Menzel has done the voice of Circe in the animated film “Hercules” and an appearance on “Desperate Housewives”

 Joanne Jefferson: Joanne was originally played by Fredi Walker who respectively reclined from the film offer. Her character is the homosexual lawyer that Maureen left Mark for. Fredi is also not a homosexual  but loved the opportunity of the role.  

Joanne Jefferson:  Tracie Thoms played the role of Joanne in the film version of RENT. She is currently 31 years old and was born on August 19, 1979. She grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. She currently has two films in post production. One of which she is working with Wilson Jermaine Heredia on. She is also on “Cold Case”.

Benjamin Coffin III: More commonly know as Benny, he was played by Taye Diggs. Diggs loved the musical and the role he got. This character was based on a landlord who constantly bothered Jon and his friends for the rent. Benny does the exact same thing to Mark and Rodger. Except for the whole cleaning out the apartment and taking their stuff thing. That never happened to Jon.

  Benjamin Coffin III: Taye was also in the film version of RENT. He is currently 34 years old and was born in Rochester, New York. He was born on January 2, 1972. He has one film in post production . He has been in film such as “Chicago” and  was on “ Will and Grace”.