Matt Zarley

{{Short description|American singer-songwriter}} {{Unreliable sources|date=August 2025}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Matt Zarley | image =  | caption = | background = solo_singer | birth_place = Peoria, Illinois, U.S. | genre = Pop, Dance, Musical Theatre | occupation = Singer-songwriter, Actor, Producer | years_active = 1981–present | website = {{URL|https://www.mattzarley.com}} }}

'''Matt Zarley''' is an American singer-songwriter, musical theatre performer, and LGBTQ+ advocate. He began his professional career on Broadway before gaining recognition in the pop and dance music scenes. Zarley is known for his expressive tenor voice, LGBTQ-centered storytelling, and award-winning musical works such as ''Change Begins With Me'' and the short film ''hopefulROMANTIC''. He was the first openly gay man featured in ''People'' magazine’s “'''Top 50 Bachelor'''” issue, and continues to use his platform to support queer youth and promote positive representation in media.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broadway's Matt Zarley Remembers Being the First Out Gay Man in PEOPLE's Bachelors Issue {{!}} EDGE United States |url=https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/story/324429 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=EDGE Media Network |language=en}}</ref>

== Early life == {{BLP unreferenced section|date=August 2025}} Zarley was born in Peoria, Illinois, and raised in the Midwest of New Jersey, before settling in Southern California at 11 years old. His early interest in dance and musical performance began at the age of 12, leading him to pursue a career in the performing arts. He started working professionally as a teenager and eventually transitioned to Broadway in his early 20s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Wayman |date=February 2, 2004 |title=THE LEADING MEN: Following the Norm |url=https://playbill.com/article/the-leading-men-following-the-norm-com-117705 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=Playbill |at=PERFECTLY IN SYNCH WITH POP MUSIC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shapiro |first=Eileen |date=February 7, 2015 |title=Matt Zarley |url=https://getoutmag.com/matt-zarley/?v=1768882281 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=Get Out! Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Stage and television career == Zarley made his television debut at 17 years old on the TV series, ''Fame,''<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083412/fullcredits/ |title=Fame (TV Series 1982–1987) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-06-21 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> and his theatrical debut later that same year in the national tour of ''Cats.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matt Zarley – Broadway Cast & Staff {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/matt-zarley-90949#touring |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> At the time, he was the youngest performer ever cast in the musical.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cats National Tour Cast Reunites for Streaming Performance Benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS |url=https://playbill.com/article/cats-national-tour-cast-reunites-for-streaming-performance-benefiting-broadway-cares-equity-fights-aids |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222231232/https://playbill.com/article/cats-national-tour-cast-reunites-for-streaming-performance-benefiting-broadway-cares-equity-fights-aids |archive-date=2025-02-22 |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=Playbill |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> He later appeared in the Broadway productions of ''A Chorus Line, Joseph'' ''and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zebulon in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Broadway |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/character/Zebulon-5365/ |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=www.broadwayworld.com}}</ref>'', The Who’s Tommy''<ref>{{Cite web |last1=McGrath |first1=Sean |last2=Lefkowitz |first2=David |date=August 14, 1997 |title=Two-Time Tommy at MI's Barn Theatre |url=https://playbill.com/article/two-time-tommy-at-mis-barn-theatre-com-71238 |access-date=June 21, 2025 |website=PlayBill}}</ref>'','' and ''Chicago''. His stage work includes roles on Broadway, off-Broadway, national tours, and regional theatre.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matt Zarley - Musical Theatre Bio |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Matt-Zarley/ |website=BroadwayWorld}}</ref>

Zarley made his Broadway debut at 19 years old in ''A Chorus Line'', cast in the role of ''Mark Anthony''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Chorus Line Replacement Broadway Musical Cast 1975 {{!}} Broadway World |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/shows/A-Chorus-Line-3991/replacement-cast |access-date=2025-06-24 |website=www.broadwayworld.com}}</ref> Later, Zarley went on to play the role of ''Mike Costa'' for both the European tour and Paris premiere of the same show.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BWW |first=Team |title=Matt Zarley (Actor): Credits, Bio, News & More {{!}} Broadway World |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Matt-Zarley/ |access-date=2025-06-24 |website=www.broadwayworld.com |language=en}}</ref>

He also directed and starred in the 2012 music video “''Change Begins With Me''”, which featured fellow Broadway performers Hector Van Silva and Chuck Saculla.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woulfe |first=Neil |date=May 17, 2011 |title=Meet Singer Matt Zarley: 'Change Begins With Me'; See His New Music Video! |url=https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2011/05/meet-rising-singer-matt-zarley-change-begins-with-me/ |website=Radar}}</ref> The video was spotlighted by Playbill in their "''Screening Room"'' feature.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Playbill Screening Room: Matt Zarley's Change Begins With Me|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/playbill-video-week-in-review-aug-11-17-com-196595|website=Playbill|date=August 2012}}</ref> In addition to stage roles, Zarley has appeared in TV commercials and special appearances on shows including ''The Rosie O’Donnell Show'' and ''The Drew Carey Show'', as well as roles in TV movies including ''Disney's Cinderella'' (with Whitney Houston), ''Geppetto'' (with Drew Carey), and ''Annie'' (with Kathy Bates).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Matt Zarley {{!}} Actor, Producer, Editor |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0953534/ |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=August 2025}}

== Theatre ==

=== Performance History === Sources: ''Playbill Vault'';<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matt Zarley (Performer) |url=https://playbill.com/person/matt-zarley-vault-0000031112 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621091538/https://playbill.com/person/matt-zarley-vault-0000031112 |archive-date=2025-06-21 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Playbill |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> Broadway World,<ref>{{Cite web |last=BWW |first=Team |title=Matt Zarley (Actor): Credits, Bio, News & More {{!}} Broadway World |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Matt-Zarley/ |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=www.broadwayworld.com |language=en}}</ref> IBDb Broadway Database<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matt Zarley – Broadway Cast & Staff {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/matt-zarley-90949 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" !Year !Production !Venue !Acting Credit (Role) |- | rowspan="2" |Jul 1975 - Apr 1990 | rowspan="2" |''A Chorus Line'' |Broadway |Mark Anthony (Replacement)<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Chorus Line - Current Cast |url=https://playbill.com/personlistpage/person-list?production=00000150-aea6-d936-a7fd-eef6768e0001&type=cp#cc |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=Playbill}}</ref> |- |European Tour |Mike Costa (Replacement)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Credits for A Chorus Line (Paper Mill Playhouse Production, 1991) {{!}} Ovrtur: Database of Musical Theatre History |url=https://ovrtur.com/production/2890499/credits |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=ovrtur.com}}</ref> |- |Sep 1986 - Sep 1988 |''Cats'' (Third National Tour) |Broadway |Pouncival (Original)

Mistoffelees (Understudy)

Mungojerrie (Understudy)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cats – Broadway Musical – Third National Tour {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/cats-third-national-511431#OpeningNightCast |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> |- |Jul 1990 - Aug 1990 |''The Life'' |Off-Broadway (Showcase) |Bull (Original)<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Life Original Off-Broadway Musical Cast 1990 {{!}} Off-Broadway World |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/shows/The-Life-5583/cast |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=www.broadwayworld.com}}</ref> |- |Feb 1993 - Aug 1993 Nov 1993 - May 1994 | rowspan="2" |''Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'' |Broadway Broadway Revival |Joseph (Understudy - Original)

Apache Dancer (Replacement)

Zebulon (Replacement)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Broadway Musical – 1993 Revival {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat-4581#OpeningNightCast |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Current Cast |url=https://playbill.com/personlistpage/person-list?production=00000150-ae98-d936-a7fd-eefc628a0002&type=cp#cc |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=Playbill}}</ref> |- |Jan 1995 - Dec 1996 |Touring |Apache Dancer (Original) Zebulon (Original)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Broadway Musical – 1993-1993 Tour {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat-513151#OpeningNightCast |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> |- |Apr 1993 - Jun 1995 |''The Who's Tommy'' |Broadway |1st Pinball Lad (Replacement)

Allied Solder #1 (Replacement)

Ensemble (Replacement)

Local Lad (Replacement)

Security Guard (Replacement)

Tommy (Understudy - Replacement)<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Who's Tommy – Broadway Musical – Original {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/the-whos-tommy-4715#Replacements |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Who's Tommy - Current Cast |url=https://playbill.com/personlistpage/person-list?production=00000150-aea3-d936-a7fd-eef747390000&type=cp#cc |url-status=live |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=Playbill}}</ref> |- |Sept 2003 |''Chess'' |Broadway |The CHESS Choir (Original)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chess - Current Cast |url=https://playbill.com/personlistpage/person-list?production=00000150-aea5-d936-a7fd-eef5a95d0002&type=cp#cc |url-status=live |archive-date= |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=Playbill}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chess – Broadway {{!}} IBDB |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/chess-13503#OpeningNightCast |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=www.ibdb.com}}</ref> |- |Dec 2003 |''Children of Eden'' |Off-Broadway (New York Concert) |Ensemble<ref>{{Cite web |title=Children of Eden Original Off-Broadway Musical Cast 2003 {{!}} Off-Broadway World |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/shows/Children-of-Eden-3967/cast |access-date=2026-01-20 |website=www.broadwayworld.com}}</ref> |- |Mar 2004 - Jun 2004 |Chicago |National |Fred Casely Billy Flynn (Understudy) |}

== Filmography ==

=== Film, Television, and Shorts === Sources: IMDBb Database<ref name=":2" /> {| class="wikitable sortable" !Year !Title !Notes !Ref |- |1997 |''Cinderella'' |Television movie |Dancer (uncredited)<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0128996/fullcredits/ |title=Cinderella (TV Movie 1997) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2026-01-20 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> |- |1999 |''Annie'' |Television movie (Disney) |Male Dancer<ref>{{Cite web |title=WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY, THE: ANNIE (TV) |url=https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item?q=all&p=71&item=T:58938 |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=www.paleycenter.org}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2000 |''Geppetto'' |Television movie |Resident of Idyllia |- |''The Drew Carey Show'' |TV series – 1 episode

* S5.E25 "Drew and Kate Boink"<ref>{{Citation |last=Cohen |first=Gerry |title=Drew and Kate Boink |date=2000-05-10 |work=The Drew Carey Show |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0566380/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_4_cdt_epp_sm_1 |access-date=2025-06-28 |others=Drew Carey, Diedrich Bader, Christa Miller}}</ref> |Dancer #19 |- |2013 - 2015 |''Where the Bears Are'' |Web Series:

* S2.E24 "Thanksgiving Special"<ref>{{Citation |last=Dietl |first=Joe |title=Thanksgiving Special |date=2013-11-01 |work=Where the Bears Are |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3635882/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_4_cdt_epp_sm_1 |access-date=2025-06-21 |others=Rick Copp, Joe Dietl, Ben Zook}}</ref> * S4.E15–"Wedding Bears, Part 1"<ref>{{Citation |title=Wedding Bears, Part 1 |date=2015-10-12 |work=Where the Bears Are |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5122930/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_4_cdt_epp_sm_1 |access-date=2025-06-21 |others=Ben Zook, Ian Parks, Rick Copp}}</ref> * S4.E15–"Wedding Bears, Part 2"<ref>{{Citation |title=Wedding Bears, Part 2 |date=2015-10-15 |work=Where the Bears Are |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5122944/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_4_cdt_epp_sm_2 |access-date=2025-06-21 |others=Ian Parks, Ben Zook, Rick Copp}}</ref> |Andrew Simms / Wedding Singer #1 (Himself) |- |2015 |''Hopeful Romantic'' |Short Film:

* Best Shorts Competition – Award of Excellence (2014) * Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival – Best Short Film (LGBT Short Film Category) (2015) * Cinema Diverse: Palm Springs LGBT Film Festival – Festival Favorite (Short Film Category) (2015) * Chelsea Film Festival – Best Supporting Actor (George Takei) (2015)<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3742434/awards/ |title=Hopeful Romantic (Short 2015) - Awards - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-06-21 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> |Executive Producer / Writer / Lead (Himself) |- |2018 |''Can You Take My Picture'' |Short Film: * Best Drama – LAIFF November Award (2018) * Best Drama Shorts – LAIFF November Award (2018)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards (2018) |url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0003318/2018/1/ |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=IMDb |language=en-US}}</ref> |Producer |- | rowspan="2" |2020 |''Stars in the House'' |TV series (Talk Show) – 1 episode

* S1.E282 "With Love, Now And Forever! CATS4COVIDRELIEF"<ref>{{Citation |title=With Love, Now And Forever! CATS4COVIDRELIEF |date=2020-10-23 |work=Stars in the House |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13701146/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_cdt_epp_sm_1 |access-date=2025-06-28 |others=Jonathan Cerullo, Leslie Ellis, Joann Hunter}}</ref> |Self |- |''Currents'' |Short Film |Producer<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11209596/fullcredits/ |title=Currents (Short 2020) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2026-01-20 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2023 |''11 o'Clock Number'' |TV series (Musical) – 12 episodes<ref>{{Citation |title=11 o'Clock Number |type=Musical |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22005022/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_4_unrel_t_2 |access-date=2025-06-28 |others=Matt Zarley, Jolie Jenkins, Haviland Stillwell}}</ref> |Executive Producer / Writer / Lead (Zack Matthews) |- |''Studio One Forever'' |Documentary |Co-Executive Producer / Feature<ref>{{Cite web |title=STUDIO ONE FOREVER {{!}} Palm Springs International Film Festival |url=https://psfilmfest.org/film-festival-2024/film-finder/studio-one-forever |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=psfilmfest.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11735158/fullcredits/ |title=Studio One Forever (2023) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-07-02 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" |2024 |''Viva Verdi!'' |Documentary |Executive Producer / Feature<ref>{{Cite web |title=Viva Verdi {{!}} Cast and Crew {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/viva_verdi/cast-and-crew |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref> |- |''Worst Date, Best Date'' |Short Film (Comedy) |Executive Producer<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21614478/fullcredits/ |title=Worst Date, Best Date (Short 2024) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2025-07-02 |via=m.imdb.com}}</ref> |- |''Literal Nightmare'' |Short Film |Sound Designer / Singer<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31108362/fullcredits/ |title=Literal Nightmare (Short 2024) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2026-01-20 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> |- |2025 |''They Kiss'' |Short Film (Comedy) |Producer / Editor / Actor (Chad) <ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33023531/fullcredits/ |title=They Kiss (Short 2025) - Full cast & crew - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2026-01-20 |via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> |}

== Discography ==

=== Albums ===

* 2002: Debut<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wayman |first=Wong |date=February 2, 2004 |title=THE LEADING MEN: Following the Norm |url=https://playbill.com/article/the-leading-men-following-the-norm-com-117707 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250518173311/https://playbill.com/article/the-leading-men-following-the-norm-com-117707 |archive-date=2025-05-18 |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=Playbill |at=PERFECTLY IN SYNCH WITH POP MUSIC |language=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref> * 2008: Here I Am<ref>{{Cite web |title=Here I Am |url=https://www.mattzarley.com/here-i-am.html |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=MattZarley.com |language=en}}</ref> * 2012: Change Begins With Me<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Narloch |first=Chris |date=September 8, 2011 |title=A Broken Heart Inspires Matt Zarley |url=https://www.outwordmagazine.com/pdf_stuff/439_anni_fin_sm.pdf |journal=Outword Magazine |volume=24 |issue=16 |pages=20: 24}}</ref> * 2015: hopefulROMANTIC<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gioia |first=Michael |date=August 23, 2011 |title=Broadway's Matt Zarley Releases New Solo Album, "Change Begins With Me," Aug. 23 |url=https://playbill.com/article/broadways-matt-zarley-releases-new-solo-album-change-begins-with-me-aug-23-com-182008 |access-date=June 21, 2025 |website=PlayBill}}</ref> * 2017: The Estrogen Sessions<ref>{{Cite web |last=Musbach |first=Julie |title=Matt Zarley Celebrates International Women's Day with 'The Estrogen Sessions' Featuring Billy Porter |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Matt-Zarley-Celebrates-International-Womens-Day-with-The-Estrogen-Sessions-Featuring-Billy-Porter-20170307 |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> * 2023: 11 o'Clock Number<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

=== Singles ===

* 2002: ''“You Always Want (who u ain’t got)”'' * 2008: ''“Had I Known”'' * 2008: ''“Here I Am”'' * 2010: ''“Where Did You Come From”'' * 2012: ''“WTF”'' * 2012: ''“Perfect”'' * 2012: ''“Trust Me”'' * 2012: "''One More Christmas With You”''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grigware |first=Don |title=BWW Reviews: 7th Consecutive Upright Cabaret BROADWAY CHRISTMAS a Winner |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/BWW-Reviews-7th-Consecutive-Upright-Cabaret-BROADWAY-CHRISTMAS-a-Winner-20121212 |access-date=2025-06-21 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> * 2015: ''“I Look To You”'' * 2015: ''“Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)”'' * 2018: ''“I’ll Never Love Again”'' * 2018: ''“I Don’t Wanna Love Somebody Else”'' * 2018: ''“Your Song”'' * 2019: ''“Dear Future Husband”'' * 2019: ''“Don’t Save It All For Christmas Day”''

=== Other Releases === * 1994: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Broadway Revival Cast) * 1997: Cole Porter: A Musical Toast<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stars Preparing for Cole Porter Toast In L.A. March 14–16 {{!}} Playbill |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/stars-preparing-for-cole-porter-toast-in-la-march-14-16-com-69784 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619123120/https://www.playbill.com/article/stars-preparing-for-cole-porter-toast-in-la-march-14-16-com-69784 |archive-date=2021-06-19 |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=Playbill |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> * 1999: Annie (Original soundtrack–Disney) * 2000: Geppetto (TV soundtrack) * 2002: Being Out Rocks * 2009: While You See A Chance (feat. Billy Porter)

== Visual albums and music videos == In 2015, Zarley wrote, produced, and starred in hopefulROMANTIC, an award-winning musical short film that chronicles the life of a romantic relationship. The nearly dialogue-free narrative is told almost entirely through music, and co-starred Chuck Saculla, Jolie Jenkins, and George Takei. The short film appeared in several film festivals around the globe, including the Cannes Short Film Festival, and won several festival awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=George Takei Assists Matt Zarley On New Album |url=https://www.out.com/entertainment/popnography/2015/01/21/matt-zarley-works-double-time-new-album |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=www.out.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Diamond |first=Robert |date=November 2015 |title=LGBT Singer/Songwriter Matt Zarley Romances Film Festivals with Acclaimed Musical Short Film & Recording Project – "hopefulROMANTIC" - Special Guest Star George |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/LGBT-SingerSongwriter-Matt-Zarley-Romances-Film-Festivals-with-Acclaimed-Musical-Short-Film-Recording-Project-hopefulROMANTIC-Special-Guest-Star-George-20151116 |website=BroadwayWorld}}</ref>

In 2023, he launched ''11 o’Clock Number'', a 12-episode web series and visual album. The series, created during the COVID-19 pandemic, features Zarley's reinterpretations of iconic musical theatre songs, which were all originally sung by women.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ingenthron |first=Blair |title=Matt Zarley to Premiere New Musical Web Series 11 O'CLOCK NUMBER Next Week |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/las-vegas/article/Matt-Zarley-to-Premiere-New-Musical-Web-Series-11-OCLOCK-NUMBER-Next-Week-20230325 |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> The narrative-driven series was inspired by his mother's death years prior–featuring appearances from Billy Porter, Jason Graae, Kathy Deitch, Marty Thomas, Jolie Jenkins, and Barbara Deutsch.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Randy |first=Slovacek |date=2023-03-27 |title=Matt Zarley Debuts New Musical Web Series "11 O'Clock Number" - Instinct Magazine |url=https://instinctmagazine.com/matt-zarley-debuts-new-musical-web-series-11-oclock-number/ |access-date= |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |date=March 27, 2023 |title=11 O'Clock Number, New Musical Web Series From Matt Zarley, Debuts March 27 |url=https://playbill.com/article/11-oclock-number-new-musical-web-series-from-matt-zarley-debuts-march-27 |website=Playbill}}</ref> Zarley described the project as a “''cathartic quarantine project''” that turned into a full-scale production highlighting "''personal and collective resilience''".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Major |first=Michael |date=March 2023 |title=Matt Zarley to Premiere New Musical Web Series 11 O'CLOCK NUMBER |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Matt-Zarley-to-Premiere-New-Musical-Web-Series-11-OCLOCK-NUMBER-20230327 |website=Broadway World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Papadatos |first=Markos |date=May 2023 |title=Matt Zarley talks about his '11 O'Clock Number' digital series |url=https://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/matt-zarley-talks-about-his-11-oclock-number-digital-series/article |website=Digital Journal}}</ref>

== Recognition and awards == Zarley has received multiple awards and recognitions for his music and films:

* '''2002''' – '''"'''''You Always Want (who u ain’t got)”'' named the '''#5''' Top Club Play, under Billboard's Hot Dance Breakouts.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 9, 2002 |title=Dance/Electronic - Billboard: Hot Dance Breakouts |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2002/BB-2002-11-09.pdf |magazine=Billboard |pages=28 |via=VNU Business Media, Inc., Nielsen SoundScan Inc.}}</ref> * '''2008''' – Zarley's single, ''“Had I Known”,'' made the Billboard Critics' Top 10 of the Year. * '''2008''' – The single “''Here I Am''” was chosen by the producers of American Idol as a Top 10 finalist in the second ever American Idol Songwriter Contest'''''.''''' * '''2009''' – '''"'''''While You See A Chance (feat. Billy Porter)”'' made the Billboard Dance: Hot Dance Club Songs.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=August 1, 2009 |title=Billboard: Dance |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2009/BB-2009-08-01.pdf |magazine=Billboard |pages=43 |via=Neilsen BDS, Nielsen SoundScan}}</ref> * '''2012:''' ** '''April 2012''' – Zarley was the first openly gay man featured in ''People'' magazine’s annual "Bachelor" issue in 2012;<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rubenstein |first=Janine |date=April 11, 2023 |title=Broadway's Matt Zarley on the 'Magnitude' of Being the First Out Gay Man in PEOPLE's Bachelors Issue |url=https://people.com/tv/matt-zarley-broadway-actor-looks-back-being-named-people-first-openly-gay-man-people-bachelor-issue/ |website=People}}</ref> speaking frequently about the need for increased LGBTQ representation and visibility in media. ** '''June 2012''' – ''"Trust Me”'' made the Billboard Dance: Dance Club Songs.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=June 23, 2012 |title=Billboard Dance |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/00s/2012/BB-2012-06-23.pdf |magazine=Billboard |pages=45 |via=Neilsen BDS, Nielsen SoundScan}}</ref> ** '''December 2012''' ''– '''"'''Change Begins With Me''" received the ''''OutMusic Awar''''ds'''' Album and Single of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 12, 2012 |title=OutMusic Awards {{!}} Winners |url=https://www.outmusicawards.com/thewinners |website=OUTMUSIC AWARDS}}</ref> ** '''December 2012''' – Zarley was named in Billboard Readers’ Favorites Of 2012, '''#7'''–''"Trust Me (Moto Blonco Radio Edit)"'' and '''#39'''–"''W T F''”.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=2012-12-24 |title=Ask Billboard: Readers' Favorites Of 2012 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ask-billboard-readers-favorites-of-2012-1481254/ |access-date=2025-07-05 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> * '''2014''' – "''Somebody 4 Everybody"'' named Best Electronic or Dance Song in the RightOutTV Music And Video Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-11-12 |title=The Winners Of The 2014 RightOutTV Music And Video Awards Announced - CURVE |url=https://www.curvemag.com/blog/music-events/the-winners-of-the-2014-rightouttv-music-and-video-awards-announced/,%20https://www.curvemag.com/music-club/music-events/the-winners-of-the-2014-rightouttv-music-and-video-awards-announced/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Charity and advocacy == Zarley has been a committed advocate for LGBTQ+ youth support, anti-bullying and broader social causes through community-centered fundraising, performance and collaboration: {| class="wikitable sortable" !Date !Event !Ref. |- |'''2002''' (Oct) |Zarley took part with fellow LGBTQ+ artists in creating to the benefit compilation “''Being Out Rocks.''” Contributing “''Say Goodbye''” to the 21-track album, produced by and benefiting the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and Centaur Entertainment. |<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Staff |first=Billboard |date=2002-10-03 |title=Artists Celebrate 'Being Out' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/artists-celebrate-being-out-73971/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |'''2011''' (Feb) |Zarley released a cover of Pat Benatar’s “''We Belong''” as a charity single to benefit The Trevor Project, with all proceeds directed to the organization’s LGBTQ youth support and crisis intervention services. |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schuler |first=Meghan |title=Matt Zarley' Releases Single 'We Belong' to Benefit The Trevor Project |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Matt-Zarley-Releases-Single-We-Belong-to-Benefit-The-Trevor-Project-20110214 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |'''2012''' (June) |'''Paint the Town for Trevor''' (Washington, D.C.): Zarley performed at the third annual Pride fundraiser in Washington, D.C., hosted at Town, raising funds for The Trevor Project. |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ebner |first=Juliette |date=May 31, 2012 |title=Zarley's Angels |url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/05/31/zarleys-angels/ |website=Washington Blade}}</ref> |- |'''Broadway Bares Beach Burlesque''' (Fire Island, NY): Zarley headlined at Fire Island with his single “''We Belong''” as part of fundraising performances tied to Broadway Bares, whose proceeds typically support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and allied LGBTQ+ causes. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broadway Bares: Beach Burlesque On Fire Island {{!}} Broadway Cares |url=https://broadwaycares.org/broadway-bares-beach-burlesque-on-fire-island-2012/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250624220747/https://broadwaycares.org/broadway-bares-beach-burlesque-on-fire-island-2012/ |archive-date=2025-06-24 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=broadwaycares.org |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |'''2014''' (Jan) |'''Broadway Bares Winter Burlesque''' (NYC, NY): As part of the 24th season of the Broadway Bares series, Zarley performed his song “''Somebody 4 Everybody''” at XL Nightclub, benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-01-28 |title=NYC's Hottest Dancers Strip To Their Skivvies For A Great Cause |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/broadway-bares-winter-burlesque_n_4681804 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Broadway Bares: Winter Burlesque, With Christopher Sieber, Matt Zarley and More, Heats Up XL Nightclub Jan. 26 {{!}} Playbill |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-bares-winter-burlesque-with-christopher-sieber-matt-zarley-and-more-heats-up-xl-nightclub-jan-26-com-214150 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418040336/https://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-bares-winter-burlesque-with-christopher-sieber-matt-zarley-and-more-heats-up-xl-nightclub-jan-26-com-214150 |archive-date=2021-04-18 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- |'''2015''' (Dec) |Zarley joins the star studded cast of '''SPARKLE''', an annual LA Holiday Concert based in Los Angeles benefitting the Actors Fund. |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-11-11 |title=Chicago's Rumer Willis, Lorna Luft, and More Set for Sparkle Holiday Concert - TheaterMania.com |url=https://www.theatermania.com/news/chicagos-rumer-willis-lorna-luft-and-more-set-for-sparkle-holiday-concert_74929/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4" |'''2017''' (May) |'''S.T.A.G.E. Benefit Concert at Saban Theatre''' (Beverly Hills, CA): Zarley appeared alongside other stars at a fundraising concert to support the Anaheim Performing Arts Center. | |- |'''Desert's Got Talent Charity Event''' (Palm Springs, CA): Performed at this special show benefiting Boo2Bullying.org, an anti-bullying organization. | |- |'''Hooray For Anaheim Gala 2017''' (Anaheim, CA): Benefit concert where Zarley performed alongside other stars, funds raised went towards the Anaheim Performing Arts Center Foundation. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Broadway Rocks Anaheim to Feature Shirley Jones, Patrick Cassidy, Ace Young and Lea Thompson {{!}} Playbill |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-rocks-anaheim-to-feature-shirley-jones-patrick-cassidy-ace-young-and-lea-thompson-com-182574 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925082823/https://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-rocks-anaheim-to-feature-shirley-jones-patrick-cassidy-ace-young-and-lea-thompson-com-182574 |archive-date=2020-09-25 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Playbill |language=en}}</ref> |- |'''LA LA LAND In Concert Premiere''' (Hollywood Bowl): Zarley took part in the world-premiere concert event of LA LA LAND at the iconic Hollywood Bowl—a high-profile community and arts event. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=NEWS |url=https://www.mattzarley.com/news.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=MattZarley.com |language=en}}</ref> |- |'''2018''' (Dec) |Zarley and Jeb Havens record the holiday single "''I'm Your Angel''," with all proceeds benefiting the Backpacks For The Street; an organization which offers aid and support for homeless LGBT youth. |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Out Pop Star's New Single Is Combatting Homelessness |url=https://www.hivplusmag.com/activism/2018/12/02/out-pop-stars-next-hit-single-benefits-homeless |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=www.hivplusmag.com |language=en}}</ref> |- |'''2019''' (May) |Zarley recorded a cover of Des’ree’s “''You Gotta Be''” along with Billy Porter, donating all proceeds to the Los Angeles LGBT Youth Center. |<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 2019 |title=Billy Porter and Matt Zarley Release Song for Homeless LGBT Youth |url=https://www.looktothestars.org/news/19042-billy-porter-and-matt-zarley-release-song-for-homeless-lgbt-youth |website=Look To The Stars}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=BWM Staff |date=June 2019 |title=Matt Zarley and Billy Porter release new single benefitting homeless LGBT youth |url=https://bearworldmag.com/matt-zarley-and-billy-porter-release-new-single-benefitting-homeless-lgbt-youth/ |website=Bear World Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Slovacek |first=Randy |date=May 2019 |title=Billy Porter & Matt Zarley Cover 90s Anthem "You Gotta Be" |url=https://theoutfront.com/billy-porter-matt-zarley-cover-90s-anthem-you-gotta-be/#:~:text=A%20postscript%20to%20the%20music,for%20%E2%80%9CYou%20Gotta%20Be.%E2%80%9D&text=Zarley%20and%20Porter%20are%20joined,Porter%20and%20Matt%20Zarley%20below.&text=Your%20browser%20can't%20play%20this%20video. |website=theOUTfront}}</ref> |- |'''2020''' (Oct) |'''Stars in the House - Labor Day Special:''' Zarley joined fellow ''Cats'' alumni JoAnn Hunter and Randy Slovacek on ‘‘''Stars in the House''’’, a live-streamed fundraising series supporting ''The Actors Fund'' during the COVID-19 pandemic. |<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2020 |title=With Love, Now And Forever! CATS4COVIDRELIEF {{!}} Stars in the House |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Mjb7JKAPU |website=Stars In The House}}</ref> |}

'''Zarley Family Foundation''' – As vice president of the family-founded private foundation, Zarley has helped direct charitable grants to numerous organizations, including The Trevor Project, Starkey Hearing Foundation, Casa Pacifica, Boys Town, Boys & Girls Club, and Broadway Cares.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ABOUT |url=http://www.zarleyfamilyfoundation.org/about.html |access-date=2025-07-02 |website=zarley family foundation |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life == Zarley is openly gay and lives in Los Angeles. His creative projects often reflect his personal experiences, particularly themes of heartbreak, authenticity, and personal growth. He has stated that living openly and truthfully is essential to his artistry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inawat |first=Matt |date=May 15, 2012 |title="Hottest Bachelor," pop vocalist and billboard dance artist Matt Zarley joins Market Days line-up |url=https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/I374089 |website=GoPride Chicago}}</ref>

He has also expressed a desire to write a Broadway musical and develop a television series centered on LGBTQ narratives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peel |first=Brian |date=October 2011 |title=On Air with Brian Peel {{!}} Exclusive Interview: Matt Zarley |url=https://theaussieword.com/exclusive-interview-matt-zarley/ |website=TheAussieWord}}</ref>

== References ==

== External links ==

*{{IMDb name|0952700|Matt Zarley}} * [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/matt-zarley/151318 Matt Zarley on Apple Music]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Zarley, Matt}} Category:American pop musicians Category:American gay musicians Category:American musical theatre actors Category:People from Peoria, Illinois Category:21st-century American male singers Category:American male stage actors Category:LGBTQ people from Illinois Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:LGBTQ rights activists from Illinois