John Tartaglia began his remarkable journey in entertainment at just 16 years old, stepping into the world of puppetry on the iconic Sesame Street. This early start paved the way for a multifaceted career that has seen him excel as a puppeteer, Broadway performer, television creator, and director. His talent quickly garnered recognition, earning him a Tony Award nomination for his dual roles in Avenue Q, a Broadway hit where he brought to life both Princeton and Rod.
His Broadway presence extended to other notable roles, including Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and originating the characters of Pinocchio and the Magic Mirror in Shrek the Musical. These performances solidified John Tartaglia’s reputation as a versatile and captivating stage actor.
Beyond his Broadway success, John Tartaglia ventured into television, creating, executive producing, and starring in Johnny and the Sprites for Disney Junior. This preschool series was nominated for 8 Emmy Awards, with John himself receiving a nomination for “Outstanding Performance in a Children’s Series.” His creativity continued to flourish with ImaginOcean, an acclaimed Off-Broadway musical that he reimagined for PBS Kids as Jim Henson’s Splash and Bubbles. He not only created and co-executive produced this show but also voiced the character “Splash.” Further expanding his television work, John stars as Kip the Wallaby in Jim Henson’s Word Party and Hank in Julie’s Greenroom on Netflix, showcasing his enduring connection with children’s entertainment.
John Tartaglia’s talents extend behind the camera and stage as well. His directing credits are extensive and varied, ranging from Stephen Schwartz’s The Secret Silk and Jim Henson’s Inspired Silliness for Princess Cruises to regional theatre productions like Kinky Boots and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. He has also directed for prestigious events, including Jim Henson’s Musical World at Carnegie Hall. His directorial work has been critically acclaimed, evidenced by the six awards won for Claudio Quest, including “Best in Fest” and Best Director at the NY Musical Theatre Festival.
Currently, John Tartaglia is deeply involved in the Emmy-winning Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, where he not only performs as Gobo Fraggle and other characters but also serves as an executive producer, writer, and puppet captain. Adding to his diverse portfolio, John also hosts “Sunday Funday with John Tartaglia” on Sirius XM On Broadway, connecting with audiences through radio. From his early days on Sesame Street to his current multifaceted roles, John Tartaglia’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent and enduring passion for entertainment across various platforms.
