This page contains spoilers for Cinderella's Castle.
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Jeffrey Robert Blim[1] (born May 12, 1984) is a well-known American actor, singer, writer, composer, lyricist, and performer notable for his work with the U.S. musical theatre company Team StarKid.
Early Life and Education[]
Jeff was born in Hazel Crest, Illinois, and grew up in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. As a young boy, he learned piano and then trumpet by second grade. [2] Growing up, he utilized his trumpeting skills for his earliest paid musical jobs: playing the instrument at church services and, as a high school student, he worked as a part-time trumpeter (besides roleplaying as an executioner) at Medieval Times.
Young Jeff was also active in marching band, jazz band, show choir, and theater. [3]He also once attended The Cavaliers Drum Corps Summer Camp.
After graduating from Prospect High School in 2002, he went on to dual-major in both jazz studies and theatre performance at the University of Michigan with a jazz trumpet scholarship [3]. While at school, he met Nick Lang when the latter came to see The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged, a show that Jeff performed in alongside Lauren Lopez.
He joined Amazin' Blue, a college a capella group, as a background singer for their 'South U and State' album . Eventually, he became their music director and played a key role in producing two albums', '<Self Titled>' and 'Shades of Blue'. He provided the main vocals for their cover of David Wilcox's Waffle House' and arranged the cover version of Sting's If I Ever Lose My Faith', which features main vocals by Justin Paul, who is now known as one-half of the famous Pasek and Paul musical duo. Additionally, he won an award for musical arrangement for their cover of The Pink Panther Theme'. [4][5]
He got into writing and composing songs for musicals for the Basement Arts 24 Hour Theatre[6], a yearly school tradition. He put on an early production of what would become The Trail to Oregon! called Oregon Trail: The Movie, The Play. [7] The original college production was vastly different and off-colored compared to the StarKid version.
He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2007.
Work[]
In 2006, Jeff began his professional work while in college for South Pacific (Heritage Rep. VA) [8], playing the role of Seaman Tom O’Brien and as an ensemble player. His first noteworthy stage acting credit was when he booked the role of Chuck Cranston for the Footloose 10th Anniversary National Tour from 2008 to 2009 [3]. Theater critic John Lariviere of Talkin' Broadway described him as "good as the handsome and dangerous bad boy" [9]. Jeff also understudied for the lead role of Ren McCormack. Additionally, he played and understudied for the same roles for the Dutch Apple, PA production. He was commended by Lancaster Online as "excellent as Cranston. He plays the part like a true macho jerk, and it works to perfection."[10][3]
Other early professional theater roles include Sammy (u.s.) and the Billy Idol Impersonator (The Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, NY)[11] and Sammy (Palace Theatre NH) in two productions of The Wedding Singer, Dean in All Shook Up (Palace Theatre NH), Jeff in Lobby Hero (Spiral Theater, NYC), Carter in Fat Pig (Millbrook Playhouse, 2011) [12] and as Man 1 in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (The Palace NH, 2011). [13]
Outside of StarKid, his later notable theater roles include Jan Erlone in Native Son (Court Theatre and American Blues Theater in Chicago, 2014)[14] , and as Chad the Jock in The Power of Prom alongside Lauren Lopez and Jon Matteson (The Annoyance Theatre & Bar in Chicago, 2015). [15] [16] He was praised by New City Stage because of his "great and convincing performance as a troubled popular kid, complete with a stellar monologue about how his dad forces him to continue attending jazzercise classes."[17] And much recent roles like George Plassman in Our Father Who Art In Cleveland (Boomstick Theatre, 2019)[18], and as Roger Davis in RENT (Cupcake Theater, LA, 2022) [19][20]
During his pre-StarKid and early StarKid days, he collaborated with Mike Harrison for various creative internet content, such as the web series talk show A Cup of Jeff and Mike[21] where they discussed random topics and hosted guests. Hit the Road Jeff and Mike was primarily a series of creative, comedic, and informative short videos documenting their road trip from the east coast to the west to visit Jeff's brother, Chris, in LA. Additionally, Jeff produced his own short films including "All Growed Up", in which he played a prankster. All of these projects, along with miscellaneous funny videos or sketches with his brother and friends, were formerly available to watch on his YouTube channel. However, the mini-documentary, The Burbank Peace Vigil (2010), which he helped produce, is still accessible.
Jeff has also been featured in other people's short films, portraying characters such as Pete in "Let It Bleed," the voice for David France in "The Handout Saint," White Wing Man 1 in "White Wing Man" by Dior Allen & Jay Alexander (2011) [22], Houston in "OMG," by fellow StarKid member Christopher Sandberg ,[23] and Metal aka The Denim Menace in "The Denim Warrior" also by another StarKid member, Nick Gage. He continues to collaborate on creative video content with fellow StarKid members. Most frequent is with Jon Matteson and their most famous project is the video podcast series "Rim Tim Timmy's Fun Time Hour," where Jeff portrayed the eponymous Rim Tim Timmy meanwhile Jon played as himself. Jeff also directed and edited Venus, Please!!! and the short suspenseful drama "My Pet Brother".
Jeff played a brief role in his brother's 2019 dark comedy science fiction experimental film, 'Mondo Hollywoodland,' playing an actress's manager, Xander Hischier.
He has made appearances in several TV shows, including roles such as Jerry Wurtz in "Chicago Med," Carter Knoll in "APB," Stage Manager in "Veep," Emerson in "S.W.A.T.," and Chef Maurice Malone in "9-1-1. Moreover, he appeared as Polly Amorous and the Unicorn Guild Band Member, Jonah, in the TV show "Royalties," written by Nick and Matt Lang and created by Darren Criss. Jeff took on the role of LEGO Maniac in the pilot for "24/7," a project written and produced by Eric Schinzer. The pilot was pitched to Adult Swim and was released on Schinzer's YouTube channel for free on January, 2024.[24] For further acting credits, check his info box.
Jeff has collaborated in different music projects. In 2005, he played trumpet for two tracks on the debut studio album of the American rock band Tally Hall.[25] While in 2013, he contributed to the Jim and the Povolos album 'Seems Right,' performing and touring with them as a band member. He played trumpet, piano, and saxophone. He also wrote and provided lead vocals for their song 'Committed'. He edited their documentary titled "Committed -The Sort of Making of Seems Right" about the making of their first album "Seems Right" (2013). And alongside StarKid bassist Josh Fleury, Jeff performed in 2019 for Boomstick Theatre's recurring cabaret show, Emerge. He made his Pulp Musicals, Matt Dahan's radio-style musical podcast, debut in The Ghosts of Antikythera as Kal and Captain AJ Griffin between 24th and 28th September 2023.
Other than Oregon Trail: The Movie, The Play, he also wrote and produced another off-color comedy-musical titled Cocksucker[26][27] at the Annoyance Theatre and Bar back in 2016. It starred himself, Jon Matteson, Brittany Handler[28], and Eric Schinzer. Hence the title and genre, it's for mature audiences only. You can find more about it through the links. [29]
He has however discontinued a few original projects in the past, including a stage script and concept album for his dramedy (and much serious) musical Flesh, which supposedly set in a dystopian world filled with cannibals and characters who sell their own flesh for survival. Initially considered as the next StarKid musical, the company opted for 'The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals' instead due to the writing team's struggle to complete the stage script.
Starting in September 2020, Jeff began offering online classes through Artists & Beyond (now Broadway Plus), with a focus on acting, musical arrangement, songwriting, vocal styling & technique, and self-taping. Interested students can also send him a direct message on his active social media accounts to inquire about more affordable rates.[30]
He broadcasts his own livestreams on his Twitch and YouTube channels where he chats with fans, offers acting audition advice, and engages in live music composition (composing songs and music for his Patreon and StarKid Productions). Affectionately and comically calling himself "Uncle Jeff", this nickname has been embraced by his livestream chat.
StarKid Productions[]
Jeff made his StarKid debut as Sweet Tooth in Holy Musical B@man! and has since gone on to feature in six other StarKid shows: A Very Potter Senior Year, Twisted: The Untold Story of a Royal Vizier, The Trail to Oregon!, The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals, Black Friday and Cinderella's Castle. He was also featured in the web series Nightmare Time and it's second season Nightmare Time 2. During the Nerdy Prudes Must Livestream! he played the role of FBI Agent Frederick 'Freddie" Biggs during the live reading of an unproduced Nightmare Time series episode, Hey, Melissa! He appeared as a voiceover in Nerdy Prudes Must Die and also as a cameo on the YouTube version. Jeff was also featured in Workin' Boys as Professor Hidgens.
He has also acted as part of the creative team for a number of StarKid shows. He features as the writer and composer for The Trail to Oregon! as well as writing the music and lyrics for all installments in the Hatchetfield Series. He also wrote the music and lyrics for Cinderella's Castle and is developing the soundtrack for the upcoming Untitled Pirate Musical.
He has so far appeared in three concerts: A Very StarKid Reunion, StarKid Homecoming, and It's StarKid, Innit? In addition, he appeared in two sketch shows Airport for Birds and 1Night 2Last 3EVER, for which he also acted as a writer and music contributor for the latter. Additionally, he was a cast member in the StarKid summer season show Sex a.k.a. Wieners and Boobs.
StarKid Roles[]
Other StarKid Shows[]
| Year | Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Airport for Birds | Writer |
| Performer | ||
| 1Night 2Last 3EVER | Writer | |
| Music | ||
| Performer | ||
| 2014 | StarKid Takes Manhattan | Performer |
| 2015 | A Very StarKid Reunion | |
| 2019 | StarKid Homecoming | Performer |
| The Trail to Oregon! Book, Music, and Lyrics | ||
| The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals Music and Lyrics | ||
| 2024 | It's StarKid, Innit? | Performer |
Personal Life[]
Jeff currently resides in Los Angeles. He is the older brother of fellow actor Chris Blim, who is also a filmmaker and artisan. They have a younger sister, [31] [32] and their father is a retired band director.
Jeff has mentioned a few times on his livestreams that his family ancestry is from the British Isles.
He currently plays the alto saxophone, piano, and guitar. He uses Logic Pro for his musical compositions. Beyond music, he enjoys golf, watching arm wrestling competitions[33], films, and is a huge fan of baseball. Jeff is an avid spreadsheet baseball player and a 12-time online champion [34] thus earning the nickname 'Dr. Spreadsheets' from his fellow StarKid members. He and Jon Matteson are both members of the social club and baseball team, Los Angeles Traffic Baseball[35].
Apart from his diverse interests, Jeff is a self-proclaimed coffee addict, and he incorporates this passion as a theme for his YouTube thumbnails.
Gallery
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References[]
- ↑ https://music.apple.com/kr/song/walk-away/1674017471?l=en-GB
- ↑ https://youtu.be/lZAPY2gq3WM?list=PLzfxz1BNkMYAYQTBFtM-N9_4Ul7ATUpq9&t=1936 Jeff confirmed on stream that he started playing the trumpet in second grade.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 https://www.dailyherald.com/20090226/news/mt-prospect-native-coming-back-a-footloose-star/
- ↑ [1] GARBAGE DAYYYYYYYY Jeff Blim Livestream December 1, 2023 43:15 mark Amazin' Blue Talk
- ↑ https://youtu.be/LnH0wZgSI6g?t=7 Two Amazin Blue group photos with Jeff
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL1Xo7Twh0w Basement Arts 24 Hour Theatre (2007)
- ↑ https://youtu.be/GwDfC9YjYxQ?t=1142 Unsung StarKid TTO fan fact
- ↑ https://news.virginia.edu/content/classic-start-heritage-repertory-theatre%3Fs-31st-season-rodgers-and-hammerstein-favorite news article about the production of South Pacific Jeff acted in
- ↑ https://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/sfla/sfla235.html
- ↑ Footloose PA reviewhttps://lancasteronline.com/features/entertainment/dutch-apple-cuts-loose-with-footloose/article_8ed0ad5d-ae8b-5622-bdfd-12006c90981f.html
- ↑ The Wedding Singer (2008) https://www.gatewayproductionarchives.com/2008/WeddingSinger/weddingsinger.html
- ↑ Jeff in Fat Pig Production Photoshttps://erikacourtney.carbonmade.com/projects/3239446
- ↑ https://youtu.be/ViIEt4DGwZY?t=151
- ↑ https://youtu.be/N0wXcPdNj3U?t=72
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl69EUhUatw Power of Prom Song Clip
- ↑ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/06/17/the-power-of-prom-at-the-annoyance-theatre/
- ↑ https://www.newcitystage.com/2016/06/07/review-the-power-of-promthe-annoyance-theatre/
- ↑ Our Father Who Art in Cleveland FB Adhttps://www.facebook.com/events/456424471854629/456424485187961/?active_tab=about
- ↑ https://youtu.be/2vbe-L4Dmuo?t=17 RENT Benny Cast Highlights
- ↑ https://youtu.be/lZAPY2gq3WM?list=PLzfxz1BNkMYAYQTBFtM-N9_4Ul7ATUpq9&t=1953 Jeff proofreads his wikia profile live on stream
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/ACupOfJeffAndMike/about_details
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sI-jI7iiCw&t=2s
- ↑ https://www.oneononenyc.com/jeffblim Jeff's 2012 acting resume
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HHGvq2RsFg 24/7 Pilot
- ↑ [2] Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum (album)
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Mcl6tEM2M
- ↑ https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0iReKbP6ktJDpM4EHABSJA9RyvYEegVnYcEfYiYVt6s7JidD31P3wLLLsmysv7PLil&id=142387772473971&locale=es_LA casting call for Cocksucker
- ↑ https://www.tumblr.com/dailyjeffblim/183566166730/via-brittany-handlers-instagram-on-7316 Brittany and cast of CS drinking
- ↑ https://issuu.com/chicago_reader/docs/033116-small Cocksucker short musical critic's review page 4 under Theater
- ↑ https://youtu.be/WnZOa9QvzKA?t=619 UNCLE JEFF'S 2ND COFFEE Coaching
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Q748QJkwZ/
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/B5wSH6dpVpq/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/18vnEZdTn5Y?t=7997 WE'RE FIRING!!!
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/p/C6b10kipmBx/ jeff commented he's a 12-time online spreadsheet baseball champion
- ↑ https://www.instagram.com/latrafficbaseball/p/CytheE-vsjt/?hl=en