Chris Colfer grew up performing in community theater in Clovis, Calif., appearing in such classics as The Sound of Music} and Oliver!}. A three-time speech and debate champion in high school, Colfer was president of the writer's club, and combined his love for writing and musical theater together to pen and direct a musical spoof of {+Sweeny Todd} called "Shirley Todd." Colfer embarked on a professional acting career after high school and auditioned for his idol, Nip/Tuck} creator {$Ryan Murphy}, for the role of the guitar playing, wheelchair-bound Artie on {#Glee}. Murphy was so impressed he didn't give Colfer the part. Instead, Murphy created a role just for Colfer that Murphy based on his own early life, that of the fashion-conscious, gay {%Kurt Hummel}. It was Colfer's first professional job.

~ Tim Holland, All Movie Guide