Chris Colfer

Most actors end up being sent home when they don't get a part, but Chris Colfer found a lucky break when auditioning to play Artie Abrams on Glee. The show's creator, Ryan Murphy was so ... MORE

Most actors end up being sent home when they don't get a part, but Chris Colfer found a lucky break when auditioning to play Artie Abrams on Glee. The show's creator, Ryan Murphy was so captivated by Chris's talent that he wrote an entirely new character for Chris to play, and much of Kurt's storyline is based on Chris's real-life experiences. Like Kurt, Chris was bullied so much in middle school that he had to be homeschooled for two years. When he returned, he found success in his high school's speech and debate team, even placing ninth at the State Championships for Dramatic Interpretation. His astounding performance of an openly gay teen in a strictly conservative Ohio town earned him two Emmy nominations, and in 2011 he was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People. HIDE