just-another-pipedreamer:

One episode of the TV show Glee featured the character Blaine, played by Darren Criss ’05 in a tumultuous relationship with his onscreen brother.Chuck Criss ’03, Darren’s real-life brother and a member of the successful indie rock group Freelance Whales, was a little disappointed in that show. “I was hoping that the character playing Darren’s brother would be more of a jerk. It was so funny because their on-screen relationship is completely opposite to how we are.” The Criss brothers not only get along well as siblings, but they also collaborate musically. They recently recorded a cover of Bob Dylan’s “New Morning” for a CD to benefit Amnesty International. “Darren and I were both introduced to Amnesty International when we were students at SI, and we both loved the chance to help out that organization,” said Chuck.

He also feels fortunate watching Darren’s success. “I always knew he would be a great entertainer. He was born to do it. I flew home from college to see him perform in Fiddler on the Roof at SI, where he played Tevya, and I was blown away. Within a few short years, he played a lead on Broadway. It was incredible seeing his face that large on a Times Square poster for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. We have always rooted for each other and always will.”

Both Criss brothers have benefited from each other’s success stories. “We definitely get some crossover people who find out about Freelance Whales through Darren. Most 13-year-old fans who have posters of Darren in their rooms might not listen to our music, but he serves as a bridge for them to listen to something new, and that’s great for them and great for us.” Chuck adds that he and his bandmates “collectively tease Darren, given all of his success. Sometimes it’s just funny. We have all known him long before his fame, and he has been a big fan of our group since day one. If I worked as a plumber, I know Darren would be plugging my company in Rolling Stone magazine. He’s that kind of guy.”

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(Source: siprep.org)

just-another-pipedreamer:

He also feels fortunate watching Darren’s success. “I always knew he would be a great entertainer. He was born to do it. I flew home from college to see him perform in Fiddler on the Roof at SI, where he played Tevya, and I was blown away. Within a few short years, he played a lead on Broadway. It was incredible seeing his face that large on a Times Square poster for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. We have always rooted for each other and always will.”

Both Criss brothers have benefited from each other’s success stories. “We definitely get some crossover people who find out about Freelance Whales through Darren. Most 13-year-old fans who have posters of Darren in their rooms might not listen to our music, but he serves as a bridge for them to listen to something new, and that’s great for them and great for us.”

Chuck adds that he and his bandmates “collectively tease Darren, given all of his success. Sometimes it’s just funny. We have all known him long before his fame, and he has been a big fan of our group since day one. If I worked as a plumber, I know Darren would be plugging my company in Rolling Stone magazine. He’s that kind of guy.”  

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