Honestly, if you've ever sat through a Broadway musical and wondered how a human being can tap-dance upside down on a proscenium arch or handle four legs at once, you’ve probably been watching Gavin Lee. But here’s the thing—while he’s a massive legend in the theater world, a lot of people are just now starting to realize how many Gavin Lee movies and TV shows are actually sitting in their streaming queues.
He isn’t just "the guy from Mary Poppins." He’s a character actor who pops up in the most unexpected places, from gritty crime procedurals to high-concept sci-fi.
The Screen Credits You Probably Missed
Most folks know Gavin as the original Bert in the stage version of Mary Poppins. He’s the guy who literally walked up the walls. But if you aren’t a "theater person," you might recognize his face from White Collar. He played Alan Woodford in the final season. It was a recurring role that showed off a much smoother, more dangerous side of him than the cheerful chimney sweep most fans were used to.
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Then there's the Law & Order: SVU of it all. Like every working actor in New York, Gavin has done his time in the Dick Wolf universe. He actually appeared in two different episodes playing different characters, which is a total rite of passage. In "Lost Traveler," he was Dennis Griscomb. It’s wild seeing a guy who is usually so full of "razzle-dazzle" playing it straight in a dark, grounded drama.
TV Guest Spots and Hidden Gems
- The Good Wife: He played Jake Alister in the "Killer Song" episode.
- The Orville: This one is a favorite for sci-fi nerds. He appeared as a guest in two episodes of Seth MacFarlane’s space odyssey.
- Little America: A more recent turn where he played Henry. It’s a softer, more nuanced performance that proves he doesn't need a 10-minute tap solo to hold your attention.
- SpongeBob SquarePants: Live on Stage!: This is technically a filmed version of the Broadway show, but it’s the best way to see his Tony-nominated performance as Squidward Tentacles if you missed it in person.
The "Phantom" Connection and Movie Roles
When it comes to the big screen, Gavin’s filmography is a bit more selective. He was in the 2004 film version of The Phantom of the Opera. It wasn't a massive role—he was part of the ensemble—but for theater historians, it’s a fun "Easter egg" to spot him in the background of those lush, over-the-top sequences.
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He’s also popped up in some niche projects like The Children's Party at the Palace, which was a televised special back in 2006. Essentially, Gavin is the king of the "Hey, it’s that guy!" moment. You'll be watching a rerun of White Collar or a random episode of The Rookie, and suddenly, there’s those long limbs and that unmistakable British charm.
Why He’s Dominating 2026
As of right now, Gavin Lee is having a bit of a "villain era," and honestly? We love to see it. He recently took over the role of Scar in The Lion King on Broadway. While that’s a stage gig, it’s been fueling a massive resurgence in interest for his older screen work.
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There’s a specific kind of intensity he brings to his TV roles that people are finally starting to connect with his stage persona. He’s spent thirty years "stamping his feet," as he puts it, but his transition into these bigger, more complex character roles on screen is what's keeping him relevant today.
A Quick Reality Check on the "Other" Gavin Lee
If you search for "Gavin Lee movies" and see stuff about the MCU (like Spider-Man: Far From Home or Black Widow), don’t get confused. That’s usually Gavin Lee Lewis, a different actor entirely. Our Gavin—the Broadway Gavin—tends to stick to high-end TV dramas and filmed theatrical events.
What to Watch Next
If you want to dive into the best of Gavin Lee’s screen work, don't just look for a lead role in a blockbuster. Look for the guest spots where he steals the scene.
- Start with White Collar (Season 6): It’s his most substantial "non-musical" TV role and shows he can play a sophisticated heavy.
- The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!: Watch this on streaming. Even if you hate the cartoon, his four-legged tap number "I'm Not a Loser" is a masterclass in physical comedy.
- Law & Order: SVU: Find the episode "Street Revenge." It’s a great example of his range outside of the "song and dance" box.
The best way to keep up with his career is to watch for his name in the credits of New York-based productions. He’s an actor's actor. Whether he's playing a cynical octopus or a high-stakes thief, he brings a level of precision that most screen-only actors just can't match.