Honestly, if you only know Sydney James Harcourt as "that guy who played Aaron Burr," you’re missing out on about 90% of the story. Most people recognize him from the Hamilton Disney+ film—usually in the background as James Reynolds or Philip Schuyler—but his career is way more of a chameleon act than most fans realize. He’s one of those rare performers who can pivot from a gritty procedural drama like Blue Bloods to voicing a soulful, opera-singing vampire in a Netflix anime.
It’s wild how much ground he covers.
The Detroit native didn't just stumble into the spotlight. He's a powerhouse vocalist who worked his way through Interlochen and the University of Michigan before hitting the New York grind. You've probably seen him in a "blink and you'll miss it" guest spot on a Sunday night crime show and didn't even put the pieces together.
The Big Break: Hamilton and the Disney+ Era
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Hamilton. In the filmed version of the original Broadway cast, Harcourt is essentially the MVP of the ensemble. He originates the role of James Reynolds—the guy who ruins Hamilton’s life with a single letter—and Philip Schuyler.
But here is what most people get wrong: he wasn't just a background player. He eventually took over the role of Aaron Burr for over 700 performances.
Think about that.
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Seven hundred nights of "The Room Where It Happens." That kind of stamina is basically superhuman. If you watch the movie on Disney+, you’re seeing the version of him before he became the primary antagonist of the show. It's a fascinating time capsule of a performer right on the edge of a massive career shift.
Sydney James Harcourt Movies and TV Shows: The Procedural King
When he isn’t on a stage, Harcourt is a staple of the New York-based TV circuit. If there’s a show about cops, lawyers, or doctors filmed in Manhattan, there’s a 95% chance he’s been in it.
He’s played characters on:
- Blue Bloods (as Miguel Santana)
- FBI (playing Aaron)
- NCIS: New Orleans (as Jeff Connolly)
- Elementary (as Dr. Scott Elke)
- Law & Order: SVU (as a State Trooper)
It’s almost a rite of passage for Broadway actors to do the "Law & Order" loop. But Harcourt brings a specific gravity to these roles. In Elementary, he’s sharp and professional. In Blue Bloods, he’s gritty. It’s a far cry from the powdered wigs and revolutionary coats.
He also popped up in Younger as K-Ron and had a stint in the psychological thriller Tell Me a Story as Lance. He’s not just a "musical theater guy" trying to do TV. He’s a legit character actor who happens to have a Grammy-winning voice.
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The Voice Behind the Anime
One of his coolest, and perhaps most unexpected, roles is in the Netflix series Castlevania: Nocturne. He voices Edouard, a character who is a gifted opera singer turned "Night Creature."
This role is basically a masterclass in how to use a Broadway background in a totally different medium. Edouard is a fan-favorite because of the sheer emotion Harcourt pours into the vocal performances. Hearing him sing 18th-century compositions while trapped in the body of a monster is... well, it’s haunting. It’s easily one of the most unique entries in the list of sydney james harcourt movies and tv shows.
Recent Projects: Doc and Beyond
As of 2025 and 2026, Harcourt hasn't slowed down. He recently joined the cast of the new medical drama Doc, playing a character named Nathan. It’s a shift back to more grounded, emotional storytelling.
Then there’s his stage work, which often gets captured for screen or streaming. He was recently part of the massive Cats: The Jellicle Ball off-Broadway sensation—a ballroom-inspired reimagining of the classic musical. While we’re all crossing our fingers for a filmed version of that, his performance as Rum Tum Tugger reminded everyone that he can command a room better than almost anyone in the business.
Why He’s Everywhere
So, why does he keep getting cast in everything?
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Basically, it's versatility. One minute he’s opening for Donna Summer or singing at the US Open, and the next he's on a set with Tom Selleck. He’s worked both sides of the political aisle, performing at both Democratic and Republican national conventions. That takes a level of professional neutrality and pure talent that you don't see often.
If you want to see the full range of his work, here is a quick roadmap:
- The Classic: Hamilton (Disney+). Watch him as James Reynolds and try to spot him in the ensemble.
- The Voice: Castlevania: Nocturne (Netflix). Listen for "Lamento della Ninfa." It’ll give you chills.
- The Drama: Elementary or FBI. Good for seeing him in a modern, high-stakes setting.
- The New Stuff: Keep an eye out for Doc on Fox/Hulu.
Sydney James Harcourt isn't just a name in a playbill. He’s one of those "glue" actors who makes every production better just by being there. Whether he's a doctor, a revolutionary, or a singing demon, he’s always the most interesting person on the screen.
To truly appreciate his range, start by revisiting his performance in Hamilton on Disney+, then jump straight into Castlevania: Nocturne to hear how he’s evolved his vocal craft over the last decade.