Blake Stadnik is an accomplished American actor, singer, and musical-theatre performer whose career spans television, stage, music, and audio performance. He rose to widespread television recognition playing the adult Jack Damon in NBC’s hit drama series This Is Us, where his character’s musical talents mirrored his own real-life abilities. Diagnosed with Stargardt disease at a young age, Stadnik has built a successful, inspiring career in the entertainment industry, breaking barriers for performers with visual impairments.
Quick Facts and Biography Data
- Full Name: Blake Stadnik
- Date of Birth: June 13, 1991
- Age: 35 years old
- Place of Birth: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: White / European descent
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: Karen Stadnik and Mrs. Stadnik
- Siblings: Hailey Damon
- Spouse: Anne Tolpegin (m. 2021)
- Occupation: Actor, Singer, Musical Theatre Performer
- Net Worth: Approximately $1 million USD
Early Life, Education, and Stargardt Disease Diagnosis
Blake Stadnik was born on June 13, 1991, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to parents Karen Stadnik and Mrs. Stadnik. He grew up alongside his sibling, Hailey Damon. When he was just six years old, Stadnik experienced a profound life shift when he was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye disorder very similar to macular degeneration. Within nine months of the diagnosis, his eyesight degenerated to the point where he became legally blind.
Rather than letting the condition limit him, Stadnik’s parents encouraged him to remain active. His mother noticed his natural affinity for rhythm and movement whenever music played, prompting her to enroll him in tap-dancing lessons. At age nine, after seeing a touring production of The Phantom of the Opera in Pittsburgh, Stadnik discovered his deep passion for the theater and realized he could pursue performance as a professional career.
He attended Pennsylvania State University, where he rigorously honed his craft and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. His university training prepared him for a diverse array of regional and national stage productions.
Theatrical Career and Stage Credits
Stadnik developed the foundation of his professional career in musical theatre, performing in prominent regional productions and national touring companies across the United States. Utilizing his memory for stage directions, movement, and spatial awareness of other actors’ body shapes, he successfully navigated complex choreography and blocking.
His impressive stage credits include:
- Marius in Les Misérables
- Claude in Hair
- Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd
- Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street
- Crutchie in Newsies
- Roles in Mary Poppins and The Secret Garden
In 2024, he originated the role of Outside Brother in RIFT, later reprising his performance in its 2025 Edinburgh production. By 2026, he participated in Penn State Centre Stage’s One Night on Broadway and lent his voice as the Dungeon Master for the audio series One Night One Shot: Shadows in Seravene.
Breakthrough Role in This Is Us and Musical Success
Stadnik’s major television breakthrough arrived in 2019 when showrunner Dan Fogelman cast him as Jack Damon-the adult, visually impaired musician son of Kate Pearson and Toby Damon-in the fourth-season premiere of NBC’s critically acclaimed drama This Is Us.
The role thoughtfully incorporated Stadnik’s real-life visual impairment and exceptional musical talents. On his very first day of filming, Stadnik faced a trial by fire, shooting intimate scenes before performing live as a singer-songwriter in front of thousands of fans at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
During the season premiere, he performed the emotional track “Memorized,” written by Taylor Goldsmith and Siddhartha Khosla. Released as a single in September 2019, the recording climbed strongly on the U.S. iTunes sales chart. His stellar work on the series earned him a Guild of Music Supervisors Award nomination in 2021 for Best Song Written and/or Recorded for Television.
Personal Life: Wife Anne Tolpegin
Blake Stadnik is married to American actress and singer Anne Tolpegin, whose Broadway credits include A Tale of Two Cities and Les Misérables.
The couple first crossed paths in 2018 during a production of Sweeney Todd at the Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, Utah. Though they initially worked together as colleagues, romance blossomed after the production concluded. Stadnik proposed on Christmas Eve in 2020, and the couple tied the knot on October 10, 2021, in Sonoma, California.
Stadnik has noted that elements of their real-life relationship subtly influenced his work on This Is Us, including quiet moments of reading together and playful banter mirroring his dynamic with on-screen partner Auden Thornton.
Net Worth and Advocacy
As of recent estimates, Blake Stadnik holds an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million USD. His wealth stems primarily from his multifaceted entertainment career, including his breakout television work on This Is Us, national and regional theatre contracts, music releases, and audio projects.
Beyond his performing career, Stadnik remains an active advocate and mentor for artists and performers living with disabilities, using his platform to promote accessibility, representation, and inclusivity in the arts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blake Stadnik
How old is Blake Stadnik?
Blake Stadnik was born on June 13, 1991, and is 35 years old.
Is Blake Stadnik actually blind in real life?
Yes. Stadnik was diagnosed with Stargardt disease at age six, which left him legally blind. He utilizes his residual shape perception and spatial awareness to navigate the stage and screen.
Who is Blake Stadnik’s wife?
Blake Stadnik is married to actress and singer Anne Tolpegin. The couple married on October 10, 2021.
What is Blake Stadnik’s net worth?
Blake Stadnik has an estimated net worth of around $1 million, earned through his work in television, musical theater, and music.
What song did Blake Stadnik sing on This Is Us?
Stadnik performed the original song “Memorized” during the fourth-season premiere of This Is Us as his character Jack Damon.
Where did Blake Stadnik go to college?
He attended Pennsylvania State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.
