Show People With Paul Wontorek: Ramin Karimloo on "Phantom," "Les Miz," Sierra Boggess & More

West End star Ramin Karimloo stops by Show People to discuss his NYC concert gigs, his upcoming run as Jean Valjean in Toronto and also takes on fan questions!

[@MercedesMorant]

I love how at 18:01 while talking about Sierra Boggess, Ramin says "Well yeah, she's my best friend" - adorable :)

[@lillianvalerie]

Dear god he called her Si thats so cute omg *melts*

[@NOONE-cd4gu]

I love how he talked about Sierra. You can see how much he loves her (As friends) and is inspired by her

[@silvermoonstar2263]

I don’t know why and I don’t mean to seem rude, but is anyone else kinda scared of him?

[@MrStephanieJChia]

Ramin never had formal training which makes his accomplishments all the more admirable

[@algallego]

With regards to formal training-- sometimes you can neither CONFORM nor SUPPRESS natural talent with an institutional mold!

[@minsunkang7264]

aw "i saw sierra boggess as fantine" and ramin says quietly "amazing"

[@gsandau]

I think a lot of Phantom fans were hoping to see Ramin and Sierra in a regular run of The Phantom; ideally on Broadway.

[@SingPlayWrite999]

"It turns out you're talented, too." "Well, that's arguable." NO RAMIN YOU ARE INSANELY TALENTED YOU'RE SO MODEST :)

[@algallego]

Ramin: Ok, you win the argument!

[@Merthurmad]

And he actually got to meet Colm Wilkinson on the 25th Anniversary of the Phantom, how cool is that.

[@emmadownes4620]

He actually met Colm Wilkinson in Canada after when he went to see Phantom again another time after a school trip and he asked for some advice which Ramin took. He first performed with Colm Wilkinson at the end of Les Mis in the O2 in One Day More

[@rebeccacutino3356]

Ramin is such a beautiful human being

[@jessiecharles4858]

Oh my lord. Ramin has something so attractive about himself. Simply the way he moves is intriguing. I wish I could meet him, but I live in Germany! Ramin, come to your angel of music!

[@StarAnna13]

***** LUCKY!!!! lol I wish I could meet my angel, friend or phantom... lol

[@alexaliona]

Anna Lee you an me both, girl

[@KatieT97]

I wanna meet him too!!😩😩

[@alexaliona]

Really, though, from all the vids I'm watching, Ramin would be a great cast member. I'd LOVE to watch him perform and then meet him!!!

[@meedyy99]

Jessie Charles Ich will ihn auch treffen! Wir sind schon arm dran :/

[@kristinz2749]

also can we bring Love Never Dies on a US tour with Sierra and Ramin? That's all I want. And... front row seats. (and to meet them but let's not get greedy here)

[@Theblackdragon136]

+Kristin Z to be honest my heart would exploded if i cry every time i hear ramin sing until i hear you sing i wouldn't be able to handle it live plus seeing him and sierra together ^____^(fangirls hearts will be slayed)

[@rosefranco2319]

Kristin Z There Start Love Never Dies here in Cali,LA Hollywood In 2018

[@kikedragoon]

Love may never die, but that play needs to die and never resurface again

[@k.hizzle5376]

@@kikedragoon I hate to be this person but... *LND is a musical not a play*

[@kikedragoon]

@@k.hizzle5376 I thought some plays were musicals as well

[@GraciaLu]

21:50 "Honoring your truth" you're starting to sound like Sierra there, Ramin :))

[@NOONE-cd4gu]

Well he is very inspired by her off and on stage . They are friendship goals😍😍

[@kellyjunghye4927]

I need to say... His voice while singing is so strong, it has so much emotions and basically goes everywhere effortless but then he speaks normally and just... wow, his voice is so mellowed, soft, gentle and soothing. I feel like hearing his voice speak will put me right to sleep. Secondly, the way he described when he met Sierra is like he has found his true love. And when asked what show he wants to do and with whom, without hesitance, he names Sierra. Not everyone can find such a person in their life, someone you can truly click with so well. I am happy they found each other and have each other in their lives.

[@alessandrabh9447]

mandy karimloo is a lucky woman...

[@julia_new]

when he was talking about the person who said Raheem I died because I watched that video and that's what I was thinking

[@Light_love8]

despite his success i love how he still is humble and feels that there is still a lot for him to learn and do. unlike other actors who act like they are entitled after a one or two big breaks. Love you Ramin!

[@cupcakes1087]

I love him. He's my favorite Phantom. He was my moms too. I'm sure she's listening to Phantom in Heaven. I can't read music either and I learn completely by ear. I sing and perform and Christine is my dream role.

[@mariev6108]

My favorite Phantom of the Opera duo! Sierra and Ramin!

[@rachelhughes8487]

googling "That Iranian Phantom" right now

[@noravandartel1951]

ctn04132 I can't find it!? There's only pictures of planes? Link me please!

[@KatieT97]

15:45 brings up playing Valjean on Broadway: "nah that's not in the cards." LOOK AT YOURSELF NOW RAMIN, YOURE PLAYING VALJEAN ON BROADWAY!!

[@KatieT97]

"I don't think of myself as a singer, it's just fun." Oh Ramin😂 you're funny

[@oilaum8811]

This guys looks like - and seems to have the same sweetness as - Mark Ruffalo! Like his theatre-as-opposed-to-film, younger brother-from-another-mother!

[@patriciarociento6146]

Oh yes! I saw 13 going on 30 earlier and my gosh they do seem alike.

[@marcellasorially9330]

Yes, I see your point, and you're quite right.

[@beneddiected]

Holy crap they do look kinda similar too-

[@Noganator7]

He is amazing. He will always me my angel of music

[@mollymkellaway12546]

I met Ramin Karimloo when he was in “Les Miserables’” on Broadway 🎭!! He is one of my favorite Broadway actors!! His tattoos are really great 👍. He should have won the Tony Award.

[@thundy08]

How come there were no questions about Hadley Fraser?! They have like the BEST BROMANCE EVER.

[@galacticjewels7856]

When I was a kid I was like in love with Ramin and now I'm hearing him years later and I never heard his accent and I'm shocked holy shit

[@carolineguercio4057]

HA! He said Les Mis Broadway wasn't in the cards for him. I saw him in the role las week!

[@carolineguercio4057]

Update: I've seen him in the role twice now

[@drxero1988]

I saw him in London in Les Mis. He is literally the best Valjean I've ever seen (and I've seen the show multiple times).

[@kristinz2749]

It's amazing that Ramin as Jean Valjean "wasn't on the cards" for him as he said, and here I am, having seen him as Valjean on Broadway. Amazing. Simply amazing. And I couldn't have seen a better performance. That man has the air power of a machine, and I was awed by his talent in person. I will continue to support him, and wish him all the best.

[@sashahazim5436]

he's so humble

[@STDeLuna]

I love his crow's feet, makes his eyes looks more gentle, sincere.. oh I love Ramin he's so nice.

[@followerofChrist26]

He has got to be my favorite broadway performer. So talented and so good!

[@AA-mv9fe]

His sparkly eyes will be the cause of my death someday 🥺

[@ffeff8353]

He does have very beautiful eyes. Let's face it, the rest of him isn't bad either!

[@flodonovan4088]

I could watch and listen to this lovely man always he seems so humble and just lovely and humorous and funny,he has just finished a stint in Holly City and I will miss him in that roll as a surgeon not a happy ending.👍🇬🇧🎼🎼🎼🥰an old old fan xxx

[@patriciaharman2212]

Thank You Paul I really enjoyed your interview with Ramin. It was brilliant and I will watch it many times.I loved the show too , Love Never Dies was brilliant . I think it needs more scenes of the stars and it would be more successful, but I still love it. Thank you again. ♡

[@ffeff8353]

Great interview. Loved how Ramin mentioned admiring the fabulous Terrence Mann, who is one of my longtime favourites (SO talented!). So besides acting talent, a beautiful voice, and being easy on the eyes, Ramin has great taste!

[@Snow_Whyte]

“We went on a school trip to Phantom, and I couldn’t think of anything worse.” WHAAAAT?! Oh, dear... he is legit KILLING ME!

[@NOONE-cd4gu]

I love how at the question at 29:00 he immediately said Sierra 😍😍 And i cringed and that last question

[@tiafakhouri2982]

NO ONE but what show did he say he wanted to do with her

[@NOONE-cd4gu]

@@tiafakhouri2982 kids of the spiral or smth along that line

[@nlawrence321]

I love Ramin Karimloo.

[@JulianneHannes]

The fact that he was actually in the Phantom 2004 movie...how could they not have known they had the best incarnation of Phantom playing the bit part of the dead father? It wasn't like Gerard was a big name star then that they had to cast (he wasn't, in 2004 Gerard was known as "The dude that always gets killed off in movies", it was pre 300 and post Reign of Fire)---yeah I'll never get over it

[@Merthurmad]

+Julianne Hannes Can you please tell me which scene in the 204 movie we see Ramin as Christine's father. wanna go look it up.

[@JulianneHannes]

Merthurmad​ the scene got deleted but Ramin was there and got credit for being in the movie, not sure if he sings in it

[@Merthurmad]

Julianne Hannes Tks for the info

[@elinaki10]

+Merthurmad you can see him in the "Angel of music" scene.When Christine lights a candle for her father,you can see Ramin's photo! :)

[@Merthurmad]

+elinaki ooh ill have a look tks.

[@Aphrodite791]

He is so fantastic... Best Phantom ever!

[@louloubearxxx]

I saw him play jean valjean in west end and he was absolutely amazing !the most amazing performer I have ever had the privilege of watching

[@benitaproulx1084]

I just saw him in les miserable .... fantastically unbelievable performer!!

[@evelynwallace2890]

Same! I was crying so much at the end

[@jesekreanne]

Sierra and ramin are on the top of my list of favorite best friends. They are so freakin cute.

[@Annesglitter]

YOU’RE TELLING ME 5 YEARS AGO I COULD HAVE SEEN RAMIN IN TORONTO IN LES MIS!?

[@RegiRomero25]

I love him, he is so cute and handsome ❤️

[@jenikkafrancinee]

MY HEART IS MELTING HE IS PERFECTION

[@mehrdadsemsar]

Such a humble and genuine guy

[@cfonseca645]

"The part where you had to get naked?" "Yea" *Smiles* Dead... i love him!

[@waynejeez5620]

Ramin has this earthy, rugged beauty about him, which is actually reflected in his voice.

[@Tiiiiiiiiiiish05]

I always pronounced Ramin's name as "RAH-MIN", it's actually "RAH-MEAN" Hahaha.

[@vivianlavalle3327]

same

[@kiki09ist]

Thank god he asked about Sunset blvd! No one ever asks him about, that show is amazing. Also loved the bit about the accident he had when he played Raol ha!

[@randomaccount3119]

He’s so precious. It’s not fair that I can’t have him

[@Ambsm14]

so he's in les miz with sierra too? how awesome, they're a great duo, their voices are perfect together.

[@meedyy99]

No he's not. Sierra was the Fantine in West End 12/13 I think.. And he plays now Valjean Why not? :/

[@TsurugiKyousuke70]

I know its a late comment, but in the video , Ramin said that he would never do Jean Valjean in Les MIs on Broadway. And here he is now Jean Valjean on Broadway. So ...

[@camilad2513]

I'd love to see him in Jekyll & Hyde.

[@TheOscarFrancois]

Same.

[@faesforest]

Camila D yessss

[@lancebabbitt7502]

Paul seems to really love Ramin! Well who does not!

[@igotbored9558]

AH! I am SO excited to see him live!!!! Cannot wait!

[@rafael2212]

such a gentlemen!!

[@MillyLilMiss]

I really want Ramin to play the title character in jekyll and hyde. He would be amazing

[@emily0uellette]

I love the song the girl was playing for the shower question! I love him and that was a really creative question.

[@corneliahindemith9741]

OMG he is SO hot!!! when he spoke about Sierra " But when Sierra came in I kinda knew" realizing what he said changing it to" You" I know it's not a romance just an awsome friendship but still. Rierra is LOVE

[@BlackPearlGurl]

I love that Sierra was my Vegas Christine and originated Love Never Dies London Christine. :)

[@iEtude]

I want to watch Love Never Dies! :'( Why isn't it on DVD?

[@KatieT97]

The Australian production with Ben Lewis and Anna O'Byrne has a DVD but not Ramin and Sierra's original London Production. There's some bootlegs of the London production roaming around on KZbin though.

[@Barbiegirlmomma]

I love it

[@peekaboo4444]

awesome interview!!! just the kind of questions that we want to know!!! excellent.. I love Ramin

[@sashabsanti]

Hearing him say les Mis bway was not in the cards for him is so strange. Saw him twice and he blew me away with his performance. He's amazing!

[@tomtalker2000]

The man is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS...!!! Swoon me phantom swoon me. I'm a tenor 1 borderline contralto so lets do a duet together...;)

[@Phantasma98]

He is truly my fav phantom of all time!

[@usal198]

Woohoo Richmond Hill represent! :p Got to see him perform in Toronto and it was amazing!!!!

[@liasonpureluv]

He's Iranian?! Eeeek! :D I thought so by his name and the Farsi on his arm but I wasn't sure because of his accent. He's so handsome and charming. Guh.

[@KatieT97]

He's Iranian-born but he grew up in Canada. His family moved out of Iran in like the 70's

[@liasonpureluv]

He's gorgeous. I fell in love with his voice before finding out more about him.

[@SweetDreams84]

I just LOVE Ramin 💓

[@katiec1877]

He's so sweet

[@wsddrama8735]

amazingly talented, beautiful and so humble- SEXY PERSONIFIED

[@ericad8394]

I loved, LOVE NEVER DIES

[@bigblueeyesful]

I love him so much!♥

[@jesseferr3]

By far sexiest man alive... just damn

[@thadyndupont9609]

Man they opened the Toronto show on my birthday!!

[@josephedwards5629]

I wanna meet him so bad, it'd be great to just hang out with the best phantom (in my opinion)

[@amandacommins9364]

Oh, Ramin, how I love you so.

[@rebeccamackey8864]

Ramin is so handsome looking in this interview.

[@Missakiah]

I love how he compares their friendship to siblings of sort. I personally believe that they are soulmates (not romantically)

[@kimberlydavis7186]

I have been a fan for a while and I still pronounce his name wrong from time to time. lol

[@user-hy4mo4bg1o]

Are you just a fan or a "Phan"?

[@faithperez5561]

At first I thought his name was pronounced Ramen so now I call him my noodle

[@mariajpinero]

I CANT EVEN EXPLAIN HOW HAPPY I AM THAT BROADWAY.COM FINALLY MADE A VIDEO WITH RAMIN KARIMLOO OH MY GOD I LOVE RAMIN :)

[@louisearon8520]

Fabulous interview ramin has charisma very iranien!!

[@andresaez_laurabell]

I love him!!!!

[@user-pm7ew4qn1m]

Ramin karmiloo is the best actor that has ever happend to me he is awesome! I would be in heaven if I met him in real life!

[@spikesofdoom007]

I SAW HIM IN BROADGRASS AND HE BROUGHT ME UP ONSTAGE AND LET ME SING WITH HIM AND I AM STILL NOT OVER IT OKAY

[@beignet2012]

He's so gorgeous. Wow.

[@mysticoversoul]

Great interview.

[@MarciaPze]

Ramin has a sweet voice tone and when he sings OMG one of the most powerful voices I heard! It's pretty amazing! He is very attractive no wonder why he was Phantom, such a sex appeal!

[@flodonovan4088]

What a brilliant interview, just a tip, try and find the video where he is joined by one of his sons in a duet 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🥰

[@masoudkhalili4654]

we are proud of you man I love your tatoo

[@Loveallegra]

17:53 boom instantly in love

[@marymay02]

He is so awesome

[@orianamandi]

Looooove him with the beard😍😍😍😍

[@CRAICtheatre]

Love and respect his modesty!

[@ethannavarro943]

I’m not playing Valjean on broadway, 1 year later... tony nomination for Valjean

[@_lasvina_4228]

Everyone : OH MY GOSSSSSHHH Me: so THATS how you say his name.

[@MarkvanBeelen]

He said he wasn't gonna play Valjean in the new Broadway production... So...apparently plans has changed! ;-)

[@charlieni645]

The thing I like about him is he sounds so modest and soft while talking. But when he starts to thing, his voice starts chilling everyone out.

[@watermellonarchie]

Ugh he's perfection. Dimple man :)