Hairspray's Ephraim Sykes Says 'Hamilton' Changed His Life

Nobody could have predicted the cultural phenomenon that Hamilton has become — not even the stars of the original installment themselves.

If you ask any of the cast members, they’ll surely tell you that show has forever impacted their lives. That is definitely the case for Hairspray Live! star Ephraim Sykes, who was a part of the hit ensemble cast.

“It’s changed my life because I get a million requests everyday for tickets,” he joked with JustJared.com. “It’s insane!”

The 31-year-old actor, who is set to play who plays Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray Live!, told us that people from all walks of his life came out of the woodwork to ask him for free admission to the show.

“I would have people I haven’t spoke to since the fifth grade — haven’t spoken to since the 5th grade and is literally not asking for themselves but asking for a friend or their cousin. Or hey ‘Hey I met you back then. And guess what, congratulations and I love you. But it’s my mom’s birthday so could you?’”

While he would have loved to have helped out everyone in his circle, Ephraim told us that being on the cast taught him to master the ability to say ‘No,’ adding, “I had to learn how to ignore a lot of people. I became good at it.”

The budding Broadway star also explained that he still hasn’t fully processed what a vibrant part of pop culture his latest job has become.

“I feel like I’m going to have to get another five years removed to understand truly the effect that Hamilton has had on the world,” he said.

He added that it’s become so popular that he was only able to get his mother in twice.

“I could not get a ticket for my dang self right now. I’m like sneaking in the back ‘Hand me my costume again. I’m here.’”

Hairspray Live! airs on Wednesday, December 7 @ 8PM ET/PT on NBC.

Be sure to stream and download the full soundtrack now!

�” Reporting by Nicole Pajer