Andy was born and raised in East Texas. Growing up, Andy's older brother and best friend - Matthew - was enthralled with all things theatre, thus, Andy was too. Countless afternoons were spent defending the living room couch that doubled as a barricade in heartfelt re-enactments of LES MISERABLES.
This is how Andy started performing.
While a pre-med student - studying biochemistry & vocal performance - and working on ambulances, he landed the title role in a production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story in Lubbock, Texas, Buddy's hometown.
His parents, Don & Katy, encouraged a love for the arts by taking he and his brother to shows, as well as sitting through talent shows frequently put on in the living room (*see aforementioned barricade defending).
Andy’s main passion growing up and through college was always emergency response – namely, “firetrucks” and anything else with flashing lights. Through grade school, he took ballroom dance after school to spend time with his friends. He had such an affinity for dance, he became a ballroom coach for his studio – his first job at age 13. In high school, he began Irish Step Dancing to explore his family’s strong Irish heritage. He competed as a championship dancer internationally, until an injury in the 2006 Oireachtas rendered him unable to continue. He continued teaching Irish step dance while he started college at age 16, where he studied biochemistry as a pre-med student and became an Emergency Medical Technician.
In March of 2010, he fell into an audition for a production of BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY under the musical direction of John Banister, who had recently closed the 2007 revival on the West End. Andy had never touched a guitar prior to auditioning, but was asked to learn the chorus of Buddy Holly's song “Everyday” for a callback. After borrowing a friend’s guitar and sitting in front of YouTube for 3 days, he returned and played the entire song. He was cast in the title role, requiring him to learn the show's 21 songs on guitar in 3 months for the opening in June, and his passion for performing was ignited.
After starring in Lubbock’s BUDDY, and participating in regional productions of GODSPELL (Jesus), EDGES (Man 2), and IRVIN BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS (Phil Davis), he packed 2 suitcases and with his guitar, flew one-way to New York City in February 2012. He continues working out of NYC as a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, fulfilling his love of singing, musicianship, and acting.
He thanks his parents Don & Katy; his siblings, Matt, Allie, and Keylee; his good friend and collegue, John Banister; and all the rest of his family & friends for their continued love and support that enable him "think big" and follow those thoughts.
Andy grew up performing in various productions of LES MISERABLES, produced by his older brother, Matthew, in the living room. Countless afternoons were spent defending the couch, which doubled as a barricade. Matthew always got to be Enjolras and Javert while Andy was usually Gavroche or Éponine...
But, you know, he's not bitter.
In 2010, a production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, in Lubbock, Texas, prompted his transition from the medical to entertainment industry. He learned how to play guitar in less than 2 months for the titular role, which he did by playing in bars with Eddy Weir, Buddy Holly's nephew.
Andy lives in New York City with his wife, Esther Stilwell, and their two daughters.