Iowa History Daily: On December 9, 1961, actor David Anthony Higgins was born in Des Moines. Known for roles on television’s “Malcolm in the Middle,” “Ellen,” and “Mike & Molly,” Higgins got his start performing at the Des Moines Playhouse.
Growing up in Iowa’s capital city as one of five children, Higgins won a scholarship to the Des Moines Playhouse after receiving encouragement from his fourth-grade teacher. While developing his acting skills in local productions, the aspiring actor graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1980. After enrolling at the University of Iowa and studying liberal arts, Higgins decided to go all in to pursue a career in entertainment.
Higgins returned to Des Moines where he performed with his brother Steve and fellow actor Dave Gruber Allen in a comedy troupe called “Don’t Quit Your Day Job.” Playing at the Hotel Kirkwood and other Midwestern locations led to an offer from HBO for a show called “The Higgins Boys and Gruber” in 1989.
Cast as the outspoken barista Joe in the sitcom “Ellen” during 1994, Higgins continued to build his career. Perhaps most notable for his role as Craig Feldspar in “Malcolm in the Middle,” an accomplished career awaited Higgins. Also appearing in popular shows “American Horror Story: Murder House” and “Mike & Molly” (as Harry), Higgins continues to endear himself to generations of television viewers. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
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