10 Epic Lin-Manuel Miranda Projects That Made Him a Household Name

While people today might think of "In the Heights" as "that other Lin-Manuel Miranda musical," it's actually the project that launched his career! Miranda wrote the music and lyrics to this 2008 Broadway hit, and he also starred as the main character, a bodega owner named Usnavi. Set in the historically Latinx neighborhood of Washington Heights, the musical follows a sprawling group of friends and family as they deal with the effects of gentrification, delayed dreams, and a winning lottery ticket that could change everything.

"In the Heights" won big at the 2008 Tony Awards, taking home four awards, including the top prize for best musical. Miranda also personally won the award for best original score.