Dileep Rao

1.1. Birth and family

Dileep A. Rao was born on July 29, 1973, in Los Angeles, California. His parents, both of Indian descent, fostered an environment of intellectual curiosity, with his mother being a physicist and his father an engineer. His upbringing involved living in various locations, including Yanbu, Saudi Arabia; Denver, Colorado; and Claremont, California. He has one sister, who is a professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business.

1.2. Education

Rao completed his secondary education at Claremont High School. He pursued higher education at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a B.A. degree. Furthering his professional aspirations in acting, he obtained a M.F.A. from the prestigious American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. During his time at the American Conservatory Theater, his classmates included notable actresses Anna Belknap and Elizabeth Banks.

2.1. Early acting career

Following his graduation from the American Conservatory Theater, Dileep Rao's first acting role was in the American premiere of Indian Ink, a play by renowned playwright Tom Stoppard. He then relocated to Los Angeles to further his career, engaging in regional theater productions. His work in this period included performances at the Berkeley Rep, South Coast Repertory, and for the Manhattan Theatre Club.

2.2. Other activities

In addition to his acting pursuits, Dileep Rao has demonstrated diverse talents in other public spheres. On June 7, 2002, he competed on the popular American quiz show Jeopardy!, where he emerged victorious, winning 34.40 K USD. Six years later, on June 8, 2008, Rao was selected from over 1,600 applicants to participate in the NPR Weekend Edition Sunday puzzle, playing on air with puzzle master Will Shortz.

3.1. Film

3.2. Television