Taye Diggs heaps praise on ex-wife Idina Menzel when discussing his breakout role in Rent

Taye Diggs heaps praise on ex-wife Idina Menzel when discussing his breakout role in Rent and the raising their son amid COVID-19 pandemic: ‘I remind myself how lucky I am’

Taye Diggs opened up about his life during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the extra time it has allowed him to spend with his son Walker, during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show.

The 50-year-old actor also discussed the lasting impact the acclaimed Broadway musical Rent has had on his life since he originated the role of landlord Benny in 1996.

During the conversation, Diggs’ face lit up with pride and joy when he shared about meeting his ex-wife, Idina Menzel, during the run of Rent and that he can tell their son he got to witness when the world got an introduction to her brilliance as a singer and performer. 

Praise: Taye Diggs, 50, complimented ex-wife Idina Menzel during a chat about his breakout role in the Broadway musical Rent during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show 

Diggs was on the talk show to promote the new season of The CW’s All American, but the interview kicked-off with Barrymore asking him about the raising his 11-year-old boy during these uncertain times.   

‘I hate to sound like a broken record, but it’s during these times where I remind myself how lucky I am, how lucky we both are even though the world around us seems to be spinning in all kinds of different directions,’ he said with a tone of humility.

The New Jersey native went on talk about how he and Walker have used their extra time in quarantine to discuss some of the important issues of recent times through the lens of the books he’s written and his role on All American.

Touching: Diggs revealed that he loves being able tell his son his got to see his mother's talents during their time in Rent: 'Daddy was there, when mommy, when the world first listened to her'; the former couple seen together in June 2007

Touching: Diggs revealed that he loves being able tell his son his got to see his mother’s talents during their time in Rent: ‘Daddy was there, when mommy, when the world first listened to her’; the former couple seen together in June 2007

It’s at this point that the host brought up Digg’s impressive theater career, which includes his breakout role in Rent. 

‘I met my baby mama there. It was the beginning of my career. And even today we’re [Rent cast and crew] still getting together moving people over Zoom charity concerts and what-not. It’s kind of where it all got started and it’s nice to know that’s it’s continuing,’ he explained.

‘And even Walker’s mother, Idina, Idina Menzel, it’s been really great. I love the fact that I was there at the beginning,’ he continued. 

‘She made history in that show and continues to make history with her singing and what not, and to know that I was right there, I love sharing that with my son. Like, “Daddy was there, when mommy, when the world first listened to her.” So that’s cool as well.’ 

History: Digg and Menzel met during their run on the smash hit Rent, which premiered on Broadway in 1996; they are pictured in January 2013

History: Digg and Menzel met during their run on the smash hit Rent, which premiered on Broadway in 1996; they are pictured in January 2013

The actor also gave an update on his current relationship status by stating, ‘I’m swinging and single baby.’ 

Diggs and Menzel separated in December 2013 after 10 years of marriage, and eventually finalized their divorce in January 2015. 

His Hollywood resume includes such films as How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), Go (1999), Brown Sugar (2002), The Best Man (1999) and its sequel The Best Man Holiday (2013).

He has also made waves with his roles for TV that includes Private Practice (2007-2013), Empire (2016-2017) and All American (2018-present).

Ongoing gig: Diggs currently stars in the sports drama series All American

Ongoing gig: Diggs currently stars in the sports drama series All American