Character guide
Billy Flynn
from Chicago
Billy Flynn is the silver-tongued celebrity defense lawyer of Chicago, the man who turns murder trials into show business.
- Show
- Chicago
- Premiered
- 1975
- Role
- Supporting
- Composer
- John Kander
Who is Billy Flynn?
Billy is the most sought-after criminal attorney in Chicago's underworld, known for his ability to spin any client's story into a sympathetic sensation. He represents both Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly over the course of the show, and his approach to the law has almost nothing to do with justice and everything to do with spectacle. He is charming, cynical, and completely aware that he is selling a performance to the jury and the press alike.
His presence in the story exposes how easily public opinion can be manufactured, which is a big part of what makes Chicago feel sharp and satirical rather than just a period piece.
Billy Flynn's role in the show
Billy is a supporting role, but a pivotal one, orbiting and shaping the arcs of the two female leads. The part rewards a performer with strong comic timing, confident stage presence, and a smooth, persuasive singing voice suited to slick, showstopping numbers.
Audiences enjoy Billy because he is a rogue with real charisma. He never pretends to be virtuous, and that honesty about his own self-interest makes him one of the show's most quotable and entertaining characters.
Frequently asked
What show is Billy Flynn from?
Billy Flynn appears in Chicago, the musical with music by John Kander that premiered in 1975.
Is Billy Flynn a lead or supporting role?
Billy Flynn is a supporting role who plays a major part in shaping the stories of the show's two leads.
Who wrote the music for Chicago?
John Kander composed the music for Chicago, working alongside longtime collaborator Fred Ebb on lyrics.
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