With ‘In the Heights,’ Anthony Ramos Finds Stardom on His Own Terms

Teachers urged him to cultivate a more ethnically ambiguous image. He refused, and now he’s having a breakout moment.

The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive,” that classic dance-floor ode to doing whatever it takes to keep your head above water, was playing in a coffee shop in Brooklyn when Anthony Ramos sidled in one chilly April morning. Ramos may not be a celebrity to you yet, but he was easily made by the barista in Park Slope, who turned out to be a courteous fan. Along with his latte, Ramos was given a few stickers promoting the drag queen persona of his admiring server and some kind words of congratulation on his recent success. Ramos received his tributes with humility. He respected a fellow hustler when he saw one.