Jeremy Jordan wasn’t the most popular guy in high school in Corpus Christi, Texas.

But fast forward 10 years, and Jordan’s popularity in the Broadway world led him to get noticed by Hollywood – including playing the newest character on TV’s “Smash.”

Jordan said he has had a few high school friends message him to let him know what a great job he is doing.

“It’s cool to feel like you have gotten somewhere in life,” Jordan said.

Jordan has already dominated Broadway, with three leading roles under his belt in “Newsies,” “Bonnie & Clyde” and “Rock of Ages.” He received Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for his performance in “Newsies.”

Jordan said filming for “Smash” has kept him incredibly busy. Sometimes he has 14- to 15-hour days, especially when they are filming performance numbers.

In January 2012, Jordan landed his first Hollywood role, in the movie “Joyful Noise,” where he worked alongside Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah.

The “Newsies” soundtrack has also been nominated for the 2013 Grammys in the best musical theater album category. Because Jordan is a principal soloist in the show, he will be sharing that nomination.

Now he gets to play a “Smash” character, whose life is similar to his. The show follows the highs and lows of Broadway theater with characters who dream to be stars.

Jordan plays Jimmy Collins, who is a nobody writing a musical with a friend and he accidentally gets discovered.

Even though Jordan and his TV character’s lives might be similar on the outside, Jordan said his character’s personality is quite different.

“He is way too charming and volatile on the surface,” Jordan said. “Jimmy is very guarded and has some deep-seated issues that start to show deeper into the season.”

At first, Jordan also worked at night in “Newsies.”

He eventually had to step away from “Newsies” because he said it was too much. Despite his break from Broadway, Jordan said theater always will be the most fulfilling acting medium.

“You get to see how the audience reacts to you onstage, which is so different from film or television. It’s a natural adrenaline rush.”