Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Fierstein is an American actor, playwright, and screenwriter recognized for his distinctive voice and extensive contributions to stage and screen. After making his professional acting debut in Andy Warhol’s play ‘Pork’ in 1971 at La Mama ETC, Harvey Fierstein developed his one-act pieces into the groundbreaking ‘Torch Song Trilogy’ during the 1970s. Fierstein wrote and starred in the work, which moved from Off-Broadway to Broadway, earning him significant acclaim. In 1983, he received two Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Actor in a Play, alongside two Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Actor in a Play, and a Theatre World Award for ‘Torch Song Trilogy.’ This achievement also established him as the first openly gay actor to win a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

As a prolific writer for the stage, he penned the books for the acclaimed musicals ‘Newsies’ (2012) and the Tony Award-winning ‘Kinky Boots’ (2013), receiving Tony Award nominations for Best Book of a Musical for both. His original play ‘Casa Valentina’ premiered on Broadway in 2014. Further expanding his writing and acting for television, Fierstein wrote the teleplays for ‘The Wiz Live!’ (2015) and ‘Hairspray Live!’ (2016), also starring in the latter. His enduring contributions to the performing arts were recognized with his induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2007 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with Cyndi Lauper in 2016.

In 2022, Fierstein released his memoir, ‘I Was Better Last Night: A Memoir,’ which became a New York Times Bestseller. His significant impact on theater and entertainment will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2025.