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Harvey Fierstein Headshot

Harvey Fierstein

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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BIO

Harvey Fierstein's theater work includes Torch Song Trilogy (Best Play, Best Actor, Tony and Drama Desk awards), Kinky Boots (Best Musical Tony), La Cage aux Folles (Best Book, Tony and Drama Desk awards), Newsies (Tony nominated), Casa Valentina (Tony nominated), A Catered Affair (12 Drama Desk nominations), Safe Sex (Ace Award), Legs Diamond, Spookhouse, Flatbush Tosca, and Freaky Pussy. He's written teleplays for NBC's "Hairspray Live!" and "The Wiz Live!" His revised script of Funny Girl, ran to critical acclaim in London and has been filmed for broadcast. His political editorials have appeared in The New York Times, TV Guide, Huffington Post and broadcast on PBS's "In the Life." Harvey's children's book, The Sissy Duckling, is now in its 8th printing, and the HBO animated special of the story won Harvey the Humanities Award. Mr. Fierstein has been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and has been inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame and the Brooklyn Walk of Fame.

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STAGE CREDITS

Bye Bye Birdie Bye Bye Birdie
[Washington, DC (Regional)]
Kennedy Center Production, 2020
Mae
Bella Bella Bella Bella
[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
Performer
Gently Down the Stream Gently Down the Stream
[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Public Theatre Off-Broadway Production, 2017
Beau
Hairspray Live! Hairspray Live!
[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2016
Edna Turnblad
La Cage aux Folles La Cage aux Folles
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2010
Albin [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Fiddler on the Roof Fiddler on the Roof
[US Tour]
Touring Revival, 2009
Tevye [Replacement]
[Replacement]
A Catered Affair A Catered Affair
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2008
Uncle Winston
Rags
[New York]
New York Concert, 2006
Avram
Hairspray
[Las Vegas]
Las Vegas Production, 2006
Edna Turnblad
Children And Art
[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer
Hair
[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Other Roles
Performer
Fiddler on the Roof Fiddler on the Roof
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Tevye [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Hairspray Hairspray
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Edna Turnblad
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
Safe Sex
[Off-Broadway]
1991
Ghee
The Haunted Host
[Off-Broadway]
1991
Jay Astor
Safe Sex
[Broadway]
1987
Arthur
Ghee
Arthur
Torch Song Trilogy
[Broadway]
1982
Arnold Beckoff
Torch Song Trilogy
[Off-Broadway]
1982
International Stud
[Off-Broadway]
1978
Arnold

Productions

Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Book Revision
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Revised Book
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[West End, 2016]
Revised Book
The Wiz Live!The Wiz Live!
 
[New York, 2015]
New Material
Funny GirlFunny Girl
 
[West End, 2015]
Revised Book
Kinky BootsKinky Boots
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Bookwriter
A Catered AffairA Catered Affair
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Producer

Writing

Safe Sex
Playwright
Playwright
Spookhouse
Playwright
Kinky Boots
Bookwriter
Casa Valentina
Playwright
Legs Diamond
Bookwriter

Movies

Garbo Talks
[ 1984 ] Bernie Whitlock
Torch Song Trilogy
[ 1988 ] Arnold Beckoff
The Harvest
[ 1993 ] Bob Lakin
Mrs. Doubtfire
[ 1993 ] Frank Hillard
Bullets Over Broadway
[ 1994 ] Sid Loomis
Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde
[ 1995 ] Yves DuBois
Independence Day
[ 1996 ] Marty Gilbert
Everything Relative
[ 1996 ] The Moyle
White Lies
[ 1997 ] Art Hoarder
Kull the Conqueror
[ 1997 ] Juba
Safe Men
[ 1998 ] Leo
Mulan
[ 1998 ] Yao
Jump
[ 1999 ] Dish Macense
Playing Mona Lisa
[ 2000 ] Bennett
Death to Smoochy
[ 2002 ] Merv Green
Duplex
[ 2003 ] Kenneth
Farce of the Penguins
[ 2006 ] Sheila
Foodfight!
[ 2012 ] Fat Cat Burglar
Animal Crackers
[ 2017 ] Esmerelda
Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical!
[ 2017 ] writer
Kinky Boots: The Musical
[ 2019 ] writer
Bros
[ 2022 ] Louis

TV Shows

Big Mouth
Jerome
Family Guy
Buster Keaton, Tracy

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2019 - Best Revival of a Play

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song


winner
- 2017 - Legend of Off-Broadway Honorees

Harvey Fierstein

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Play

Harvey Fierstein, Casa Valentina

Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Book of a Musical

Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2012 - Best Book of a Musical

Harvey Fierstein, Newsies

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Book of a Musical

Harvey Fierstein, Newsies the Musical

Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Harvey Fierstein, A Catered Affair


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Harvey Fierstein, Hairspray


winner
Drama League Awards - 2003 - Distinguished Performance Award

Harvey Fierstein, Hairspray

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Harvey Fierstein, Hairspray


winner
Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Harvey Fierstein, Hairspray

Olivier Awards - 1985 - Play of the Year

Harvey FiersteinTorch Song Trilogy

Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Harvey Fierstein, La Cage aux Folles


winner
Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Book of a Musical

Harvey Fierstein, La Cage aux Folles


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Play

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1983 - Performance

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy


winner
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Harvey Fierstein , Torch Song Trilogy


winner
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Play

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy

Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy

Drama Desk Awards - 1982 - Outstanding Play

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1982 - Best American Play

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy


winner
Obie Awards - 1982 - Special Citations

Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy

Videos

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News


Disney's NEWSIES to be Presented at Inland Valley Repertory Theatre Photo
Disney's NEWSIES to be Presented at Inland Valley Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2025

Tickets are now available for Inland Valley Repertory Theatre's production of Disney's Newsies. Learn more about the production being presented this summer here!
KINKY BOOTS Comes to Fort Salem Theater This Summer Photo
KINKY BOOTS Comes to Fort Salem Theater This Summer
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2025

Fort Salem Theater will present the Regional Premiere of Kinky Boots, bringing the moving story of self-belief and the power of embracing differences to the stage in a vibrant new production.
Counting Up the Tony Awards Already Won by the 2025 Nominees Photo
Counting Up the Tony Awards Already Won by the 2025 Nominees
by Team BWW - May 24, 2025

We took a look at which 2025 Tony nominees have won at least a Tony or two (or eight!) - amongst them, they've gathered a total 77 awards. Check out who'll be looking to add even more hardware to their Tony shelf at this year's ceremony.
Alberta Bair Theater Unveils 2025�"2026 Season Featuring Music Legends, Broadway Hit Photo
Alberta Bair Theater Unveils 2025�"2026 Season Featuring Music Legends, Broadway Hits, and More
by A.A. Cristi - May 23, 2025

Alberta Bair Theater (ABT) has announced its 2025–2026 season, a wide-ranging lineup featuring music icons, Broadway blockbusters, dance spectacles, comedy favorites, and international acts.
KINKY BOOTS Broadway Cast Album Gets First-Ever Vinyl Release This July Photo
KINKY BOOTS Broadway Cast Album Gets First-Ever Vinyl Release This July
by A.A. Cristi - May 22, 2025

Real Gone Music will release the Kinky Boots – Original Broadway Cast Recording on vinyl for the first time ever. The long-awaited 2-LP set will arrive in stores on July 11, pressed on striking fuchsia-colored vinyl.
Photos: Inside the 78th Annual Tony Awards Nominees Luncheon Photo
Photos: Inside the 78th Annual Tony Awards Nominees Luncheon
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2025

2025 Tony Awards Nominees gathered at The Rainbow Room in NYC for the 2025 Nominees Luncheon, presented by Cunard, to celebrate an incredible Broadway season and share in the excitement of joining a new class of Tony Nominees. See photos here!
Industry Pro Newsletter: The Impact of NEA Grant Cuts, Global Arts at a ‘Tipping Po Photo
Industry Pro Newsletter: The Impact of NEA Grant Cuts, Global Arts at a ‘Tipping Point’
by Alex Freeman - May 19, 2025

This week's newsletter navigates a complex landscape for the theatre industry, from the immediate shockwaves of NEA grant terminations and their profound impact on individual organizations, as detailed by Cara Joy David, to A.R.T./NY's revealing 'Health + Wealth' report offering both stark realities and paths toward resilience in a challenging post-COVID environment. On Broadway, Andrew Lloyd Webber's potential acquisition of the former Mark Hellinger Theatre and the celebration of the Broadway League's latest award winners. Regionally, we see both ambitious growth with the announcement of David Rockwell's new magic theater in Chicago and concerning retrenchment as Berkeley's Aurora Theatre suspends its upcoming season.
MEDEA OF THE LAUNDROMAT Comes ot La MaMa With John-Andrew Morrison, Jason Howard, and Photo
MEDEA OF THE LAUNDROMAT Comes ot La MaMa With John-Andrew Morrison, Jason Howard, and Jenne Vath
by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2025

La MaMa, in association with the Lucille Lortel Theatre, will present a rare revival of H.M. Koutoukas' Medea of the Laundromat, a seminal work of theatre from 1965.
Conversation With Jonathan Spector and Jessica Hecht, and More Set for The Drama Book Photo
Conversation With Jonathan Spector and Jessica Hecht, and More Set for The Drama Book Shop Events
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 14, 2025

The Drama Book Shop will present, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, author events designed to entertain and enlighten. Learn more and see how to attend.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Concord Acquires Broadway Licensing Group, Portland Center S Photo
Industry Pro Newsletter: Concord Acquires Broadway Licensing Group, Portland Center Stage Faces Inflection Point
by Alex Freeman - May 12, 2025

This week's newsletter navigates a dynamic and somewhat contradictory landscape within the theater world, showcasing both significant achievement and contractions. From Concord's major acquisition poised to reshape theatrical licensing to the precarious financial situation facing a vital Portland theater and the broader uncertainties tied to declining tourism in New York, we see an industry simultaneously evolving and facing considerable headwinds.
KINKY BOOTS, MRS. DOUBTFIRE And More Set for Broadway In Thousand Oaks 2025-26 Season Photo
KINKY BOOTS, MRS. DOUBTFIRE And More Set for Broadway In Thousand Oaks 2025-26 Season
by A.A. Cristi - May 9, 2025

The 25–26 BROADWAY IN THOUSAND OAKS Series will include the following Broadway touring productions: CHICAGO, KINKY BOOTS, BLUE MAN GROUP and MRS. DOUBTFIRE.
Atlanta Community Theatre Summer Preview Photo
Atlanta Community Theatre Summer Preview
by Joseph Harrison - May 9, 2025

What better way to cool off on a hot, Atlanta summer evening (or afternoon!) than taking in one of these exciting productions, coming to a community theatre near you! Check out all the amazing theatre that Metro Atlanta has to offer this summer!
HADESTOWN, KINKY BOOTS, and More Set For Broadway in Santa Barbara's 2025-26 Season Photo
HADESTOWN, KINKY BOOTS, and More Set For Broadway in Santa Barbara's 2025-26 Season
by Stephi Wild - May 7, 2025

The 25–26 Broadway in Santa Barbara Series will include the following Broadway touring productions: Kinky Boots, The Book Of Mormon, Pilobolus: Other Worlds Collection, and Hadestown.
2025 Theatre World Awards Winners Announced Photo
2025 Theatre World Awards Winners Announced
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2025

Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has just announced the Honorees for Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. We have the full list of honorees!
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Industry Pro Newsletter: Union Leader Condemns NEA Grant Terminations, The National Theatre Has a Global Vision
by Alex Freeman - May 5, 2025

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Review: KINKY BOOTS Struts its Stuff at Eight O'Clock Theatre
by Drew Eberhard - May 4, 2025

Based on the 2005 British film of the same name, the musical features music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Mostly inspired by true events, the musical tells the story of Charlie Price, a man who is down on his luck and has just inherited a failing shoe factory from his father. To help save the business, Charlie meets and eventually befriends Lola, a local Cabaret performer and Drag Queen. The two form an unlikely bond and produce a line of high-heeled boots for a certain “niche market.” Through the business venture and unlikely partnership, the two discover they are not so different after all.
2025 Tony Award Nominations- The Full List Photo
2025 Tony Award Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2025

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2025 Tony Awards Nominations- A Complete Guide Photo
2025 Tony Awards Nominations- A Complete Guide
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards nominations will be announced soon and we are catching you up on the full season of shows, who is eligible for what, and so much more!
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SISTER ACT, ANNIE and More Set for Argyle Theatre 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 30, 2025

The Argyle Theatre has unveiled its 2025-2026 Main Stage season—featuring a soul-stirring, dance-filled, and family-friendly lineup of musical theatre hits. Learn more!
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Industry Pro Newsletter: Audience Trust in a Post-Election Environment, Full List of Outer Critics Circle Nominees
by Alex Freeman - Apr 28, 2025

This week, we'll look at Colleen Dilenschneider's latest data on audience trust in a post-election environment and explore the immersive possibilities of the new StagePlay mixed-reality app for live performances. In New York, Broadway's Outer Critics Circle nominations and a special Tony Award for Harvey Fierstein, and the abrupt closure of Life and Trust. Finally, we'll take a look at key developments in regional and international theater, from Philadelphia's TKTS success to legal challenges in Texas and more programming changes at the Kennedy Center.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Harvey Fierstein been in?

Harvey Fierstein has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Harvey Fierstein been in?

Harvey Fierstein has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Harvey Fierstein been nominated for?

Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for Torch Song, Legend of Off-Broadway Honorees (), Best Play (Tony Awards) for Casa Valentina, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kinky Boots, Best Book of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Newsies, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Newsies the Musical, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for A Catered Affair, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hairspray, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Hairspray, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hairspray , Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hairspray, Play of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for La Cage aux Folles, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for La Cage aux Folles , Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy , Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy, Outstanding Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy, Best American Play (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy and Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Torch Song Trilogy.

What awards has Harvey Fierstein won?

Harvey Fierstein has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. He was honored as a Legend of Off-Broadway Honoree. He won Best Book of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Newsies. For Hairspray, Fierstein earned Outstanding Actor - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards. He won Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for La Cage aux Folles. Fierstein also received Outstanding Actor in a Play and Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Torch Song Trilogy. Additionally, he was recognized with a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for Torch Song Trilogy. He earned Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play and Best Play at the Tony Awards for Torch Song Trilogy. Lastly, he received Special Citations from the Obie Awards for Torch Song Trilogy.

How many shows has Harvey Fierstein written?

Harvey Fierstein has written 13 shows including International Stud (Playwright), Torch Song Trilogy (Playwright), Torch Song Trilogy (Playwright), La Cage aux Folles (Bookwriter), Spookhouse (Playwright), Safe Sex (Playwright), Legs Diamond (Bookwriter), Safe Sex (Playwright), A Catered Affair (Bookwriter), Newsies (Bookwriter), Kinky Boots (Bookwriter), Casa Valentina (Playwright), Bella Bella (AUthor).

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