Andre De Shields

In a career spanning 55 five years, De Shields, at age 79, has distinguished himself as an unparalleled actor/activist, educator, iconic philanthropist and Broadway Deity. As an actor, De Shields’ mission is to fill intimate spaces with enormous beauty. He defines intimate spaces as the hearts of humanity. As an activist, he endeavors to restore majesty, elegance and literacy to the Black thespian’s toolbox, to advocate for long term survivors of HIV and AIDS, and to champion the legacy of the Wellderly (elderly individuals who continue to kick butt). His idiosyncratic career has resulted in a treasure trove of accolades, among them an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he has founded The André De Shields Fund. His other marks of esteem include being declared the triple crown winner of the 2019 awards season, having garnered Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Grammy Awards for his universally acclaimed role in Hadestown as ‘Hermes,’ messenger to the gods. Perennially renowned for his show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway productions –The Wiz (title role), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Emmy Award), Play On! (Tony nomination), and The Full Monty (Tony nomination). His portrayal of ‘Old Deuteronomy’ in the radically re-imagined CATS: The Jellicle Ball was rewarded with the 2025 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical, 2025 Dorian Theater Award for Outstanding Featured Performance in an Off-Broadway Production, the 2025 LGBTQ Theater Trailblazer Award, and the 2024 AUDELCO Award, in addition to special citations from New York Drama Critics Circle and the Obie Awards. He also received nominations for Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical from the Drama Desk and for Distinguished Performance Award by the Drama League. De Shields reigned as the Grand Marshal of the 51st Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, achieving the sui generis reputation as one of the ten wonders of New York City. UBUNTU! www.andredeshields.