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Harvey Fierstein Headshot

Harvey Fierstein

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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BIO

At the 78th Annual Tony Awards, Harvey Fierstein took the stage to accept a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement. His other Tony Awards include two for Torch Song Trilogy (Best Play and Best Actor in a Play) as well as Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical for La Cage Aux Folles and Best Actor in a Musical for Hairspray.



Fierstein has also written the Tony-winning hit Kinky Boots along with Newsies, Casa Valentina, A Catered Affair, Safe Sex, Bella Bella!, Legs Diamond, Spookhouse, Flatbush Tosca, Common Ground and more. He revised the book for Funny Girl, which had a hit run on Broadway and a multi-city North American tour, following its London production. His children’s book, The Sissy Duckling (Humanitas Award), is now in its fifth printing, and his New York Times bestselling memoir I Was Better Last Night is available on Knopf.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Washington, DC (Regional)]
Kennedy Center Production, 2020
Mae


[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Public Theatre Off-Broadway Production, 2017
Beau


[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2016
Edna Turnblad


[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2010
Albin [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[US Tour]
Touring Revival, 2009
Tevye [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2008
Uncle Winston


[New York]
New York Concert, 2006
Avram


[Las Vegas]
Las Vegas Production, 2006
Edna Turnblad


[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer


[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004

Other Roles


Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Tevye [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Edna Turnblad

[Replacement]

[Replacement]


[Off-Broadway]
1991
Ghee


[Off-Broadway]
1991
Jay Astor


[Broadway]
1987
Arthur

Ghee


Arthur

[Broadway]
1982
Arnold Beckoff


[Off-Broadway]
1982


[Off-Broadway]
1978
Arnold


Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2026]
Writer
 
[US Tour, 2023]
Book Revision
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Revised Book
 
[West End, 2016]
Revised Book
 
[New York, 2015]
New Material
 
[West End, 2015]
Revised Book
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Bookwriter
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Producer

Writing

Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Playwright
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

News


Springboard to Design Launches $150,000 Fundraising Campaign
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 24, 2025

Broadway is set to welcome its next generation of groundbreaking designers through Springboard to Design, a tuition-free, immersive week-long program that empowers high school students from diverse communities to explore careers in theater design.
Photos: Omari Collins, Noah Silverman and More in KINKY BOOTS North American Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 24, 2025

You can now get a first look at photos of the North American Tour of Kinky Boots. Leading the tour are Omari Collins “Scarlett D. Von'Du” as Lola, Noah Silverman as Charlie Price, Sophia Gunter as Lauren, and more.
DRAG RACE Winner Onya Nurve Exits KINKY BOOTS National Tour
by Michael Major - Nov 18, 2025

RuPaul's Drag Race winner Onya Nurve, aka Justin Woody, has exited the upcoming national tour of Kinky Boots. While no specific reason was given, the production revealed that Omari Collins ('Scarlett D. Von'Du') will be taking over the role of Lola.
CHICAGO, KINKY BOOTS and More to Return to Mirvish Stages This Spring
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 17, 2025

Due to popular demand, David and Hannah Mirvish will present the return of four Broadway musicals to the Mirvish stages next spring!  These Toronto audience favourites include Chicago and more.
KINKY BOOTS Will Open The Broadway In Santa Barbara Series At The Granada Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 14, 2025

The American Theatre Guild will present the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical KINKY BOOTS as the opener of the 25–26 BROADWAY IN SANTA BARBARA Series at The Granada Theatre, running December 9–10, 2025. 
KINKY BOOTS Begins Performances At The Bank Of America Performing Arts Center In December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 14, 2025

The American Theatre Guild will present the Tony and Grammy Award–winning musical KINKY BOOTS at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center for a three-day engagement from December 12–14, 2025, as part of the 25–26 Broadway in Thousand Oaks Series. 
The Iconic Rock Musical HAIR Shines Anew in a Grand Brazilian Revival
by Claudio Erlichman - Nov 13, 2025

The iconic rock musical Hair is back in a bold new Brazilian production directed by Charles Möeller and Claudio Botelho. Opening at São Paulo’s BTG Pactual Hall, the show celebrates the spirit of the 1960s counterculture — peace, love, and rebellion — through powerful anthems like Aquarius and Let the Sunshine In. With a cast of 30 led by Rodrigo Simas and Eduardo Borelli, this vibrant staging fuses rock, poetry, and raw emotion to explore freedom, identity, and protest in a turbulent era. Nearly six decades after its debut, Hair still pulses with youthful defiance and idealism, inviting audiences to sing, reflect, and feel the rhythm of a revolution that never truly ended.
Kristin Chenoweth’s Glinda from WICKED Joins Broadway Legends Ornament Collection
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2025

Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda from Wicked has joined Broadway Cares' Broadway Legends ornament series. The 6” glass Glinda ornament features her iconic blue gown, complete with sparkling crown and wand.
KINKY BOOTS is Coming to San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 3, 2025

KINKY BOOTS will play San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts for a limited engagement. Kinky Boots features a Tony Award-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, book by four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, and original direction and Tony-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell.
INTO THE WOODS & More Lead San Francisco / Bay Area's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Oct 31, 2025

San Francisco / Bay Area is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2025 include Into the Woods and more.
Springboard to Design Extends 2026 Applications Deadline
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 31, 2025

Springboard to Design, the tuition-free theatrical design mentorship and education program for students from underrepresented communities, has extended the 2026 application deadline.
Meet the Full Cast for KINKY BOOTS Tour
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 20, 2025

Discover the full cast for KINKY BOOTS North American tour, featuring stars like Onya Nurver. Get details on cities and ticket info!
Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and More to Join City Center 2026 Encores! Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025

New York City Center has unveiled additional cast members for its Encores! series, including Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and more. Learn more about the productions and see how to purchase tickets here!
NEWSIES to Kick Off AZ Broadway Theatre 21st Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 9, 2025

Disney's Newsies: the Musical, the high-energy Broadway hit inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, is coming to Arizona Broadway Theatre's mainstage this fall. Learn more!
Tickets to KINKY BOOTS at Proctors Are On Sale Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025

Get ready to kick up your heels with the return of the heartwarming hit musical, KINKY BOOTS! KINKY BOOTS will play Proctors in Schenectady as part of the 2025-26 Broadway season.
Interview: Marissa Winokur And Garrett Clayton of HAIRSPRAY at Bank Of America Performing Arts Center
by Melissa Heckscher - Oct 3, 2025

BroadwayWorld talks with Tony Award-winning Marissa Winokur and former Disney heartthrob Garrett Clayton, the director and co-star of the 5-Star Theatricals production of Hairspray in Thousand Oaks.
Disney's NEWSIES Comes to San Jose in November
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2025

Playful People Productions will continue its 15th Anniversary season with Disney's Newsies, a Tony Award-winning musical based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899.
THE NOTEBOOK and More Set for Broadway In Chicago 2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2025

Broadway In Chicago has revealed the full season line up for the next Broadway In Chicago Subscription Series, featuring The Notebook and more. See the full lineup here!
KINKY BOOTS is Coming to San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 25, 2025

Kinky Boots will play San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts as a special add-on of Broadway San Jose’s 2025/26 Season. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: The Grand Theatre High School Project Stages Disney’s NEWSIES
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2025

The Grand Theatre High School Project will present Disney’s Newsies The Musical from September 17–27, 2025, on the Spriet Stage, with opening night on Friday, September 19. See video from of production!

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 awards throughout his career, including the Legend of Off-Broadway Honorees. He won Best Book of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Newsies. For Hairspray, he earned Outstanding Actor - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards. Fierstein also won Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for La Cage aux Folles. His work on Torch Song Trilogy garnered Outstanding Actor in a Play and Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards, a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play and Best Play at the Tony Awards, as well as Special Citations at the Obie Awards.

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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