Harvey Fierstein
Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA
La MaMa and Krymov Lab NYC to Present UNCLE VANYA in April 2026 (Mar 2, 2026)
Photos: Johannes Radebe, Matt Cardle and More in Rehearsal For KINKY BOOTS at the London Coliseum (Mar 2, 2026)
HAIRSPRAY Original Broadway Cast: Where Are They Now? (Feb 28, 2026)
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.
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STAGE CREDITS
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Movies
[ 1984 ] Bernie Whitlock
[ 1988 ] Arnold Beckoff
[ 1993 ] Bob Lakin
[ 1993 ] Frank Hillard
[ 1994 ] Sid Loomis
[ 1995 ] Yves DuBois
[ 1996 ] Marty Gilbert
[ 1996 ] The Moyle
[ 1997 ] Art Hoarder
[ 1997 ] Juba
[ 1998 ] Leo
[ 1998 ] Yao
[ 1999 ] Dish Macense
[ 2000 ] Bennett
[ 2002 ] Merv Green
[ 2003 ] Kenneth
[ 2006 ] Sheila
[ 2012 ] Fat Cat Burglar
[ 2017 ] Esmerelda
[ 2017 ] writer
[ 2019 ] writer
[ 2022 ] Louis
TV Shows
Jerome
Buster Keaton, Tracy
Awards and Nominations
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song
winner
Harvey Fierstein
Harvey Fierstein, Casa Valentina
Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots
winner
Harvey Fierstein, Newsies
Harvey Fierstein, Newsies the Musical
Harvey Fierstein, A Catered Affair
winner
Harvey Fierstein, Hairspray
winner
Harvey Fierstein, Hairspray
Harvey Fierstein, Hairspray
winner
Harvey Fierstein, Hairspray
Harvey FiersteinTorch Song Trilogy
Harvey Fierstein, La Cage aux Folles
winner
Harvey Fierstein, La Cage aux Folles
winner
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy
winner
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy
winner
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy
winner
Harvey Fierstein , Torch Song Trilogy
winner
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy
winner
Harvey Fierstein, Torch Song Trilogy
Videos
Video: Marc Kudisch Sings 'Just in Time' & 'I Met A Girl' from BELLS ARE RINGING at 54 Below
by Michael Major - 2026-02-13 11:15:25
Video: KINKY BOOTS Tour Stars Perform Acoustic 'Not My Father's Son'
by Michael Major - 2026-01-09 10:00:20
Video: Norm Lewis Performs 'Song on the Sand' from LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at The Muny
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-08-04 17:58:15
Video: Harvey Fierstein Responds to Special Tony for Lifetime Achievement
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-08 21:56:51
Exclusive: Harvey Fierstein Looks Back on His Life in the Theatre
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2025-06-06 11:13:30
Video: Inside the New York Public Library's Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab
by Robert Diamond - 2024-12-23 17:27:50
Video: First Look at Alexis Michelle in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Barrington Stage Company
by Joshua Wright - 2024-06-25 10:14:06
Video: More Rehearsal Footage from LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Barrington Stage Company
by Joshua Wright - 2024-06-12 17:07:45
Video: In Rehearsals with LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Barrington Stage Company
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-06-08 15:18:40
Video: FUNNY GIRL's Katerina McCrimmon Performs National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-05-18 15:41:28
Video: Katerina McCrimmon & Melissa Manchester Talk FUNNY GIRL on ABC7 News Bay Area
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-05-04 16:58:12
Video: Stephen Mark Lukas Talks FUNNY GIRL Tour on CBS Los Angeles
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-13 13:08:38
Video: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, SHE LOVES ME Lyricist Sheldon Harnick Celebrated At Star-Studded Memorial
by A.A. Cristi - 2023-11-10 17:55:16
VIDEO: FUNNY GIRL Announces Broadway Closing; New Performance Montage
by Team BWW - 2023-03-02 08:59:20
VIDEO: Tovah Feldshuh Reveals Why Seeing FUNNY GIRL Is Like a 'Stadium Experience' on GMA
by Michael Major - 2023-01-06 09:20:16
VIDEO: Harvey Fierstein Discusses Upcoming WE ARE HERE Concert on GMA3
by Michael Major - 2022-12-29 16:38:04
News
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 2, 2026
La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club will present Krymov Lab NYC's UNCLE VANYA, scenes from country life, from March 28 to April 12, 2026, at The Ellen Stewart Theatre in New York.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 2, 2026
All new rehearsal photos have been released of Strictly Come Dancing's Johannes Radebe and X-Factor winner Matt Cardle in the brand-new production of KINKY BOOTS The Musical.
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 28, 2026
It’s… Hairspray! BroadwayWorld is taking a look back at what the cast of this beloved musical has been up to since the show first graced the Broadway stage!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2026
All new video footage has been released from Newsies at The Argyle Theatre, directed by Tommy Ranieri, choreographed by Trent Soyster, with musical direction by Jonathan Brenner.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 24, 2026
OBIE and NYIT Award-winning Peculiar Works Project returns to La MaMa ETC's Downstairs Theatre for the world premiere of Antigone in Analysis, written by Barbara Barclay and directed by Ralph Lewis, running March 20 - April 5, 2026.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 16, 2026
The full cast has been announced for the brand-new production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award-winning KINKY BOOTS The Musical. Learn more about the cast here!
by Michael Major - Feb 13, 2026
Charles Kirsch, the 18-year-old host of the theater podcast Backstage Babble, has been conducting in-depth interviews with some of Broadway’s best. Watch a video of Marc Kudisch singing at his 54 Below show!
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2026
Theatre Under The Stars has unveiled a lineup of Broadway hits for its 2026/27 season. The upcoming season features everything from beloved classics to the acclaimed comedy, Oh, Mary!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 10, 2026
The 2026/27 Operation Mirvish Theatre Season has been announced at the Mirvish Theatre in Toronto, including the North American premiere of 13 Going on 30 - The Musical. Learn more here!
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2026
The Park Theatre in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, will screen the filmed West End production of Kinky Boots on February 22, 2026, as part of its ArtsCinema Stage2Screen Series.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2026
The Argyle Theatre has released production photos of Disney’s Newsies, directed by Tommy Ranieri, choreographed by Trent Soyster, with musical direction by Jonathan Brenner.
by Gillian Blum - Feb 6, 2026
State Theatre New Jersey will present the national tour of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Kinky Boots for four performances on Friday, February 27 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 1 at 1 p.m.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026
La MaMa will present Jane Comfort and Company with a new world premiere and two landmark works, marking their first return in over eight years. The event, set for March 19-22, 2026, will feature a blend of dance and theater addressing America's cultural and political issues.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2026
RENT Tony Award winner Wilson Jermaine Heredia will make his directorial debut with the new play A MEANS TO AN END, written by J. William Bruce. The production will premiere at the Producer's Club in New York with two performances.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026
Kinky Boots The Musical will host a special Gala Night at London Coliseum on in support of international charity WaterAid. St Martin’s Lane will close as the biggest night in theatre steps out onto the street.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2026
The Virginia Theatre Festival has announced its 2026 season, which will include three productions presented in Charlottesville. The lineup features a new Sherlock Holmes play by Ken Ludwig, the Tony Award-winning musical Disney’s Newsies, and a one-woman play exploring the life of artist Frida Kahlo. The season will run across multiple venues at the University of Virginia.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 4, 2026
The Argyle Theatre is presenting Disney’s Newsies, directed by Tommy Ranieri, choreographed by Trent Soyster, with musical direction by Jonathan Brenner. Get a first look at photos here!
by David Friscic - Feb 4, 2026
“Get your freak/kink on” and show your tolerance for all---seems to be the message of the eternally popular musical plea for acceptance and inclusivity that constitutes the musical Kinky Boots.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026
La MaMa will present the world premiere of FOOTNOTES, a multi-media puppetry show exploring the profound aspects of walking, from February 27 to March 15, 2026.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 30, 2026
The Muny has selected the seven teams of directors, choreographers, music directors and lead designers whose creative visions will shape the Tony Award-winning theatre’s 2026 season in Forest Park.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Harvey Fierstein has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.
Harvey Fierstein has not appeared in the West End.
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.
Harvey Fierstein has received numerous awards throughout his career. His accolades include being named a Legend of Off-Broadway Honoree, winning Best Book of a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Newsies, and receiving Outstanding Actor in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Hairspray. He also earned the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for Hairspray, along with Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for the same show. Fierstein won Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for La Cage aux Folles, and Outstanding Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Torch Song Trilogy. Additionally, he was honored with Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards and Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Torch Song Trilogy. His Tony Awards recognition for Torch Song Trilogy includes Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play and Best Play. Furthermore, he received Special Citations from the Obie Awards for Torch Song Trilogy.
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).
Videos