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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.

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


Grand Theatre Reveals Key Artists For 2025/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 17, 2025

The Grand Theatre Box Office is officially unlocked for the upcoming 2025/26 Season's Spriet Series after months of exclusive access for season ticket subscribers. Learn more about the season's artists and see how to purchase tickets!
Preview FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Kent State University/Porthouse Theatre
by Roy Berko - Jun 16, 2025

At the age of fifteen Solomon Rabinovich adopted the pseudonym  “Sholem Aleichem,” a Yiddish variant of the Hebrew expression meaning 'peace be with you' and used as a greeting.
Interview: Shakina of COME BACK TO THE 5 & DIME, JIMMY DEAN, JIMMY DEAN: A NEW MUSICAL at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley
by Jim Munson - Jun 13, 2025

BroadwayWorld chats with actor/activist Shakina about 'Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean: A New Musical' having its world premiere at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley June 18 to July 13. Shakina stars as Joanne and also wrote the lyrics.
La MaMa Names EXPERIMENTS IN PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP After The Late Morgan Jenness
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 13, 2025

La MaMa ETC has announced it is renaming its Experiments in Playwriting Fellowship the MORGAN JENNESS EXPERIMENTS IN PLAYWRITING FELLOWSHIP after the late, revered dramaturg Morgan Jenness, who died last year following an illustrious career as a champion of young playwrights. 
HADESTOWN, KINKY BOOTS and More Set for The Weidner 2025"2026 Broadway In Green Bay Series
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2025

The Weidner has unveiled its 2025–2026 Broadway In Green Bay Series, featuring seven major touring productions direct from New York. The new season includes the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Hadestown, the electrifying comeback story TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, the feel-good hit Kinky Boots, and more.
Photos: 2025 Tony Awards Fashion- Bold Glamour, Queer Elegance, and Menswear Redefined
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 10, 2025

Broadway's biggest night is always a celebration of talent, triumph, and tenacity, but on the 2025 Tony Awards red carpet, fashion took center stage with a showstopping display of individuality, artistry, and unapologetic flair. Check out photos of the most unforgettable looks of the night.
NY City Center Season Will Include Alex Timbers-Helmed BAT BOY; Billy Porter in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 10, 2025

A new season is coming at New York City Center! The 2025 – 2026 Season will be the first planned by newly appointed VP & Artistic Director,  Musical Theater Jenny Gersten. We have all of the details here!
Photos: Inside the 2025 Tony Awards Ceremony
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 9, 2025

Last night saw the 78th Annual Tony Awards, celebrating the incredible theater work seen on Broadway this past year. Take a look inside the CBS and Pluto TV broadcasts below including photos from the cast of shows like Death Becomes Her, Floyd Collins, Gypsy, Maybe Happy Ending, Sunset Blvd. and more.
Photos: Backstage with the 2025 Tony Awards Winners
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 9, 2025

Yesterday they were just nominees, but now... they're winners! BroadwayWorld was backstage at Radio City Music Hall for the 78th Annual Tony Awards and we've got photos of all the evening's winners.
2025 Tony Awards Recap: Highlights, Surprises, and Must-See Moments
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 9, 2025

Once again, Broadway's biggest night has come and gone! With the 78th Annual Tony Awards now behind us, we have compiled a list of some of the most memorable moments from the evening, including fun references and Easter eggs you may have missed, standout segments, performances, and more.
Video: Harvey Fierstein Responds to Special Tony for Lifetime Achievement
by Joey Mervis - Jun 9, 2025

Earlier tonight at the 78th Annual Tony Awards, Harvey Fierstein took the stage to accept a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement. After leaving the stage at Radio City Music Hall, he checked in with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to share his initial reaction!
Live Blog: Backstage at the 2025 Tony Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 8, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards are here at last! While we are glued to our TVs to find out what will happen next onstage, just as much is going on behind the curtain! All night long, A.A. Cristi will be sharing live updates from backstage at Radio City Music Hall.
Recap the 2025 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 8, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards have arrived at last! As winners take the stage tonight, BroadwayWorld will be bringing you full text of all of the acceptance speeches. Read them in full here!
Photos: 2025 Tony Awards- Stars Walk the Red Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 8, 2025

Check out photos of all of the the red carpet looks at Radio City Music Hall for the 78th Annual Tony Awards and check back as we add more throughout the night.
2025 Tony Awards Guide - How to Watch, Who is Nominated & More
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 7, 2025

The best of Broadway will take the stage today at Radio City Music Hall for the 78th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Cynthia Erivo. Need a refresher on how to watch and when? We've got you covered!
HADESTOWN, KINKY BOOTS And More Set for Appell Center for the Performing Arts 2026-26 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 7, 2025

Tickets are now on sale for the Appell Center for the Performing Arts’ 2025–26 Centennial Season, a year of live performance, Broadway blockbusters, and special celebrations.
Videos You Missed This Week: Prep for Tonys Weekend
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 6, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! It's Tony Awards weekend! Catch up on all the latest from the week ending June 6, 2025 with videos from Heathers, Hadestown, and more!
Exclusive: Harvey Fierstein Looks Back on His Life in the Theatre
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - Jun 6, 2025

On Sunday, June 8, Harvey Fierstein will take the stage at Radio City Music Hall to accept perhaps the biggest award of his career- the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. Watch in this exclusive video as Harvey looks back on his incredible contributions to the American theatre and gets ready for Sunday night!
IT'S ONLY LIFE Comes to Palm Beach Dramaworks
by Stephi Wild - Jun 6, 2025

 It’s Only Life, a revue featuring the sophisticated, deeply felt music and lyrics of John Bucchino, will be performed by six talented teenagers at Palm Beach Dramaworks.
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!

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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