Joel Grey
Also Credited As: Joel Katz
Birth Place: USA
Latest News on Joel Grey:
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Leads Best Musical! (Dec 29, 2025)
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; Hudson Theatres Leads Favorite Theatre! (Dec 22, 2025)
Which Reality TV Stars Have Starred in CHICAGO on Broadway? (Dec 20, 2025)
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Leads Best Musical! (Dec 29, 2025)
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; Hudson Theatres Leads Favorite Theatre! (Dec 22, 2025)
Which Reality TV Stars Have Starred in CHICAGO on Broadway? (Dec 20, 2025)
BIO
Joel Grey began his performing career in the early 1940s with the Cleveland Play House Curtain Pullers children’s theatre program, appearing in productions including Grandmother Slyboots, Jack of Tarts, and On Borrowed Time. He began professional television work on The Colgate Comedy Hour (1951–1954) and appeared in television series including Maverick (1959), Bronco (1960), and Lawman (1960–1961). He made his Broadway debut in Borscht Capades and later appeared in The Littlest Revue (1956), Come Blow Your Horn (1961), Stop the World – I Want to Get Off (1962), and Half a Sixpence (1965).
In 1966, Grey originated the role of the Emcee in the Broadway musical Cabaret. He followed with starring roles in George M! (1968), Goodtime Charley (1975), and The Grand Tour (1979). He reprised the role of the Emcee in the film adaptation of Cabaret (1972). He appeared on What’s My Line? (1967–1968) and guest-starred on The Muppet Show (1976). His regional theater work included performances at The Muny and the Williamstown Theatre Festival between 1970 and 1992.
Grey appeared in the films Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985), Kafka (1991), Tom and Jerry: The Movie (1992), The Player (1992), The Music of Chance (1993), Dancer in the Dark (2000), The Fantasticks (2000), and Choke (2008). His television credits include Dallas (1991), Brooklyn Bridge (1993), Star Trek: Voyager (1995), Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2001), Oz (2003), Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2003), Alias (2005), House (2007), Brothers & Sisters (2007), and Grey’s Anatomy (2009).
He returned to Broadway as Amos Hart in Chicago (1996), appeared in Give Me Your Answer, Do! (1999), originated the role of the Wizard in Wicked (2003), and starred in the revival of Anything Goes (2011). He co-directed the Broadway revival of The Normal Heart (2011). He appeared on Broadway in The Cherry Orchard (2016).
Grey directed the Yiddish-language revival of Fiddler on the Roof (2018–2019), appeared in the film Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021), and had a recurring role on the FX television series The Old Man (2022).
Photos
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STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1987
The Emcee (Master of Ceremonies)
Master of Ceremonies
The Emcee (Master of Ceremonies)
Master of Ceremonies
Productions
Movies
About Face
[ 1952 ] Bender
[ 1952 ] Bender
Come September
[ 1961 ] Beagle
[ 1961 ] Beagle
Man on a Swing
[ 1974 ] Franklin Wills
[ 1974 ] Franklin Wills
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution
[ 1976 ] Lowenstein
[ 1976 ] Lowenstein
Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson
[ 1976 ] The Producer Nate Salisbury
[ 1976 ] The Producer Nate Salisbury
Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins
[ 1985 ] Chiun
[ 1985 ] Chiun
Kafka
[ 1991 ] Burgel
[ 1991 ] Burgel
The Player
[ 1992 ] Joel Grey
[ 1992 ] Joel Grey
The Music of Chance
[ 1993 ] Willy Stone
[ 1993 ] Willy Stone
The Dangerous
[ 1995 ] Flea
[ 1995 ] Flea
The Empty Mirror
[ 1996 ] Josef Goebbels
[ 1996 ] Josef Goebbels
My Friend Joe
[ 1996 ] Simon
[ 1996 ] Simon
The Fantasticks
[ 2000 ] Bellomy
[ 2000 ] Bellomy
Dancer in the Dark
[ 2000 ] Oldrich Novy
[ 2000 ] Oldrich Novy
Reaching Normal
[ 2001 ] Dr. Mensley
[ 2001 ] Dr. Mensley
Wicked
[ 2003 ] The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
[ 2003 ] The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Choke
[ 2008 ] Phil
[ 2008 ] Phil
A. Hitler
[ 2010 ] Joseph Goebbels
[ 2010 ] Joseph Goebbels
tick, tick... BOOM!
[ 2021 ] Sunday Legend #4
[ 2021 ] Sunday Legend #4
TV Shows
Brooklyn Bridge
Jacob Prossman
Jacob Prossman
The Outer Limits
Gideon Banks, Dr. Nathan Seward
Gideon Banks, Dr. Nathan Seward
The Old Man
[ 2022-2024 ] Morgan Bote
[ 2022-2024 ] Morgan Bote
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Joel Grey, Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish)
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Joel Grey, Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish)
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play
Joel Grey, The Normal Heart
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Joel Grey, The Normal Heart
Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play
Joel Grey, The Normal Heart
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Joel Grey , Wicked
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play
Joel Grey, Give Me Your Answer, Do!
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Featured Actor - Musical
Joel Grey, Chicago
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical
Joel Grey, Chicago
Helen Hayes Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production
Joel Grey Cabaret
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Actor - Musical
Joel Grey, The Grand Tour
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Joel Grey, The Grand Tour
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Actor - Musical
Joel Grey, Goodtime Charley
Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Joel Grey, Goodtime Charley
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Joel Grey, George M!
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1968 - Best Performance
Joel Grey, George M!
winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Joel Grey, Cabaret
Videos
Video: Watch the Trailer for Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne Theater Documentary THIS PLACE MATTERS! TEN CHIMNEYS
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-09 11:57:15
Video: Liza Minnelli Talks About Father Vincente in LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY Clip
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-01-29 12:22:47
Video: Joel Grey and Eddie Redmayne Talk CABARET and The 'Emcee' Legacy
by A.A. Cristi - 2024-04-12 14:54:44
Video: CABARET at the Kit Kat Club Celebrates John Kander and Joel Grey's Lifetime Achievement Tony Awards
by Stephi Wild - 2023-06-12 07:28:00
Video: Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey & More Featured in BEING MARY TYLER MOORE Documentary Trailer
by Michael Major - 2023-05-09 09:14:07
VIDEO: Backstage at the Museum of Broadway on CBS SUNDAY MORNING
by Stephi Wild - 2022-11-07 07:44:51
VIDEO: Broadway's Best Dancers Gather on the Red Carpet at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Red Carpet - 2022-07-16 08:00:20
VIDEO: Broadway Legend Joel Grey Stops In to Celebrate Bryant Park Day!
by A.A. Cristi - 2022-05-11 22:54:46
VIDEO: MJ Cast Hits the Red Carpet to Celebrate Opening Night!
by Opening Night - 2022-02-02 12:27:22
VIDEO: Charlotte D'Amboise Pays Tribute to Ann Reinking at CHICAGO 25th Anniversary Celebration
by A.A. Cristi - 2021-11-16 23:14:04
VIDEO: Original CHICAGO Stars Return for 25th Anniversary Celebration and Mayoral Proclamation
by A.A. Cristi - 2021-11-16 22:36:28
VIDEO: Ben Platt Opens Up About the Honor of Seeing Evan Hansen Through to the End
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-09-23 15:00:20
VIDEO: Joel Grey, Harvey Fierstein, Alex Brightman, and More Perform 'I'm Still Here' to Commemorate One Year Since Broadway Shut Down
by Stephi Wild - 2021-03-12 10:10:26
Broadway Rewind: Watch Scenes from Sutton Foster's Tony-Winning Turn in ANYTHING GOES!
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-06-01 16:31:00
Broadway Rewind: A Very WICKED Backstage Special with Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth & More!
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-03-29 14:01:00
VIDEO: Extended Clip From FIDDLER: A MIRACLE OF MIRACLES Documentary
by Alan Henry - 2019-08-22 16:30:43
BWW Exclusive: First Look At FIDDLER: A MIRACLE OF MIRACLES Documentary
by A.A. Cristi - 2019-08-12 18:29:39
News
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 29, 2025
This is the last chance to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 29, 2025
This is the last chance to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; Hudson Theatres Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 22, 2025
We're in the final weeks to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 22, 2025
We're in the final weeks to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; Backyard Playhouse: Treetop Production Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025
The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Photos: The Neighborhood Playhouse Present A Red Door Reading Of John Patrick Shanley’s PRODIGAL SON
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 4, 2025
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre presented an invite-only Red Door Reading of Prodigal Son, the deeply personal and resonant drama by Pulitzer Prize–, Tony Award–, and Academy Award–winning writer John Patrick Shanley. Check out photos of the event.
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 4, 2025
The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre presented an invite-only Red Door Reading of Prodigal Son, the deeply personal and resonant drama by Pulitzer Prize–, Tony Award–, and Academy Award–winning writer John Patrick Shanley. Check out photos of the event.
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; LEGALLY BLONDE Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 1, 2025
The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
by BWW Awards - Dec 1, 2025
The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Interview: Heather Orth of INTO THE WOODS at San Francisco Playhouse
by Jim Munson - Nov 26, 2025
BroadwayWorld chats with Bay Area favorite Heather Orth who is appearing as Cinderella's Stepmother in Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine's 'Into the Woods' at San Francisco Playhouse through January 17th.
by Jim Munson - Nov 26, 2025
BroadwayWorld chats with Bay Area favorite Heather Orth who is appearing as Cinderella's Stepmother in Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine's 'Into the Woods' at San Francisco Playhouse through January 17th.
American Theater Group To Present OUR TOWN Talkback With New Jersey Drama Teachers
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 4, 2025
American Theater Group will host a post-show discussion titled From Classroom to Stage following the Thursday, November 6 performance of Our Town at the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 4, 2025
American Theater Group will host a post-show discussion titled From Classroom to Stage following the Thursday, November 6 performance of Our Town at the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge.
Photos: American Theater Group's OUR TOWN at the DMK Theater
by Gillian Blum - Nov 1, 2025
American Theater Group has released official photographs from its production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, currently running at the DMK Theater, then moving to the Sieminski Theater.
by Gillian Blum - Nov 1, 2025
American Theater Group has released official photographs from its production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, currently running at the DMK Theater, then moving to the Sieminski Theater.
American Theater Group to Host Post-Show Discussion on THE ENDURING LEGACY OF OUR TOWN
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025
American Theater Group will host a special post-performance discussion, The Enduring Legacy of Our Town, on October 30 following its 7 p.m. performance of Our Town at the DMK Theater in the Union Arts Center.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025
American Theater Group will host a special post-performance discussion, The Enduring Legacy of Our Town, on October 30 following its 7 p.m. performance of Our Town at the DMK Theater in the Union Arts Center.
FDR’S VERY HAPPY HOUR To Launch National Tour Following World Premiere At Actors Theatre Of Louisville
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2025
Producer Dominick Balletta’s High Hard Heat will present a national tour of FDR’s Very Happy Hour, an immersive civics experiment conceived by Regan Linton and M. Graham Smith.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2025
Producer Dominick Balletta’s High Hard Heat will present a national tour of FDR’s Very Happy Hour, an immersive civics experiment conceived by Regan Linton and M. Graham Smith.
American Theater Group Unveils Cast and Creative Team for OUR TOWN
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 7, 2025
American Theater Group will open its 2025–2026 season with Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, running October 23–November 9 in Union and Basking Ridge, NJ. Directed by Merete Muenter, the production stars Timothy Ware-Hill and Carrie Keating and features several New Jersey drama teachers in supporting roles.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 7, 2025
American Theater Group will open its 2025–2026 season with Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, running October 23–November 9 in Union and Basking Ridge, NJ. Directed by Merete Muenter, the production stars Timothy Ware-Hill and Carrie Keating and features several New Jersey drama teachers in supporting roles.
Review: 54 Below Dazzles With David Sabella's CHICAGO Tribute Show
by Sharon Ellman - Oct 1, 2025
This reviewer was completely in awe of the amazing vocals at David Sabella's 9/30 CHICAGO tribute show. The original Mary Sunshine from the 1990s Encores! revival shared details about his journey through the show, and plenty of Kander & Ebb numbers.
by Sharon Ellman - Oct 1, 2025
This reviewer was completely in awe of the amazing vocals at David Sabella's 9/30 CHICAGO tribute show. The original Mary Sunshine from the 1990s Encores! revival shared details about his journey through the show, and plenty of Kander & Ebb numbers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Joel Grey been in?
Joel Grey has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.
How many West End shows has Joel Grey been in?
Joel Grey has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Joel Grey been nominated for?
Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish), Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Normal Heart, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Give Me Your Answer, Do!, Best Featured Actor - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Chicago , Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Chicago, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Cabaret, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Grand Tour, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Grand Tour, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Goodtime Charley, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Goodtime Charley, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for George M!, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for George M! and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Cabaret.
What awards has Joel Grey won?
Joel Grey has won several prestigious awards including the Best Direction of a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for The Normal Heart, and the Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. He also received the Outstanding Featured Actor - Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for Give Me Your Answer, Do!. For his role in Chicago, Grey earned both the Best Featured Actor - Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards and the Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards. Additionally, he won Best Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for George M!, as well as the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Cabaret.
Videos