Joel Grey Headshot

Joel Grey

Also Credited As: Joel Katz

Date of Birth: April 11, 1932 (91)

Birth Place: USA

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Joel Grey BIO

In a career that was launched in the early 1950’s, Joel Grey has created indelible stage roles each decade since: as the iconic M.C. in Cabaret (1966, Tony Award), as song and dance man George M. Cohan in George M! (1967, Tony nomination), as Charley VII in Goodtime Charlie (1975, Tony nomination), as Jacobowsky in The Grand Tour (1979, Tony nomination), as Olim in New York City Opera’s Silverlake (1981), as Amos Hart in the landmark revival of Chicago (1996), and as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in Wicked (2004).

Joel’s non-musical stage roles include John Guare’s Marco Polo Sings a Solo (1975) at the Public Theatre; the title role in the Williamstown Theatre Festival production of Chekhov’s Platonov (1978); Larry Kramer’s seminal The Normal Heart (1986) at the Public Theatre; the American Repertory Theatre’s production of Ibsen’s When We Dead Awaken (1991) at the Sao Paulo Biennale, directed by Robert Wilson; Herringbone at the Hartford Stage (1992); John Patrick Shanley’s A Fool and Her Fortune (NY Stage and Film, 1992); and in the Roundabout Theatre production of Brian Friel’s Give Me Your Answer, Do! (1999), for which he received a Drama Desk Award nomination. Grey’s film credits include Cabaret (Academy Award), Frank Perry’s Man on A Swing (1974), Robert Altman’s Buffalo Bill and the Indians (1976); Herbert Ross’ The Seven Percent Solution (1976); Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985, Golden Globe Nomination); Steven Soderbergh’s Kafka (1991); Altman’s The Player (1992); Phillip Haas’ The Music of Chance (1993); Michael Ritchie’s adaptation of The Fantasticks (2000); Lars von Trier’s Dancer in the Dark (2000) with Bjork and Catherine Deneuve; and Clark Gregg’s Choke, which premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Joel’s recent television credits include “Alias,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Brooklyn Bridge,” (Emmy Award-nomination), “Oz,” “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” "House," "Brothers & Sisters," "Private Practice," and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

In April 2010, The Paley Center for Media in New York presented “An Evening with Joel Grey,” celebrating Joel’s remarkable, multi-decade career in television. Joel is also an internationally exhibited, acclaimed photographer. He has had three photography books published: Pictures I Had to Take (2003), Looking Hard at Unexamined Things (2006), and 1.3: Images from My Phone (2009). Joel Grey is one of only eight actors to have won both the Tony and Academy award for the same role. In 1984, he was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and has received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is also the recipient of the Distinguished Artist Award from the Los Angeles Music Center. In 1993, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis presented Joel with the Municipal Arts Society medal naming him a Living New York Landmark.

In October 2009, Grey performed at Carnegie Hall, alongside Lady Gaga, Bono, Rufus Wainwright and more to benefit (RED) and help stop AIDS in Africa.

Currently directing Fiddler on the Roof, Grey also, co-directed the Tony-winning Broadway premiere of The Normal Heart in 2011.

Joel is an internationally exhibited photographer with four published books: Pictures I Had to Take (2003), Looking Hard at Unexamined Things (2006), 1.3—Images From My Phone (2009) and The Billboard Papers (2013). His memoir, Master of Ceremonies, was released in 2016 (Flatiron Press).

Joel Grey Photos

Joel Grey STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Broadway Revival, 2016
Firs

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2011
Moonface Martin

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Jack Donovan

[US Tour]
2nd National Tour, 1997
Amos Hart [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Amos Hart

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1996
Amos Hart

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1987
Master of Ceremonies

The Emcee (Master of Ceremonies)

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Ned Weeks [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
S. L. Jacobowsky

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Stony McBride

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Charley

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1968
George M. Cohan

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Master of Ceremonies

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1965
Arthur Kipps [Replacement]

[US Tour]
National Tour, 1963
Littlechap

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1962
Littlechap [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1961
Buddy Baker [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1958
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1956
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1956
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Return Engagement [NYCO Revival], 1980
Performer

Joel Grey Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director

Joel Grey Movies

[1952]About Face Bender

[1961]Come September Beagle

[1974]Man on a Swing Franklin Wills

[1976]Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson The Producer Nate Salisbury

[1976]The Seven-Per-Cent Solution Lowenstein

[1985]Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins Chiun

[1991]Kafka Burgel

[1992]The Player Joel Grey

[1993]The Music of Chance Willy Stone

[1995]The Dangerous Flea

[1996]The Empty Mirror Josef Goebbels

[1996]My Friend Joe Simon

[2000]Dancer in the Dark Oldrich Novy

[2000]The Fantasticks Bellomy

[2001]Reaching Normal Dr. Mensley

[2003]Wicked The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

[2008]Choke Phil

[2010]A. Hitler Joseph Goebbels

[2021]tick, tick... BOOM! Sunday Legend #4


Joel Grey TV Shows

Brooklyn Bridge Jacob Prossman

The Outer Limits Gideon Banks, Dr. Nathan Seward

Joel Grey Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Joel Grey, Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish)

Joel Grey Videos

Joel Grey News

Counting Up the Tony Awards Already Won by the 2023 Nominees!

The 2023 Tony nominees are already winners... literally. For some, this marks their first nomination, but others have already won Tony Awards in seasons past. We took a look at which nominees have won at least a Tony or two (or seven!) - amongst them, they've gathered a total 79 awards!

MOSTLY BROADWAY - An Evening with David Burnham is Coming to Rubicon Theatre This Summer

Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will present the third event in the company’s Summer Concert series on Saturday, June 3 at 7 p.m. – “MOSTLY BROADWAY: AN EVENING WITH DAVID BURNHAM.”

Jerry Zaks Will Lead The Nation's Top Regional Theater Actors As Master Teacher For The 2023 Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program

Ten Chimneys Foundation has announced prominent director Jerry Zaks will serve as Master Teacher for the 2023 Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program, a national program to serve the future of American theater.

Demetria Joyce Bailey Named as 2023 Lunt-Fontanne Fellow

Walnut Street Theatre has announced that Demetria Joyce Bailey has been selected as one of 10 stage actors in the United States to be a 2023 Lunt-Fontanne Fellow.

Wake Up With BWW 5/10: Theater Fans' Choice Awards Voting, Plus a Message From Shaina Taub!

Top stories: Voting is now open for BroadwayWorld's Theater Fans' Choice Awards, plus watch an exclusive video message from Shaina Taub in honor of BroadwayWorld's 20th anniversary!

AMID FALLING WALLS (TSVISHN FALNDIKE VENT) & More Set for National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene's 109th Season

National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene is raising the curtain on a dynamic 109th season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets!

Video: Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey & More Featured in BEING MARY TYLER MOORE Documentary Trailer

Lending their voices to the film are family members, colleagues and those whose lives Mary Tyler Moore impacted including directors Rob Reiner, Michael Lindsay-Hogg, and Jim Burrows, actors Ed Asner, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Phylicia Rashad, Bernadette Peters, and Joel Grey. Watch the video trailer now!

Industry Pro Newsletter: TCG Conference Goes to Chicago, Garrett to Leave Oregon Shakespeare

The Theatre Communications Group (TCG) has selected Chicago, IL as the location for its 2024 National Conference, which will be hosted by the League of Chicago Theatres. Meanwhile, the WGA strike, turmoil at regional theaters continues, and Britain gets a King who loves the arts.

Wake Up With BWW 5/4: THE WHO'S TOMMY in Chicago, Plus a Message From Casey Nicholaw!

Top stories: The Who's Tommy will have a reimagined production in Chicago, Lin-Manuel Miranda has teased a Hamilton/Sweeney Todd Ham4Ham performance, plus watch an exclusive video message from Casey Nicholaw in honor of BroadwayWorld's 20th anniversary!

Joel Grey & John Kander to Each Receive a 2023 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre

Joel Grey and John Kander will each receive the 2023 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.

Rubicon Theatre Company to Present THE DRIFTERS & CORNELL GUNTER'S COASTERS Concert Next Month

Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will present the second event in the company’s May Concert series on Friday and Saturday, May 19th and 20th. Making their celebrated return after their sold-out Rubicon shows in 2019, these two legendary groups are teaming up again for an unforgettable concert experience.

Photos: Stars Arrive on the Red Carpet at NEW YORK, NEW YORK! Opening Night!

NEW YORK, NEW YORK opened on Broadway, Wednesday, April 26th, 2023, at the St. James Theatre (246 West 44th Street). BroadwayWorld was there to capture stars, including the New York, New York creative team, as they arrive on the red carpet. Check out the photos here!

Video: On the Opening Night Red Carpet for NEW YORK, NEW YORK

New York, New York is open at last! Broadway celebrated opening night of its final musical of the season earlier this week and BroadwayWorld was there to celebrate. In this video, check out interviews with opening night guests including Chita Rivera, Joel Grey, Matthew Broderick, Robyn Hurder, David Hyde Pierce, Vanessa Williams, and more!

Exclusive: The Company of NEW YORK, NEW YORK's Celebrates Opening Night!

New York, New York, the final musical of the 2022-23 Broadway season is open at last!  The show is now officially running at Broadway's St. James Theatre. We have photos from inside the opening night party!

Video: Watch Favorite Moments from BC/EFA's Easter Bonnet Competition

The Easter Bonnet Competition, which has been on a pandemic-induced hiatus since April 2019, marks the celebratory conclusion of six weeks of competitive, in-theater fundraising by 42 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies. Watch highlights from past years in these videos!

Rubicon Theatre Company to Present UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: AMANDA McBROOM IN CONCERT in May

Rubicon Theatre of Ventura will present the first event in the company's May Concert series on Saturday, May 13 at 7 p.m. – “AMANDA McBROOM: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.” The legendary singer-songwriter and actress will captivate audiences with her stunning voice and masterful songwriting in an intimate and unforgettable performance.

7 Things You Might Not Know About NEW YORK, NEW YORK Composers John Kander and Fred Ebb

This season the new musical New York, New York is bringing the hopes and dreams of young artists to the Broadway stage in a new musical from iconic duo John Kander and Fred Ebb. From their meeting in 1964, Kander and Ebb have forged one of the longest-running and most successful partnerships in Broadway history, crafting beloved hits like Flora, the Red Menace, Cabaret, Zorba, Chicago, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Curtains, The Scottsboro Boys and many more. 

MOMOLOGUES THE MUSICAL to be Presented at 54 Below on Mother's Day Weekend

MOMologues the Musical's NYC due date is just in time for Mother's Day. The MOMologues, a series of three hit comedies enjoyed by thousands of fans in the U.S. and around the globe, has grown up into a musical - with two concert performances slated for 54 Below in NYC on May 11 and 12, 2023

Review: Outstanding Performances Highlight MTSU Theatre's All-Too-Brief Run of Kander and Ebb's Timeless CABARET

To be certain, Cabaret (in every iteration I have ever seen), represents the awesome power of live theater to challenge preconceived notions while creating a world audiences can only visit when in the thrall of a talented cast of actors inspired to indulge in fantasy while maintaining an earthbound realism that illuminates the human condition at any possible time in human history.

Actors Theatre Of Indiana Produces MR. CONFIDENTIAL

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents the World Premiere musical Mr. Confidential, premiering at The Studio Theatre at The Center for the Performing Arts beginning April 28, 2023 and running through May 14.

Joel Grey FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Joel Grey has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

Joel Grey has not appeared in the West End

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 .

Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Normal Heart, 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 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.

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