Joel Grey
Also Credited As: Joel Katz
Birth Place: USA
Latest News on Joel Grey:
Norbert Leo Butz, Donna McKechnie, J. Harrison Ghee And More Come To Legacy Theatre In 2025 (Dec 5, 2024)
Broadway and Film Composer and Conductor Marvin Laird Passes Away at 85 (Dec 4, 2024)
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List (Dec 7, 2024)
Norbert Leo Butz, Donna McKechnie, J. Harrison Ghee And More Come To Legacy Theatre In 2025 (Dec 5, 2024)
Broadway and Film Composer and Conductor Marvin Laird Passes Away at 85 (Dec 4, 2024)
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List (Dec 7, 2024)
BIO
Joel Grey (born Joel David Katz; April 11, 1932) is an American actor, singer, dancer, photographer, and theatre director. He is best known for portraying the Master of Ceremonies in the musical Cabaret on Broadway and in Bob Fosse's 1972 film adaptation. He has won an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. He earned the Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2023.
Grey's Tony-nominated roles include for the musical George M! (1968), Goodtime Charley (1975), and The Grand Tour (1979). After portraying Amos Hart in the Broadway revival of Chicago (1996), he originated the role of the Wizard of Oz in the musical Wicked (2003) and played Moonface Martin in the 2011 revival of Anything Goes. He directed the 2011 revival of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Play.
He earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture nomination for his role in Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985). His other film roles include in Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson (1976), Kafka (1991), The Music of Chance (1993), The Fantasticks (2000), and Dancer in the Dark (2000). He earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for Brooklyn Bridge (1993). He also acted in Oz (2003), Alias (2005), House (2006), Nurse Jackie (2011), and The Old Man (2022).
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
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
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: Joel Grey and Eddie Redmayne Talk CABARET and The 'Emcee' Legacy
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2024
Video: CABARET at the Kit Kat Club Celebrates John Kander and Joel Grey's Lifetime Achievement Tony Awards
by Stephi Wild - Jun 12, 2023
Video: Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey & More Featured in BEING MARY TYLER MOORE Documentary Trailer
by Michael Major - May 9, 2023
VIDEO: Broadway's Best Dancers Gather on the Red Carpet at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Red Carpet - Jul 16, 2022
VIDEO: Broadway Legend Joel Grey Stops In to Celebrate Bryant Park Day!
by A.A. Cristi - May 11, 2022
VIDEO: Charlotte D'Amboise Pays Tribute to Ann Reinking at CHICAGO 25th Anniversary Celebration
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 16, 2021
VIDEO: Original CHICAGO Stars Return for 25th Anniversary Celebration and Mayoral Proclamation
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 16, 2021
VIDEO: Ben Platt Opens Up About the Honor of Seeing Evan Hansen Through to the End
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 23, 2021
Broadway Rewind: Watch Scenes from Sutton Foster's Tony-Winning Turn in ANYTHING GOES!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 1, 2020
Broadway Rewind: A Very WICKED Backstage Special with Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth & More!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 29, 2020
BWW Exclusive: First Look At FIDDLER: A MIRACLE OF MIRACLES Documentary
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 12, 2019
VIDEO: See The First Trailer For New Documentary FIDDLER: A MIRACLE OF MIRACLES
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2019
News
Norbert Leo Butz, Donna McKechnie, J. Harrison Ghee And More Come To Legacy Theatre In 2025
Branford's Legacy Theatre has announced a star-studden lineup for the 2025 Sunday Broadway Concert Series lineup for the historic theatre's 5th anniversary season.
Branford's Legacy Theatre has announced a star-studden lineup for the 2025 Sunday Broadway Concert Series lineup for the historic theatre's 5th anniversary season.
Broadway and Film Composer and Conductor Marvin Laird Passes Away at 85
Marvin Laird the award-winning Broadway and film composer, conductor and musical director for world famous artists passed away on December 2, 2024 at age 85 from natural causes. Read more about Laird's life and career.
Marvin Laird the award-winning Broadway and film composer, conductor and musical director for world famous artists passed away on December 2, 2024 at age 85 from natural causes. Read more about Laird's life and career.
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
Liz Callaway Releases New Holiday Single- 'There's Still My Joy'
Grammy and Tony nominee and Emmy winner Liz Callaway will release her new holiday single “There’s Still My Joy,” on Friday, December 6, 2024, on all digital platforms, including iTunes, Spotify and Apple Music.
Grammy and Tony nominee and Emmy winner Liz Callaway will release her new holiday single “There’s Still My Joy,” on Friday, December 6, 2024, on all digital platforms, including iTunes, Spotify and Apple Music.
Student Blog: Life is a Cabaret
Student Blogger Piper Greisl recently performed in a production of 'Cabaret' in Tallahassee, Florida. In this article, she reflects on her personal experience in the show, as well as the importance of pieces of art like 'Cabaret'.
Student Blogger Piper Greisl recently performed in a production of 'Cabaret' in Tallahassee, Florida. In this article, she reflects on her personal experience in the show, as well as the importance of pieces of art like 'Cabaret'.
Joel Grey Says Audiences Should 'Heed CABARET's Warning'
In an op-ed in the New York Times, Cabaret's original Emcee Joel Grey stated that audiences should 'heed' the 'warning' of the musical after the recent re-election of Donald Trump and shares his memories and current thoughts on the audiences for the show.
In an op-ed in the New York Times, Cabaret's original Emcee Joel Grey stated that audiences should 'heed' the 'warning' of the musical after the recent re-election of Donald Trump and shares his memories and current thoughts on the audiences for the show.
10 Facts The Only WICKED Super-Fans Know
With everyone hyped for the premiere of the movie Wicked this month, I have been receiving a bunch of Wicked questions. I thought it might be fun to share a few fun facts about former stars of Wicked!
With everyone hyped for the premiere of the movie Wicked this month, I have been receiving a bunch of Wicked questions. I thought it might be fun to share a few fun facts about former stars of Wicked!
CHICAGO cumple 28 años en Broadway
Si bien EL FANTASMA DE LA ÓPERA es el musical más longevo de la historia de Broadway y LOS MISERABLES lo es del West End, el puesto a la producción estadounidense más longeva de la historia de la Great White Way se lo lleva el revival de CHICAGO, que hoy cumple la friolera de 28 años ininterrumpidos en Broadway.
Si bien EL FANTASMA DE LA ÓPERA es el musical más longevo de la historia de Broadway y LOS MISERABLES lo es del West End, el puesto a la producción estadounidense más longeva de la historia de la Great White Way se lo lleva el revival de CHICAGO, que hoy cumple la friolera de 28 años ininterrumpidos en Broadway.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon
The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Interview: 'It Provides Unbridled, Life-Giving Joy': Actor Adam Gillen on Taking on The Emcee in CABARET
Recently, we had the chance to speak with Adam Gillen about taking on the role of The Emcee in Cabaret on the West End. We discussed how he first got started in the world of theatre, his love for Cabaret and even how he has developed the character of The Emcee in his own way.
Recently, we had the chance to speak with Adam Gillen about taking on the role of The Emcee in Cabaret on the West End. We discussed how he first got started in the world of theatre, his love for Cabaret and even how he has developed the character of The Emcee in his own way.
Michael Urie to Host The York Theatre Company Gala; Andrew Rannells & More Join
The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Comes To Axelrod PAC In November
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will be performed at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in November, offering audiences a chance to experience this classic musical.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will be performed at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in November, offering audiences a chance to experience this classic musical.
Florida Studio Theatre Serves Up WAITRESS This November
Florida Studio Theatre has announced the upcoming production of the Broadway musical WAITRESS this November.
Florida Studio Theatre has announced the upcoming production of the Broadway musical WAITRESS this November.
Leslie Uggams to be Honored by Encompass New Opera Theatre
Encompass New Opera Theatre will honor Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams with a musical tribute on October 27, 2024. Learn more about Uggams and about the event.
Encompass New Opera Theatre will honor Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams with a musical tribute on October 27, 2024. Learn more about Uggams and about the event.
Cultural Council For Palm Beach County Announces 20th Season Of CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben
The Cultural Council will present three CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations in early 2025 featuring some exciting personalities from the worlds of entertainment—all at our beautiful venue,
The Cultural Council will present three CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations in early 2025 featuring some exciting personalities from the worlds of entertainment—all at our beautiful venue,
THE WIZARD OF OZ Adaptations and Spin-Offs to Watch Before WICKED: A Guide
To prepare for the big moment of seeing the tale on screen, BroadwayWorld has put together a list of film projects that we think are worth viewing or revisiting before Wicked flies into theaters on November 22.
To prepare for the big moment of seeing the tale on screen, BroadwayWorld has put together a list of film projects that we think are worth viewing or revisiting before Wicked flies into theaters on November 22.
Review Roundup: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: MERRILY WE STOLE A SONG Opens Off-Broadway
FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: MERRILY WE STOLE A SONG is making its triumphant Off-Broadway return tonight! Read reviews for the award-winning musical parody of Broadway shows and stars.
FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: MERRILY WE STOLE A SONG is making its triumphant Off-Broadway return tonight! Read reviews for the award-winning musical parody of Broadway shows and stars.
32 Theater Books for Your Fall 2024 Reading List
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
We're falling into fall with a great Broadway read! This season, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 32 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Fall 2024 reading list.
Photos: CABARET Stars Eddie Redmayne & Gayle Rankin Honored with Sardi's Portraits
Cabaret stars Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin were placed on the Sardi’s Walls of Broadway fame with portraits at an unveiling by Max Klimavicius, owner of Sardi’s. Check out photos from the event below!
Cabaret stars Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin were placed on the Sardi’s Walls of Broadway fame with portraits at an unveiling by Max Klimavicius, owner of Sardi’s. Check out photos from the event below!
Monthly BIRTHDAY SALUTE to a Major Cabaret Figure
A major, long-time cabaret figure gets our monthly birthday Tribute. How many hints will you need to know who it is?
A major, long-time cabaret figure gets our monthly birthday Tribute. How many hints will you need to know who it is?
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?
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.
Videos