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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]

[US Tour]
Touring Revival, 2009
Tevye [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
Performer

Other Roles

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Tevye [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Edna Turnblad

Edna Turnblad [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Ghee

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Jay Astor

[Broadway]
1987
Ghee

Arthur

[Broadway]
1982
Arnold Beckoff

[Off-Broadway]
1982
Arnold Beckoff

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Arnold

Productions

 
[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


FUNNY GIRL Comes to the Overture Center This Month

FUNNY GIRL is coming to Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wis., for a limited one-week engagement beginning December 31. Learn more about about the musical and find out how to get tickets here!
Photo Special: Celebrating BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola

All of us here at BroadwayWorld wanted to pay tribute to Tom, and to our strong partnership, by taking a look back with this photo gallery below. 
Photos: The Grand Prairie Arts Council Presents NEWSIES

The Grand Prairie Arts Council is presenting Disney's Newsies, based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein. See photos from the production.
Auditions Now Open to Join Seattle Men’s Chorus

Seattle Men’s Chorus is once again opening its doors to new chorus members with auditions this January. All participants are required to register online before auditioning.
Tickets to FUNNY GIRL At Bass Concert Hall to go on Sale This Week

FUNNY GIRL is coming to Bass Concert Hall for a limited one-week engagement this winter. The Broadway revival features iconic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” Learn how to purchase tickets.
FUNNY GIRL Comes To The Ohio Theatre This March

FUNNY GIRL is coming to Columbus for an eight-show run March 25-30, 2025, at the Ohio Theatre.
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Kansas City Music Hall

FUNNY GIRL is one of the crown gems of the American Musical Theater. Kansas City audiences will be treated to a first-class production of a show that many theater buffs know about but have never seen. Tuesday night’s performance starred Leah Platt in the lead role of Fanny Brice. Leah has a gangbuster voice fully displayed as she plows through an excellent score with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.
Feature: FUNNY GIRL at KANSAS CITY MUSIC HALL

One of the fun parts of reviewing shows in Kansas City is the occasional opportunity to meet and interview some of the talented touring performers who come through with road productions of Broadway shows.
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.
The Grand Prairie Arts Council To Present Disney's NEWSIES

The Grand Prairie Arts Council will present Disney's Newsies, based on the Disney film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein.
La MaMa Presents Richard Foreman's SUPPOSE BEAUTIFUL MADELINE HARVEY

La MaMa will present the world premiere of Suppose Beautiful Madeline Harvey, legendary experimental theater icon Richard Foreman's first new play in 10 years.
Video: Cheyenne Jackson, Kevin Cahoon And More Star In LA CAGE AUX FOLLES At Pasadena Playhouse

Pasadena Playhouse brings the world of La Cage aux Folles to life in a new production from Sam Pinkleton! Get a look at video highlights from the show featuring stars Cheyenne Jackson, Kein Cahoon, Ryan J. Haddad, and more!
Review: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Pasadena Playhouse

Pinkleton has thrown every prop gimmick and novel idea in the book at the show, and in the process has disrupted the stuff that simply works about the piece.
Design Action Announces Return of Springboard to Design Program

Design Action has announced the return of Springboard to Design, a program designed to encourage and mentor high school students from underrepresented communities to explore the many facets of American theatre design.
Photos: Meet the Cast of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES At Pasadena Playhouse

Pasadena Playhouse brings the world of its upcoming production  La Cage aux Folles to life in the backstage areas of its historic theater, which is celebrating its 100th year in 2025. Get a look backstage in new photos of stars Cheyenne Jackson, Kein Cahoon, Ryan J. Haddad, and more in costume below!
ROBERT WILL SHOW YOU THE DOOR (Tales Of Being Fired) To Have NYC Premiere At La MaMa

Susan Jeremy's solo show, ROBERT WILL SHOW YOU THE DOOR (Tales of Being Fired), makes its NYC premiere at La MaMa from November 21 to December 1. Directed by Maris Heller, the show humorously explores Jeremy's experiences of being fired.
La MaMa COFFEEHOUSE CHRONICLES #177 Spotlights Adrienne Kennedy

Explore the life and work of playwright Adrienne Kennedy at COFFEEHOUSE CHRONICLES #177 on November 16, 2024, featuring discussions and performances at La MaMa.
FUNNY GIRL Comes To Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall In January

FUNNY GIRL will be performed at BBMann from January 21-26, 2025. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 15 at 10 AM.
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.
Review: HAIRSPRAY 'Can't Stop the Beat' at Out Front Theatre Company

At Out Front Theatre Company, 2024 Atlanta has become 1960s Baltimore as audiences flock to see their current production of Hairspray.  Filled with humor and catchy tunes, it’s a show that is charming and fun while giving the viewers a deeper message too, one about equality and giving the underdog a fighting chance.

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, including: - Legend of Off-Broadway Honorees - Best Book of a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Newsies - Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hairspray - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Hairspray - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hairspray - 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 - Special Citations (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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