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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


THE GREAT GATSBY, THE SOUND OF MUSIC and More Set for 25/26 Broadway In Boston Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 26, 2025

The 2025/2026 Broadway In Boston Season at the Citizens Opera House and the Emerson Colonial Theatre has been revealed, including The Great Gatsby and more. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: BACKSTAGE BABBLE Brought Flops Back to Life at 54 Below
by Andrew Poretz - Feb 25, 2025

Charles Kirsch’s latest Backstage Babble was a fun resurrection of songs from mostly flop shows that quickly failed on Broadway or out of town. The theme was inspired by Joe Allen's “flop wall” of posters from shows that closed in the first week.
Clint Ramos Joins Lincoln Center as Artist-in-Residence
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2025

Creative director, designer, and producer Clint Ramos has joined Lincoln Center as Artist-in-Residence. Learn more about the Tony Award winning Ramos here!
SHOP BOYS, A FAMILY DRAMEDY IN FOUR SHIFTS To Receive Industry Reading
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2025

“Shop Boys, A Family Dramedy in Four Shifts,” written by and starring Kyle Taylor Parker (Kinky Boots, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), will receive a private industry reading on Friday, February 21st. Colin Hanlon (Kowalski) is set to direct.
John Wesley Shipp Headlines THE CAINE MUTINY COURT-MARTIAL at Judson Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2025

Emmy Award winner John Wesley Shipp will play Captain Queeg in Judson Theatre Company's April production of Herman Wouk's “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial..' Learn more here!
Photos: First Look At KINKY BOOTS New UK & Ireland Tour
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 17, 2025

Check out new photos of Made at Curve's production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical KINKY BOOTS The Musical. The show will tour the UK and Ireland from 17 January 2025. 
Yara Arts Group To Bring THE MAGIC OF LIGHT To La MaMa In March
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 15, 2025

From March 7 to 16, La MaMa and Yara Arts Group will present Yara's 'The Magic of Light,' an innovative theater piece that interweaves puppetry, languages, music and poetry to illustrate the cultural and spiritual awakening of an artist in the 1870s.
Review: KINKY BOOTS, King's Theatre
by Natalie O'Donoghue - Feb 12, 2025

After inheriting his family's failing shoe factory and with a relationship on the rocks, life is proving to be very challenging for Charlie Price. That is until he meets Lola, a drag queen whose sparkle and unsteady heels might just hold the answer to saving the struggling business.
An In-Depth History of the Orpheum Theatre
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 9, 2025

Some of the shows that the Orpheum has been best known for are Stomp, which ran there for an astounding 29 years, from 1994 to 2023, and the original production of Little Shop of Horrors which spent over five years at the theater from 1982 to 1987. 
Review: HAIRSPRAY at White Theatre
by Alan Portner - Feb 4, 2025

HAIRSPRAY, a co-production of the White Theatre and the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, is the kind of old-fashioned, joyous, musical theater experience that recalls a PAJAMA GAME, or a DAMN YANKEES, kind of show that is just pure entertainment.  Additionally, HAIRSPRAY has a point to make and a super cast with which to make it.
 La MaMa Presents IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025

IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT will be presented at LaMaMa Experimental Theatre, Community Art Space. Running February 7, 8 and 9, 2025. IN THROUGH THE DOORWAY OUT is the second original production by the TUT (Teens Ukraine Theatre).
KINKY BOOTS THE MUSICAL Returns To Milton Keynes Theatre This March
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025

A new production of the Olivier, Tony and Grammy award-winning musical Kinky Boots returns to Milton Keynes Theatre, for performances from Tue 11 – Sat 15 Mar.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Gov. Hochul Proposes Extending Broadway Tax Incentives, Australia’s Post-Pandemic Recovery
by Alex Freeman - Feb 3, 2025

From Las Vegas' scrappy local theater scene to Australia's steady post-pandemic recovery, creativity continues to thrive against the odds. Major funding initiatives, including the UK’s £60 million package and New York’s proposed tax credit extension, demonstrate the vital role government support plays in sustaining the arts. Additionally, we celebrate new beginnings with the reopening of NYC’s West Bank Cafe and Cygnet Theatre’s upcoming Performing Arts Center. Finally, we spotlight BroadwayWorld’s 'Next On Stage' winners and insights into audience preferences for live events.
Interview: You Should Hear How Melissa Manchester Talks About FUNNY GIRL
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 31, 2025

Having landed more than a dozen hits – “Midnight Blue,” “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” “You Should Hear How She Talks About You,” and “Through the Eyes of Love” among them – on the Billboard charts in her long recording career, Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester knows what it’s like to be a part of pop-music history.
10 Great Movies About Theater, Actors, & Show Business
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 21, 2025

BroadwayWorld has put together a list of ten films about theater for those seeking a taste of Broadway drama (or comedy). Take a look at the list here and happy watching!
Industry Pro Newsletter: New Tony Eligibility Rulings, the NEA Announces Nearly $40 Million in Grants
by Alex Freeman - Jan 21, 2025

From national funding initiatives and emerging talent showcases to leadership changes and awards season updates, the industry demonstrates its capacity to adapt and inspire. Regional and international efforts underline the importance of community support, whether through wildfire relief in California or advocating for arts funding in Bristol. With new venues, leadership appointments, and cultural projects on the horizon, this week’s newsletter celebrates the power of the performing arts to drive innovation and foster connection across diverse audiences.
John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Rob Ruggiero & More Join The Muny 107th Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2025

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers, music directors and lead designers whose creative visions will bring the theatre’s bold 2025 season to life. Learn more about the upcoming season!
Industry Pro Newsletter: Why Audiences Are Asking For Refunds, IATSE Strike, Congestion Pricing Impact
by Alex Freeman - Jan 13, 2025

This week, we explore whether congestion pricing is reshaping Manhattan travel habits and examine a labor strike disrupting productions at Atlantic Theater Company. On the regional stage, we reflect on the loss of Theatre Palisades to Los Angeles wildfires and the struggles facing Bay Area theatres. Internationally, the launch of Welsh National Theatre and ATG’s acquisition of SOM Produce bring new opportunities, while changes at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School underscore ongoing financial pressures. Each story highlights resilience amid transformation in the global arts community.
KINKY BOOTS Will Embark on New National Tour in Fall 2025
by Stephi Wild - Jan 10, 2025

Kinky Boots will hit the road on an all new tour, launching in the Fall of 2025. Cities and casting will be announced in the coming months. Learn more here!
Industry Pro Newsletter: Broadway Capitalization Budgets Continue to Increase, Congestion Pricing Goes Into Effect
by Alex Freeman - Jan 6, 2025

From Broadway's escalating production budgets to Berlin’s significant arts funding cuts, economic pressures are shaping the global cultural landscape. Meanwhile, New York City takes bold steps with congestion pricing, impacting theatergoers and commuters alike. Amid these challenges, artistic resilience shines through – whether in rural arts communities, Hollywood’s ongoing fight to rebound, or the launch of the Harvey Fierstein Theatre Lab to nurture new talent.

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. At the BroadwayWorld Awards, he won Best Book of a Musical for Newsies. He also received the Outstanding Actor - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for Hairspray, as well as the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for the same show. His performance in Hairspray earned him the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. Additionally, he won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for La Cage aux Folles. Fierstein received accolades for his work in Torch Song Trilogy, including Outstanding Actor in a Play and Outstanding Play at the Drama Desk Awards, along with a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards. He was also recognized with the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play and the Tony Award for Best Play for Torch Song Trilogy. Lastly, he received Special Citations from the Obie Awards for his work in 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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