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Joel Grey

Also Credited As: Joel Katz

Birth Place: USA

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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

[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

Productions

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

Movies

About Face
[ 1952 ] Bender
Come September
[ 1961 ] Beagle
Man on a Swing
[ 1974 ] Franklin Wills
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution
[ 1976 ] Lowenstein
Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson
[ 1976 ] The Producer Nate Salisbury
Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins
[ 1985 ] Chiun
Kafka
[ 1991 ] Burgel
The Player
[ 1992 ] Joel Grey
The Music of Chance
[ 1993 ] Willy Stone
The Dangerous
[ 1995 ] Flea
The Empty Mirror
[ 1996 ] Josef Goebbels
My Friend Joe
[ 1996 ] Simon
The Fantasticks
[ 2000 ] Bellomy
Dancer in the Dark
[ 2000 ] Oldrich Novy
Reaching Normal
[ 2001 ] Dr. Mensley
Wicked
[ 2003 ] The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Choke
[ 2008 ] Phil
A. Hitler
[ 2010 ] Joseph Goebbels
tick, tick... BOOM!
[ 2021 ] Sunday Legend #4

TV Shows

Brooklyn Bridge
Jacob Prossman
The Outer Limits
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

News


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.
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.
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.
Florida Studio Theatre Serves Up 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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?
Interview: Theatre Life with Danny Troob

Today’s subject, Danny Troob, has been living his theatre life for over 50 years as an accomplished orchestrator and dance music composer. You can currently hear his orchestral brilliance in Signature Theatre’s production of Soft Power. The show runs through September 15th in The MAX.
Cast Set for Porchlight's 2024 ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza

Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the cast for its ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza. Learn more about the event!
HOLLYWOOD OR BUST Comes to Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael

On Saturday, September 21, Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael will welcome the award-winning performer and Indianapolis native Adam B. Shapiro as he performs his brand new show -  HOLLYWOOD OR BUST: Songs of the Silver Screen.  
Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon to be Honored at York Theatre Company Gala

The York Theatre Company will honor Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon at their Gala Evening. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Michael Sweet Band & More to Perform at Spire Center for Performing Arts

The Spire Center for Performing Arts in Plymouth, Massachusetts revealed three new shows. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Economic Barriers and Ballet: 2024 Data Reports Highlight Challenges

In this week's newsletter, we look at national trends impacting arts organizations, including financial shifts and attendance barriers from three different data sources. Moving to New York, we cover Soho Rep's relocation, Signature Theatre's interim leadership, and Under the Radar Festival's upcoming season.
The 'Gay Intern' Who Makes the Social Media for OH, MARY! Sing

As social media manager on the off-Broadway sensation turned unlikely Broadway hit, Spero is tasked with maintaining an online presence as witty and unconventional as befits Cole Escola’s acclaimed farce, billed as “the forgotten life and dream of Mary Todd Lincoln through the lens of an idiot.” 
Review: CABARET at The Phoenix Theatre Company

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of CABARET, directed by Michael Barnard ~ outstanding and exemplifying excellence in theatre.
Raúl Esparza Is 2024 ICON Award Recipient At Porchlight Theatre

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre has announced that multi-award winner and star of stage, screen and television Raúl Esparza is the 2024 ICON Award recipient.

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 received numerous awards, including Best Direction of a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for The Normal Heart. He also won Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for The Normal Heart. In addition, he earned Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Give Me Your Answer, Do!. Grey was awarded Best Featured Actor in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Chicago and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for the same show. He received Best Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for George M! and won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for Cabaret.

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