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John Earl Jelks

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BIO

Tony Nominee, August Wilson's Radio Golf. After appearing on Broadway in Gem of the Ocean, Radio Golf &Holler If Ya Hear Me, Jelks is excited to return to Broadway in Lynn Nottage's SWEAT, directed by the brilliant Kate Whoriskey. After a successful run of Sweat at the Public, Jelks recently appeared at the Public Theater in Head of Passes and ToasT. Select Off-Broadway credits include: The Break of Noon, Magnolia, Two Trains Running, Fetch Clay, Make Man and Sunset Baby. Recently honored with an Obie Award for Fetch Clay, Make Man and Sunset Baby. Other awards: L.A. Ovation Award, NAACP Theatre Award, AUDELCO Award. Film/TV credits include: Snap, The Miraculous, Miracle at St. Anna, "Law &Order: SVU" and "Blue Bloods."

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Original Broadway Production, 2022
Matt/William [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
Brucie

[Off-Broadway]
New York Premiere at the Public Theater, 2016
Brucie

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Original Off-Broadway Production, 2015
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Street Preacher

[Off-Broadway]
New York Theatre Workshop Production, 2013
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
MCC Theater Production, 2010
Lawyer / Detective

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Harper Edwards

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2007
Sterling Johnson

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2004
Citizen Barlow


Movies

A Powerful Thang
[ 1991 ] Craig Watkins John Jelks
Compensation
[ 1999 ] Arthur Jones, Nico Jones
Miracle at St. Anna
[ 2008 ] Detective Dillard
Enter the Dangerous Mind
[ 2013 ] Lt. Ike
Night Comes On
[ 2018 ] John Lamere John Jelks
Exhibiting Forgiveness
[ 2024 ] La'Ron

TV Shows

Chicago Med
[ 2024-2025 ] Dr. Dennis Washington

Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 2014 - Performance

John Earl JelksSunset Baby and Fetch Clay

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

John Earl Jelks, Radio Golf

Videos

News


Video: Keke Palmer is 'Hoping' to Come to Broadway in FETCH CLAY, MAKE MAN
by Stephi Wild - Jan 21, 2025

Keke Palmer revealed that she is 'hoping' to come to Broadway later this year in a production of Fetch Clay, Make Man. Learn more and watch the video clip here!
Andra Day Debuts New Single 'Bricks' in Support of EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS Film
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 18, 2024

Grammy winner, Golden Globe winner, and Oscar-nominated artist Andra Day returns with her striking new single “Bricks,” in tandem with her lead role in the critically acclaimed drama Exhibiting Forgiveness.
BIRTHDAY CANDLES Starring Debra Messing Begins Final Two Weeks on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 16, 2022

Roundabout Theatre Company will conclude the New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch on Sunday, May 29.
Photos: On the Red Carpet at the KEEPING COMPANY WITH SONDHEIM Screening
by Jennifer Broski - May 9, 2022

This past weekend, Tracie Bennett, Erin Davie, Antwayn Hopper, Michael R. Jackson, John Earl Jelks, Tavon Olds-Sample, Andy Nyman, Soara-Joye Ross, Jessie Shelton, Matthew Sklar, Antoine L. Smith, original cast members Pamela Myers and Teri Ralston, and more were on hand to celebrate the exclusive screening of “Keeping Company with Sondheim”, a documentary from Great Performances on PBS. 
Recap Tony Awards Eligibility of the 2021-22 Season
by Team BWW - May 7, 2022

The Tony Awards Administration Committee has been meeting all year to discuss the eligibility of the 2021-22 Broadway productions all leading up to Monday's big announcement... the Tony nominations. Need a recap before the nominations announcement? Below, we've rounded up all rulings from all four meeting. Apart from these specific decisions, all other eligibility rulings were consistent with opening night billing.
Tony Awards Administration Committee Makes Final Eligibility Rulings for FUNNY GIRL, A STRANGE LOOP & More
by Team BWW - May 5, 2022

The Tony Awards Administration Committee met today to confirm the eligibility status of fifteen Broadway productions for the 2021-2022 season.  This was the third and final time the Tony Awards Administration Committee met to decide the eligibility for the 75th Annual Tony Awards.
VIDEO: Go Inside Opening Night of BIRTHDAY CANDLES
by Opening Night - Apr 11, 2022

Just last night, Roundabout Theatre Company New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch, celebrated opening night at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). This is a limited engagement through Sunday, May 29, 2022.
Manhole Explosions Cause Panic at Opening Night of BIRTHDAY CANDLES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2022

Yesterday, Sunday, April 10, manhole cover explosions in Times Square caused panic among tourists and the exiting opening night audience of Broadway's Birthday Candles.
Photos: BIRTHDAY CANDLES Company Celebrates Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 11, 2022

Just last night, Roundabout Theatre Company New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch, celebrated opening night at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway and BroadwayWorld was there to capture photos!
Photos: BIRTHDAY CANDLES Opening Night Red Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 11, 2022

Just last night, Roundabout Theatre Company New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch, celebrated opening night and BroadwayWorld was there to capture pictures.
Photos: Debra Messing and Company Take Opening Night Bows in BIRTHDAY CANDLES
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 11, 2022

Just last night, Roundabout Theatre Company New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch, celebrated opening night at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). This is a limited engagement through Sunday, May 29, 2022.
Review Roundup: BIRTHDAY CANDLES on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 11, 2022

Read all the reviews of Roundabout Theatre Company's New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch including the New York Times and more.
VIDEO: Watch Highlights from BIRTHDAY CANDLES on Broadway
by Show Highlights - Apr 8, 2022

Watch a video from Roundabout Theatre Company's New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch.
Photos: First Look at Debra Messing & More in BIRTHDAY CANDLES
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 30, 2022

Previews are currently underway for Roundabout Theatre Company's New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch.
Up on the Marquee: BIRTHDAY CANDLES, Starring Debra Messing
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 23, 2022

Roundabout Theatre Company is getting ready to present the New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch. Birthday Candles will begin preview performances this Friday, March 18, 2022 and open officially on Sunday, April 10, 2022. This is a limited engagement through Sunday, May 29, 2022 at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). Check out photos of the new theatre marquee!
Meet the Cast of BIRTHDAY CANDLES
by Stephi Wild - Mar 18, 2022

Birthday Candles begins previews tonight, March 18, ahead of its official opening on April 10 at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway (227 West 42nd Street). Meet the cast bringing this show to the stage!
BIRTHDAY CANDLES on Broadway Starring Debra Messing Begins Previews Tomorrow
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2022

Roundabout Theatre Company will present the New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch, which begins previews tomorrow, March 18.
Photos: Debra Messing & Company in Rehearsals for BIRTHDAY CANDLES
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 14, 2022

Roundabout Theatre Company is getting ready to present the New York premiere of Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle, starring Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, directed by Vivienne Benesch.   
Photos: The Company of BIRTHDAY CANDLES Meets the Press
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 25, 2022

Debra Messing (Will & Grace) returns to the stage as Ernestine Ashworth, who spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st.
Wake Up With BWW 1/14: ANYTHING GOES With Sutton Foster Comes to US Cinemas, and More!
by - Jan 14, 2022

Today's top stories include Anything Goes, starring Sutton Foster, coming to US cinemas! The filmed London production will stream in theaters across America for two days only this March! Plus, original Broadway cast member Jonathan Freeman will play his final performance as Jafar in Aladdin on Sunday, January 23, 2022.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John Earl Jelks been in?

John Earl Jelks has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has John Earl Jelks been in?

John Earl Jelks has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has John Earl Jelks been nominated for?

Performance (Obie Awards) for Sunset Baby and Fetch Clay and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Radio Golf.

What awards has John Earl Jelks won?

John Earl Jelks has won Performance Obie Awards for his roles in Sunset Baby and Fetch Clay.

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