Actors J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell won Tony Award Recipients for Acting: J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell made history at the 2023 Tony Awards on Sunday night, becoming the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards for acting.
Ghee won the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his performance as Jerry/Daphne in the musical “Some Like It Hot.” Newell won the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for their performance as Lulu in the musical “Shucked.”
In their acceptance speeches, both Ghee and Newell spoke about the importance of representation and visibility for nonbinary people.
“This is for all the nonbinary people out there who are feeling unseen and unheard,” Ghee said. “You are seen. You are heard. And you are loved.”
“I want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this point,” Newell said. “And I want to say to all the nonbinary kids out there: You can do anything you set your mind to.”
Ghee and Newell’s wins are a major milestone for the LGBTQ+ community and for the theater industry as a whole. They are a sign of progress and a reminder that everyone deserves to be seen and represented.
Who is J. Harrison Ghee ?
J. Harrison Ghee is an American actor, singer, and dancer. They are known for their roles in the Broadway musicals “Some Like It Hot” and “Once on This Island.” Ghee is also a member of the a cappella group Mischief.
Who is Alex Newell ?
Alex Newell is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. They are known for their roles in the television series “Glee” and “The Bold Type.” Newell is also a recording artist and has released two EPs.
The Importance of Representation Of Tony Award
Representation is important for everyone, but it is especially important for marginalized communities. When people see themselves represented in the media, it can help them feel seen, heard, and validated.
The wins of J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell are a major step forward for representation in the theater industry. They are an inspiration to nonbinary people everywhere and they show that anything is possible.