Harvey Fierstein
1954 -
A performer, playwright, and voice actor whose career has spanned nearly five decades, Harvey Fierstein has helped to bring mainstream acceptance and visibility to the LGBTQ community.
Born in Brooklyn, Fierstein began his career writing and performing in New York’s theatre scene even before finishing his fine arts degree from the Pratt Institute, bringing drag and LGBTQ themes center stage. His film and television appearances, like those in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Independence Day (1996), and The Simpsons, made him a household name, and his supporting role on Cheers (1992) earned him an Emmy Award nomination.
Fierstein is the playwright of Casa Valentina (2014) and author of the books for the Broadway hits Newsies (2012) and Kinky Boots (2013). He received Tony Awards for Torch Song Trilogy (1983), La Cage aux Folles (1984), and Hairspray (2003).