Update: 6/11/23 — Jay Harrison Ghee became the second non-binary actor to win a Tony Award, after Alex Neville won for best performance by an actor in a musical moment. “

“My mother raised me to understand that my gifts that God gave me were not about me, [but] Use them to be effective in the world, to help someone else on their journey. So thank you for teaching me how to live, how to love, how to give,” the actor said during his acceptance speech. “To every trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming person who I was once told that you can’t be seen – it’s for you.”

Original story: In the making of history! J. Harrison Ghee Received his first Tony Award nomination in May 2023, marking the first time a non-binary actor received such an honor.

The American Theater Wing, which hosts the annual Tony Awards ceremony, announced in May 2023 that Ghee was up for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical as Jerry/Daphne. Some people like it hot. The North Carolina native – who uses he/she pronouns – is competing against the costars. Christian Borle, Josh Groban, Brian D’Arcy James, Ben Platt And Colton Ryan. The ceremony airs live on June 11, 2023 on CBS.

“It’s an honor. I just live in the four corners of life. I show up, tell my truth right now and I don’t care about the outcome,” Ghee said. The Hollywood Reporter After the nominations were announced “So I’m just honored that the work speaks for itself and I’m very proud of the special show at the Shubert. [Theater]”

gave Raising Devon Alum isn’t the only history-maker for the 2023 Tony Awards. Happiness Alum Alex Nevillewho also identifies as non-binary, earned a nod for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his role. Shocked. Neville, who is gender nonconforming, portrays whiskey distiller Lulu in the musical Cornfed.

of ghee Some people like it hot The character also breaks boundaries. Musical – Composed Red, white and royal blue Director Matthew Lopez And comedians Amber Ruffin and inspired by the 1959 film of the same name – set in Chicago during Prohibition when two musicians (Ghee and Borle) are forced to flee the city after being mobbed. With the goons hot on their heels, the two friends go undercover in drag, which Ghee’s Jerry really enjoys.

“Jerry is a grounded artist who dreams and keeps Joe forever. [Borle] in line. They have a sibling relationship that is an odd couple, if you will.” over my dead body The actor said in one Instagram The video was shared by the production’s account in May. “Their relationship is based on love and truth and experience.”

Ghee added at the time: “It was always such a process and a collaboration in the way of communication. Often times I would come in during workshops and during Broadway rehearsals and things I would say in my everyday life. Enter the script.

Some people like it hot Directed and choreographed by How are you? And the costars Adriana Hicks, Kevin Del Aguila, Natasha Yvette Williams And Adam Heller. It is the most-nominated production of the 2023 theater season, earning a total of 12 Tony nods, including leading actor honors for Borle — who previously won Tonys in 2004 and 2015, respectively — and Ghee. .

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