Alex Newell, J Harrison Ghee Grabs Historic Tony Awards For Non-Binary Actors

Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee are making history in theater as they became the first two openly non-binary actors to win in their respective acting categories at the 2023 Tony Awards.

Nominated for their roles in "Shucked," and "Some Like It Hot," Newell and Ghee made the 2023 Tony Awards brim with passion and delight with their moving speeches that got everyone talking and standing on their feet. (via The Hollywood Reporter)

Tony Awards: Alex Newell Becomes First Openly Non-Binary Actor To Win

Going head-to-head with his on-screen partner, Kevin Cahoon from "Shucked," Justin Cooley from "Kimberly Akimbo," Kevin Del Aguila from "Some Like It Hot," and Jordan Donica from "Camelot," Newell proved that no matter what your gender expression is, you have a spot on stage.

Newell was one of the most sensational performers on this broadway season with their character Lulu in "Shucked." Her solo song, "Independently Owned," became a hit online. They were even invited to "The Voice" Season 23 Grand Finals to perform on behalf of the show, a rare intersection of television and broadway.

In their speech, Newell was very emotional, to which the entire theatre responded with a roaring applause.

"Thank you for seeing me, Broadway. I should not be up here as a queer nonbinary fat black lil' baby from Massachusetts. To anyone that thinks they can't do it, I'm going to look you dead in your face [and say] that you can do anything you put your mind to," they said in their impassioned speech.

Newell's win was a huge one for "Shucked," as it was only the Tony Award they took home last night despite their nine nominations.

Tony Awards: J Harrison Ghee Becomes Second First Openly Non-Binary Actor To Win

Originally starting their drag career in Tokyo Disneyland, J. Harrison Ghee made their way to broadway as they took on roles in various productions of "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Kinky Boots," among many others.

Ghee played the role of Jerry/Daphne on "Some Like It Hot," the same role that the late actor Jack Lemmon played in the film.

In their speech, Ghee thanked their mother for their instrumental role in their growth.

"My mother raised me to understand that my gifts that God gave me were not about me; to use them to be effective in the world; to help somebody else's journey. So thank you for teaching me how to live, how to love, how to give. For every trans, nonbinary gender nonconforming human who was told you couldn't be seen, this is for you," he said in their speech.

Tags

Broadway, Tony Awards