Harvey Fierstein |
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 "Everyone wants what Arnold wants, an apartment they can afford, a job they don't hate too much, a chance to go to the store once in a while and someone to share it all with." - Harvey Fierstein on Arnold from "Torch Song Trilogy" Who doesn't love Harvey Fierstein? With his classic wit, obvious talent, and deep, gravelly voice, Harvey Fierstein has rooted himself in the midst of gay culture. The son of a handkerchief manufacturer and school librarian, Harvey was born in Brooklyn, New York. His start in the theatre was at age eleven, as a founding actor in the Gallery Players Community Theater in Brooklyn. His acting debut was at La Mama E.T.C. in Andy Warhol's only play, "Pork", in 1971. Fierstein went on to earn a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute in 1973. Harvey is best known for Torch Song Trilogy, three one act plays he wrote between 1976 and 1979. These were produced in small theatres, and it wasn't until they were produced in an off off Broadway theatre in 1981, and later on Broadway itself, was Harvey given the recognition he deserves. He is the first person to win a Tony award for best actor and best play for the same production. Harvey adapted "Torch Song Trilogy" for the screen, taking the lead role once again in a cast that included Ann Bancroft and Matthew Broderick. He won another Tony award for his book of the musical "La Cage Aux Folles." Harvey also wrote and starred in the multi-Ace Award winning HBO Showcase "Tidy Endings." Further film appearances include Woody Allen's "Bullets Over Broadway", "Mrs. Doubtfire", "Garbo Talks", "The Harvest", "Independence Day" and "Dr. Jekyll & Ms. Hyde." Fierstein's classic voice can also be heard as the narrator of the Academy Award winning documentary, "The Times of Harvey Milk." We can add an Emmy nomination to his list of accolades, this he earned for an appearance on Cheers as Rebecca's first love. Other TV appearances include "Murder She Wrote", "Miami Vice", the CBS pilot "Those Two", and the PBS tribute to Cole Porter, "Swellagant Elegance". Harvey was also seen as a series regular on the '94-'95 TV series "Daddy's Girls", starring Dudley Moore. Harvey has called himself the first "real live, out-of-the-closet queer on Broadway." He has also been a voice for gay rights, and is known as an activist for gay rights as well as an award winning playwright and actor. He stands as an icon for gay culture, proving that gay and lesbian people can achieve their dreams and gain recognition in mainstream society. Harvey Fierstein is truly multi-talented. With almost thirty years as an entertainer
under his belt, we can only hope that the next thirty years will bring us more laughs,
more tears, and the type of entertainment that is uniquely Harvey Fierstein. Find out about the author of this biography by viewing Derek M's biography page. |
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