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Joel Grey

Also Credited As: Joel Katz

Birth Place: USA

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BIO

Joel Grey (born Joel David Katz; April 11, 1932) is an American actor, singer, dancer, photographer, and theatre director. He is best known for portraying the Master of Ceremonies in the musical Cabaret on Broadway and in Bob Fosse's 1972 film adaptation. He has won an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. He earned the Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2023.



Grey's Tony-nominated roles include for the musical George M! (1968), Goodtime Charley (1975), and The Grand Tour (1979). After portraying Amos Hart in the Broadway revival of Chicago (1996), he originated the role of the Wizard of Oz in the musical Wicked (2003) and played Moonface Martin in the 2011 revival of Anything Goes. He directed the 2011 revival of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Play.

He earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture nomination for his role in Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985). His other film roles include in Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson (1976), Kafka (1991), The Music of Chance (1993), The Fantasticks (2000), and Dancer in the Dark (2000). He earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for Brooklyn Bridge (1993). He also acted in Oz (2003), Alias (2005), House (2006), Nurse Jackie (2011), and The Old Man (2022).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Cherry Orchard The Cherry Orchard
[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Broadway Revival, 2016
Firs
Anything Goes Anything Goes
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2011
Moonface Martin
Wicked Wicked
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Give Me Your Answer, Do!
[Off-Broadway]
1999
Jack Donovan
Chicago
[US Tour]
2nd National Tour, 1997
Amos Hart [Replacement]
Chicago Chicago
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Amos Hart
Chicago
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1996
Amos Hart
Cabaret
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1987
Master of Ceremonies
The Emcee (Master of Ceremonies)
The Normal Heart
[Off-Broadway]
1985
Ned Weeks [Replacement]
The Grand Tour
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
S. L. Jacobowsky
Marco Polo Sings a Solo
[Off-Broadway]
1977
Stony McBride
Goodtime Charley
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Charley
George M!
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1968
George M. Cohan
Cabaret
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Master of Ceremonies
Half a Sixpence
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1965
Arthur Kipps [Replacement]
Stop the World - I Want to Get Off
[US Tour]
National Tour, 1963
Littlechap
Stop the World - I Want to Get Off
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1962
Littlechap [Replacement]
Come Blow Your Horn
[Broadway]
1961
Buddy Baker [Replacement]
Joy Ride
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1958
Performer
The Littlest Revue
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1956
Performer
The Littlest Revue
[Off-Broadway]
1956
Performer
Silverlake
[Off-Broadway]
Return Engagement [NYCO Revival], 1980
Performer

Productions

Fiddler On The RoofFiddler On The Roof
 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Director
Fiddler on the RoofFiddler on the Roof
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
Fiddler on the RoofFiddler on the Roof
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
The Normal HeartThe Normal Heart
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director

Movies

About Face
[ 1952 ] Bender
Come September
[ 1961 ] Beagle
Man on a Swing
[ 1974 ] Franklin Wills
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution
[ 1976 ] Lowenstein
Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson
[ 1976 ] The Producer Nate Salisbury
Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins
[ 1985 ] Chiun
Kafka
[ 1991 ] Burgel
The Player
[ 1992 ] Joel Grey
The Music of Chance
[ 1993 ] Willy Stone
The Dangerous
[ 1995 ] Flea
The Empty Mirror
[ 1996 ] Josef Goebbels
My Friend Joe
[ 1996 ] Simon
The Fantasticks
[ 2000 ] Bellomy
Dancer in the Dark
[ 2000 ] Oldrich Novy
Reaching Normal
[ 2001 ] Dr. Mensley
Wicked
[ 2003 ] The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Choke
[ 2008 ] Phil
A. Hitler
[ 2010 ] Joseph Goebbels
tick, tick... BOOM!
[ 2021 ] Sunday Legend #4

TV Shows

Brooklyn Bridge
Jacob Prossman
The Outer Limits
Gideon Banks, Dr. Nathan Seward
The Old Man
[ 2022-2024 ] Morgan Bote

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Joel Grey, Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish)

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Director of a Musical

Joel Grey, Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish)


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play

Joel Grey, The Normal Heart


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Director of a Play

Joel Grey, The Normal Heart

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Direction of a Play

Joel Grey, The Normal Heart

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical

Joel Grey , Wicked


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play

Joel Grey, Give Me Your Answer, Do!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Featured Actor - Musical

Joel Grey, Chicago


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical

Joel Grey, Chicago

Helen Hayes Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

Joel Grey Cabaret

Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Joel Grey, The Grand Tour

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Joel Grey, The Grand Tour

Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Joel Grey, Goodtime Charley

Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Joel Grey, Goodtime Charley

Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Joel Grey, George M!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1968 - Best Performance

Joel Grey, George M!


winner
Tony Awards - 1967 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Joel Grey, Cabaret

Videos

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News


INTERVIEW: Hablamos con Abril Zamora, Amanda Digón y Pepe Nufrio sobre CABARET Photo
INTERVIEW: Hablamos con Abril Zamora, Amanda Digón y Pepe Nufrio sobre CABARET
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - May 5, 2025

El musical, protagonizado por Abril Zamora, Amanda Digón y Pepe Nufrio, se estrena el próximo 24 de septiembre.
Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival Reveals 2025 Winners Photo
Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival Reveals 2025 Winners
by Stephi Wild - May 2, 2025

The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival (PSYPF) has announced the two winning playwrights for its 2025 season. Learn more about the winners and their productions here!
PHOTOS: Así fue la presentación de CABARET en el UMusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz Photo
PHOTOS: Así fue la presentación de CABARET en el UMusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz
by Lorena Pastor Romero - Apr 29, 2025

A partir del 24 de septiembre, LetsGo, productora de EL FANTASMA DE LA ÓPERA, presentará en el UMusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz una versión inmersiva del musical CABARET, de Kander y Ebb.
BREAKING: Abril Zamora, Amanda Digón y Pepe Nufrio protagonizarán CABARET en el Alb Photo
BREAKING: Abril Zamora, Amanda Digón y Pepe Nufrio protagonizarán CABARET en el Albéniz
by Juan Cano - Apr 28, 2025

La productora LetsGo transformará el UMUSIC Hotel Madrid Teatro Albéniz en el legendario Kit Kat Klub a partir del 24 de septiembre.
Review: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: THE NEXT GENERATION at The Phoenix Theatre Company Photo
Review: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: THE NEXT GENERATION at The Phoenix Theatre Company
by Herbert Paine - Apr 27, 2025

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: THE NEXT GENERATION isn’t just a parody—it’s a full-on roast of the Great White Way, served up hot and fast with a piano and four performers who can belt, mug, and mimic with razor precision. 
Video: Watch the Trailer for Palace Theatre Documentary PLAYING THE PALACE Photo
Video: Watch the Trailer for Palace Theatre Documentary PLAYING THE PALACE
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2025

The trailer has been released for Playing the Palace, a new feature documentary chronicling the history and recent transformation of Broadway’s Palace Theatre. The documentary features interviews with Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey, Heather Headley, Ben Platt, and more.
CABARET regresa a Madrid el próximo septiembre Photo
CABARET regresa a Madrid el próximo septiembre
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Apr 22, 2025

El próximo mes de septiembre el Umusic Hotel Teatro Albéniz de Madrid se convertirá en el Kit Kat Klub​​​​​​​ para acoger el estreno de CABARET, una nueva producción inmersiva de mano de LETSGO.
9 TO 5 Comes to Actors Theatre Of Indiana Photo
9 TO 5 Comes to Actors Theatre Of Indiana
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2025

The musical 9 to 5 with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is coming to ATI in April. Learn more about the upcoming production and how to get tickets!
Mandy Gonzalez in Concert, BROADWAY SANDWICH & More Lead ALL ARTS’ Lineup Photo
Mandy Gonzalez in Concert, BROADWAY SANDWICH & More Lead ALL ARTS’ Lineup
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 21, 2025

ALL ARTS will premiere a new slate of original programming throughout May and June as part of Broadway and Beyond, including Mandy Gonzalez in Concert and the return of the fan-favorite series Broadway Sandwich.
Cast Set For 9 TO 5 at Actors Theatre of Indiana Photo
Cast Set For 9 TO 5 at Actors Theatre of Indiana
by Stephi Wild - Apr 14, 2025

The musical 9 to 5 with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is coming to ATI in April. Learn more about the upcoming production here!
21 Theater Books for Your Spring 2025 Reading List Photo
21 Theater Books for Your Spring 2025 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 13, 2025

Need a great book to spring into the new season? This spring, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 21 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Spring 2025 reading list.
Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli & More Look Back on Their Iconic Broadway Roles Photo
Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli & More Look Back on Their Iconic Broadway Roles
by Michael Major - Apr 7, 2025

29 Broadway legends – including Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, André De Shields, and more – are looking back on their most iconic roles in the latest issue of New York Magazine. See photos!
Photos: Highlights of LYNNE CHARNAY's 100th Birthday Show at Don't Tell Mama Photo
Photos: Highlights of LYNNE CHARNAY's 100th Birthday Show at Don't Tell Mama
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 4, 2025

The acclaimed Broadway and cabaret singer - still going strong at 100 – celebrated her birthday with 4/1 and 4/2 shows at Don't Tell Mama featuring hits of the Great American Songbook, guest stars and plenty of fun.
Review: CABARET at Scherr Forum Photo
Review: CABARET at Scherr Forum
by Cary Ginell - Mar 23, 2025

5-Star Theatricals uses low-angle lighting to highlight the decadence of pre-Nazi era Berlin, but the performances are not as bold as previous productions of 'Cabaret' have been. Sean Samuels plays The Emcee as if he were a Chippendale's dancer while Emily Goglia channels Glynis Johns rather than Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles.
Adam Shapiro Comes to Feinstein's in Carmel Photo
Adam Shapiro Comes to Feinstein's in Carmel
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2025

Adam Shapiro. an award-winning actor and singer, one who has performed all over the country and the world, will perform up close and personal in the intimate setting that is Feinstein's inside The Hotel Carmichael in Carmel. 
Lynne Charnay to Celebrate 100th Birthday With Performance at Don't Tell Mama Photo
Lynne Charnay to Celebrate 100th Birthday With Performance at Don't Tell Mama
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

On the evening of her 100th birthday, legendary performer Lynne Charnay will take the stage at Don't Tell Mama. Learn more about the upcoming performance!
CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben to Present Rob Russell & Avery Sommers Photo
CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben to Present Rob Russell & Avery Sommers
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025

The final CULTURE & COCKTAILS brings back two longtime favorites- Rob Russell and Avery Sommers- and frequent musical performers along with several surprise guests.
Season Ticket Holders Share Their Excitement About The Muny's 107th Season in 2025 Photo
Season Ticket Holders Share Their Excitement About The Muny's 107th Season in 2025
by James Lindhorst - Mar 7, 2025

On Monday, March 10, 2025, new season subscriptions go on sale for The Muny’s107th season. The 2025 season brings the premieres of BRING IT ON, COME FROM AWAY, DISNEY’S FROZEN, and DEAR EVAN HANSEN to The Muny stage in Forest Park. EVITA, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, AND JERSEY BOYS round out the seven show season. This season promises to be as exceptional as last year’s magical season. 
Meet The Cast Of ATI's Latest LabSeries KANNON GETS THE WIGGLES Photo
Meet The Cast Of ATI's Latest LabSeries KANNON GETS THE WIGGLES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2025

The LAB Series program is Actors Theatre of Indiana’s commitment to nurturing new plays and playwrights. Learn more about the upcoming event and see how to attend.
Review: BACKSTAGE BABBLE Brought Flops Back to Life at 54 Below Photo
Review: BACKSTAGE BABBLE Brought Flops Back to Life at 54 Below
by Andrew Poretz - Feb 25, 2025

Charles Kirsch’s latest Backstage Babble was a fun resurrection of songs from mostly flop shows that quickly failed on Broadway or out of town. The theme was inspired by Joe Allen's “flop wall” of posters from shows that closed in the first week.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Joel Grey been in?

Joel Grey has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

How many West End shows has Joel Grey been in?

Joel Grey has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Joel Grey been nominated for?

Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish), Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish), Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Normal Heart, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Normal Heart, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Give Me Your Answer, Do!, Best Featured Actor - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Chicago , Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Chicago, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Cabaret, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Grand Tour, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Grand Tour, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Goodtime Charley, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Goodtime Charley, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for George M!, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for George M! and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Cabaret.

What awards has Joel Grey won?

Best Direction of a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Normal Heart; Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Normal Heart; Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Give Me Your Answer, Do!; Best Featured Actor - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Chicago; Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Chicago; Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for George M!; and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Cabaret.

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