Joel Grey Headshot

Joel Grey

Also Credited As: Joel Katz

Birth Place: USA

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Joel Grey BIO

In a career that was launched in the early 1950’s, Joel Grey has created indelible stage roles each decade since: as the iconic M.C. in Cabaret (1966, Tony Award), as song and dance man George M. Cohan in George M! (1967, Tony nomination), as Charley VII in Goodtime Charlie (1975, Tony nomination), as Jacobowsky in The Grand Tour (1979, Tony nomination), as Olim in New York City Opera’s Silverlake (1981), as Amos Hart in the landmark revival of Chicago (1996), and as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in Wicked (2004).

Joel’s non-musical stage roles include John Guare’s Marco Polo Sings a Solo (1975) at the Public Theatre; the title role in the Williamstown Theatre Festival production of Chekhov’s Platonov (1978); Larry Kramer’s seminal The Normal Heart (1986) at the Public Theatre; the American Repertory Theatre’s production of Ibsen’s When We Dead Awaken (1991) at the Sao Paulo Biennale, directed by Robert Wilson; Herringbone at the Hartford Stage (1992); John Patrick Shanley’s A Fool and Her Fortune (NY Stage and Film, 1992); and in the Roundabout Theatre production of Brian Friel’s Give Me Your Answer, Do! (1999), for which he received a Drama Desk Award nomination. Grey’s film credits include Cabaret (Academy Award), Frank Perry’s Man on A Swing (1974), Robert Altman’s Buffalo Bill and the Indians (1976); Herbert Ross’ The Seven Percent Solution (1976); Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (1985, Golden Globe Nomination); Steven Soderbergh’s Kafka (1991); Altman’s The Player (1992); Phillip Haas’ The Music of Chance (1993); Michael Ritchie’s adaptation of The Fantasticks (2000); Lars von Trier’s Dancer in the Dark (2000) with Bjork and Catherine Deneuve; and Clark Gregg’s Choke, which premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Joel’s recent television credits include “Alias,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Brooklyn Bridge,” (Emmy Award-nomination), “Oz,” “Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” "House," "Brothers & Sisters," "Private Practice," and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

In April 2010, The Paley Center for Media in New York presented “An Evening with Joel Grey,” celebrating Joel’s remarkable, multi-decade career in television. Joel is also an internationally exhibited, acclaimed photographer. He has had three photography books published: Pictures I Had to Take (2003), Looking Hard at Unexamined Things (2006), and 1.3: Images from My Phone (2009). Joel Grey is one of only eight actors to have won both the Tony and Academy award for the same role. In 1984, he was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and has received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is also the recipient of the Distinguished Artist Award from the Los Angeles Music Center. In 1993, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis presented Joel with the Municipal Arts Society medal naming him a Living New York Landmark.

In October 2009, Grey performed at Carnegie Hall, alongside Lady Gaga, Bono, Rufus Wainwright and more to benefit (RED) and help stop AIDS in Africa.

Currently directing Fiddler on the Roof, Grey also, co-directed the Tony-winning Broadway premiere of The Normal Heart in 2011.

Joel is an internationally exhibited photographer with four published books: Pictures I Had to Take (2003), Looking Hard at Unexamined Things (2006), 1.3—Images From My Phone (2009) and The Billboard Papers (2013). His memoir, Master of Ceremonies, was released in 2016 (Flatiron Press).

Joel Grey Photos

Joel Grey STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Broadway Revival, 2016
Firs

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2011
Moonface Martin

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Jack Donovan

[US Tour]
2nd National Tour, 1997
Amos Hart [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Amos Hart

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1996
Amos Hart

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1987
Master of Ceremonies

The Emcee (Master of Ceremonies)

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Ned Weeks [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
S. L. Jacobowsky

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Stony McBride

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Charley

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1968
George M. Cohan

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Master of Ceremonies

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1965
Arthur Kipps [Replacement]

[US Tour]
National Tour, 1963
Littlechap

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1962
Littlechap [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1961
Buddy Baker [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1958
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1956
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1956
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Return Engagement [NYCO Revival], 1980
Performer

Joel Grey Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2019]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2011]
Director

Joel Grey Movies

About Face
[ 1952 ] Bender
Come September
[ 1961 ] Beagle
Man on a Swing
[ 1974 ] Franklin Wills
Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull's History Lesson
[ 1976 ] The Producer Nate Salisbury
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution
[ 1976 ] Lowenstein
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
Dancer in the Dark
[ 2000 ] Oldrich Novy
The Fantasticks
[ 2000 ] Bellomy
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

Joel Grey TV Shows

Brooklyn Bridge
Jacob Prossman
The Outer Limits
Gideon Banks, Dr. Nathan Seward

Joel Grey 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

Joel Grey Videos

Joel Grey News


Review Roundup: CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Opens on Broadway


Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club opened tonight at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway. Check out what the critics had to say here!

CABARET Star Eddie Redmayne to Appear on GOOD MORNING AMERICA Next Week


Tune in to see Eddie Redmayne on Good Morning America next week! On Thursday April 25, the Cabaret star will be on GMA to talk the new production, which is currently in previews. In Cabaret, he plays 'The Emcee', a role played by Joel Grey in the 1966 and 1987 Broadway productions. At this time, it is unknown if he will be performing a number from the show.

FOUR Clé Holly's Play With Music To Have Industry Reading in New York


Experience the magic of theater with Clé Holly's new play featuring music and a talented cast of Broadway professionals. Coming soon to New York, this is a performance not to be missed.

Storm Large Takes the Stage This Weekend At Feinstein's


This Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, get lost in the powerful voice of STORM LARGE as she takes the stage at Feinstein's inside The Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

See Ari Axelrod, The Music of GREASE & More at Feinstein's This Month


The month of April offers a variety of entertainment opportunities for fans from 1 to 100 and everywhere in between. Check out all the activities coming to Feinstein's at The Hotel Carmichael this month.

Photos: Joel Grey Celebrates 92nd Birthday at CABARET


On Thursday, April 11, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club celebrated Broadway legend Joel Grey’s 92nd birthday on stage at the August Wilson Theatre. See photos here!

Photos: CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Celebrates Joel Grey's 92nd Birthday!


Last night, the company of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club Broadway legend Joel Grey’s 92nd birthday on stage at the August Wilson Theatre. See photos of the show's Academy and Tony-winning star with the production's stars, Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin. 

Video: Joel Grey and Eddie Redmayne Talk CABARET and The 'Emcee' Legacy


Last night, the company of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club wilkommened some very special guests to their immersive nightclub home! Eddie Redmayne currently in previews as the ‘Emcee’ in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club celebrated Broadway legend Joel Grey’s 92nd birthday on stage at the August Wilson Theatre.

The Cherry Orchard Festival Will Present the New York Premiere of ADDRESS UNKNOWN


The Cherry Orchard Festival will present the New York premiere of ADDRESS UNKOWN, a playstarring pianist Evgeny Kissin and baritone Thomas Hampson in acting-only roles, based on the anti-fascist novel by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor banned in 1930s Germany.

In a Deconstructed and Immersive Production CABARET KIT KAT CLUB Opens in Brazil


In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920's draw to a close, a garish MC welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee's bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin's natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 11, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 11, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Brenda Braxton, Amanda Green & More to Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES JOE ALLEN RESTAURANT


54 BELOW will present a special edition of Backstage Babble Live celebrating the iconic wall of Broadway flop posters at Joe Allen Restaurant. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Ava Paris Locknar to Present TALL GIRL SINGING at Birdland Theater


BIRDLAND THEATER will present rising actress and vocalist Ava Paris Locknar in “Tall Girl Singing' this month. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

See Alice Ripley and John McDaniel, JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY & More at Birdland in April


Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater are open this April with a full slate of nightly performances! See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.

See Ari Axelrod, a Johnny Cash Tribute & More at Feinstein's This Month


Feinstein's has revealed the full lineup for April. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.

Meet the Cast of CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


The Kit Kat Club is now open! Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, starring Academy Award and Tony Award winner Eddie Redmayne and introducing Gayle Rankin, begins previews tonight, April 1, at the August Wilson Theatre. Meet the cast of Cabaret here!

Registration Now Open For Ballet Hispánico School Of Dance Spring Adult Classes


Join Ballet Hispánico School of Dance's spring adult classes from April 1 - June 6, 2024. Offering open-level classes in salsa, tango, ballet, pilates, and flamenco, enhance your dance and fitness skills with world-renowned professionals in a fun, supportive environment.

THE VOICE's Wendy Moten to Return to Birdland Jazz Club in April


BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present return of Nashville vocalist Wendy Moten – best known for her 2021 run on NBC’s “The Voice”. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Broadway Stage and Screen- A Spring 2024 Watch Guide


A new Broadway season has arrived at last, full of exciting new shows and revivals of beloved classics. While many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 10 are already films that you can watch from home. If you are seeing any of the below productions in 2024, check out how you can study up beforehand or unpack afterwards!

Alice Ripley and John McDaniel to Perform at Birdland in April


BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present Tony Award-winning singer and actress Alice Ripley and Grammy and Emmy Award-winning musical director and pianist John McDaniel in concert. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Joel Grey 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?

Joel Grey has been nominated for various awards throughout his career. These include Outstanding Director of a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Fiddler on the Roof" (in Yiddish), Best Direction of a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "The Normal Heart," Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Wicked," and many more. Grey has also received nominations for his performances in productions such as "Chicago," "Cabaret," "Goodtime Charley," and "George M!" among others.

What awards has Joel Grey won?

Joel Grey has won several awards throughout his career, including Best Direction of a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "The Normal Heart," Outstanding Director of a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Normal Heart," Outstanding Featured Actor - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Give Me Your Answer, Do!," Best Featured Actor - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Chicago," Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Chicago," Best Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "George M!," and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Cabaret."

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