Harvey Fierstein

Harvey Forbes Fierstein (born June 6, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American actor, author, and singer. He currently resides in the small, affluent town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. He is best known for his semi-autobiographical play and film Torch Song Trilogy, which he wrote (play and screenplay) and in which he starred. He won the 1983 Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play and Best Play for Torch Song Trilogy. He also had a role as Robin Williams' maskmaker brother in Mrs. Doubtfire, made a notable appearance in 1996's blockbuster summer hit Independence Day, was featured as the voice for Karl, Homer Simpson's assistant, in an episode of The Simpsons, and the voice of "Elmer" in the 1999 HBO special based on his children's book The Sissy Duckling. He made a one-episode appearance on Cheers and he narrated a documentary about Harvey Milk.

He is known for his gravelly voice and camp demeanour. In addition to his film roles he is a stand-up comedian and drag queen, as well as a playwright and columnist on gay issues. He wrote the book for the Jerry Herman musical La Cage aux Folles, for which he won the 1984 Tony for Best Book (Musical). In 2003, he won the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for the musical Hairspray (based on the film by John Waters), joining Tommy Tune as the only people to win the Tony in four different categories. He appeared in the role of Tevye the milkman in the Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, from February 2005 until the show closed in January 2006.

Fierstein is also the voice of SIRIUS OutQ radio on the Sirius Radio network.

On May 31, 2006, he sang a tribute to Katie Couric live on the Today Show (NBC network) on her last day.

External links

• Harvey Fierstein at IMDb
• Harvey Fierstein at the Notable Names Database