Unveiling the Phenomenal Rise of Tony Award Nominee J Harrison Ghee

J. Harrison Ghee has made history by becoming the first nonbinary actor to receive a Tony Award nomination. The American Theatre Wing revealed in May 2023 that Ghee was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for their portrayal of Jerry/Daphne in Some Like It Hot. He/they pronoun user and a native of North Carolina, Ghee is in the running alongside notable actors such as Christian Borle, Josh Groban, Brian D’Arcy James, Ben Platt, and Colton Ryan. The award ceremony is set to be broadcasted live on June 11, 2023, on CBS.

"I feel incredibly grateful and humbled by this recognition. I strive to live by the principles of authenticity and presence, and am thrilled that the work I've put in is being acknowledged," expressed Ghee enthusiastically to The Hollywood Reporter upon learning of the nominations. "The Shubert Theater is home to something truly special, and I'm honored to be a part of it."

Joining Ghee in making history as a 2023 Tony Award nominee is Alex Newell, renowned for their role in Glee and for identifying as nonbinary. Newell has been nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for their performance in Shucked, where they play the role of Lulu, a gender nonconforming whisky distiller in this charming cornfed production.

In the musical "Some Like It Hot," Ghee's role breaks boundaries as Jerry, a grounded artist who dreams and keeps his pal Joe in line. The two musicians are forced to flee Chicago after witnessing a mob hit during Prohibition. While on the run from gangsters, they go undercover in drag, which Jerry thoroughly enjoys. According to Ghee, their relationship is grounded in love, truth, and experience, resembling that of an odd couple with a sibling-like bond.

During the workshop and rehearsals for Broadway, Ghee shared that the creative process was collaborative and involved ongoing conversations. She noted that some of the things she says in her everyday life ended up being incorporated into the script. The production, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, features an impressive cast including Adrianna Hicks, Kevin Del Aguila, Natasha Yvette Williams, and Adam Heller. With 12 Tony nominations, including leading acting honors for Borle and Ghee, Some Like It Hot is the most-nominated production of the 2023 theatrical season.

Scroll below to learn more about the first-time Tony nominee:

Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock

Who Is J. Harrison Ghee? 5 Things to Know About the History-Making Tony Award Nominee

In a groundbreaking moment for the entertainment industry, J. Harrison Ghee made history by becoming the first nonbinary actor to be nominated for a Tony Award. The announcement was made in May 2023 by the American Theatre Wing, which organizes the prestigious awards ceremony. Ghee's impressive portrayal of Jerry/Daphne in Some Like It Hot earned them a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. Among the other nominees in this category are Christian Borle, Josh Groban, Brian D’Arcy James, Ben Platt, and Colton Ryan. The Tony Awards ceremony will be broadcast live on June 11, 2023, on CBS.

Ghee expressed her gratitude for the nomination, emphasizing her commitment to living in the present and speaking her truth without attachment to any particular outcome. She credited the success of the show to the strength of the work itself and the talented team behind it. Another groundbreaking nominee for the 2023 Tony Awards is Alex Newell, who identifies as nonbinary and earned a nod for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for their role in "Shucked." Newell's portrayal of the gender nonconforming whisky distiller Lulu in the cornfed musical is a testament to the power of diverse representation in the performing arts.

In the musical "Some Like It Hot," Ghee's portrayal of Jerry challenges gender norms and adds a new layer to the story. Set during Prohibition in Chicago, the plot follows two musicians on the run after witnessing a mob hit. As they evade the gangsters, they go undercover in drag, which Jerry relishes. Ghee's character is a grounded artist who balances out his partner Joe, and their relationship is defined by love and truth.

During the workshop and rehearsals for Broadway, Ghee found the collaborative process to be engaging and fruitful, often seeing her own everyday musings make their way into the script. The production of Some Like It Hot, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, stars a talented cast including Adrianna Hicks, Kevin Del Aguila, Natasha Yvette Williams, and Adam Heller. With 12 Tony nominations, including leading acting honors for Borle and Ghee, it is the most-nominated production of the 2023 theatrical season.

Scroll below to learn more about the first-time Tony nominee:

Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Shutterstock

What Role Earned J. Harrison Ghee Their 1st Tony Award Nomination?

In December 2022, Ghee successfully portrayed both Jerry and Daphne in Some Like It Hot. Their outstanding performance earned them a highly sought-after nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the 2023 Tonys.

Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock

Why Is J. Harrison Ghee’s Tony Nomination Historic?

Ghee is the first nonbinary actor to earn a Tony nod for a leading performance in a musical.

"We need to break free from the limitations we've placed on ourselves and allow ourselves the freedom to pursue our dreams," said the Broadway veteran in a joint interview with Newell for Time in May 2023. "As members of society, we have the power to shape culture and pave the way for others. Let's lead the charge and create a space where everyone has a seat at the table and the opportunity to achieve their goals."

Reflecting on the impact of their work, they expressed excitement at seeing more people feeling seen and represented. "It's gratifying to know that we've inspired others to pursue their dreams and realize their potential. Being a source of inspiration for someone else is already a win in itself."

Credit: Broadway World/Shutterstock

What Other Broadway Roles Has J. Harrison Ghee Played?

In 2017, Ghee marked their Broadway debut with a stunning performance as drag queen Lola in the hit musical Kinky Boots. Their portrayal of the character was widely praised by audiences and critics alike. Two years later, they reprised their leading role at The Muny outdoor theatre in St. Louis, showcasing their versatility as an actor. Ghee also showcased their talents in the Broadway adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire, where they played the character of André Mayhem.

Credit: John Nacion/Shutterstock

What Has J. Harrison Ghee Said About Their Identity?

"I have learned from Daphne the importance of living authentically and embracing all aspects of myself. Though I never envisioned myself as a drag queen, the seeds were planted in my youth and ultimately led me to my Broadway debut as Lola in Kinky Boots. Initially, I kept my drag persona separate from my daily life, fearing being pigeonholed. Yet, it was through drag that I discovered my uniqueness and learned to fully accept myself. We often try to hide our differences, but it is these very attributes that make us special and allow us to shine. My hope is to inspire others to embrace their individuality and celebrate their own unique qualities, allowing them to live life boldly and authentically."

Credit: Adela Loconte/Shutterstock

Where Is J. Harrison Ghee From?

Raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Ghee later pursued their passion for performing by attending American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Following graduation, they secured numerous roles on Broadway, launching their career as a performer.