Harvey Fierstein biography, quotes, hairspray, movies

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<h2>Early Life and Background</h2>
<p>Harvey Fierstein was born in 1954 in Brooklyn, New York. He is the <a href="/biography/harvey-fierstein">son</a> of Eastern European Jewish immigrants. His mother, Jacqueline, worked as a school librarian, and his father, Irving, was a handkerchief manufacturer. Raised in a conservative Jewish household, Fierstein later identified as an atheist and does not practice the religion.</p>

<h2>Breakthrough and Stage Success</h2>
<p>Fierstein gained widespread recognition for writing and starring in the play <em>Torch Song Trilogy</em>, which centers on a gay drag performer in search of love and family. The play earned him the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play as well as the Tony Award for Best Play.</p>

<p>He further cemented his place in Broadway history by originating the role of Edna Turnblad in the musical <em>Hairspray</em>, for which he won the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Award_for_Best_Actor_in_a_Musical">Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical</a>. Fierstein also wrote the book for the musical <em>La Cage aux Folles</em>, earning the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical. Later, he co-wrote the Tony Award-winning book for <em>Kinky Boots</em>, another acclaimed musical.</p>

<p>In 2007, Fierstein was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in recognition of his significant contributions to the craft.</p>

<h2>Screen Roles and Voice Acting</h2>
<p>Fierstein began his screen acting career with a role in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Warhol">Andy Warhol</a>'s only play performed at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. He pursued other film opportunities while also developing interests in painting. He studied at Pratt Institute, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.</p>

<p>Some of Fierstein's notable film roles include appearances in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woody_Allen">Woody Allen</a>'s <em>Bullets Over Broadway</em>, <a href="/biography/robin-williams">Robin Williams</a>’s makeup artist brother in <em>Mrs. Doubtfire</em>, and supporting roles in <em>Death to Smoochy</em>, <em>Independence Day</em>, <em>Kull the Conqueror</em>, <em>Duplex</em>, and <em>Garbo Talks</em>. He earned acclaim as the narrator for the documentary <em>The Times of Harvey Milk</em>, for which the film won a News & Documentary Emmy Award.</p>

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<h2>Voice Work and Animated Features</h2>
<p>Fierstein is widely recognized for his signature gravelly voice. He provided the voice for the character Yao in Disney's animated feature <em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulan_(1998_film)">Mulan</a></em> and reprised the role in <em>Mulan II</em>. He also lent his voice to the video game <em>Kingdom Hearts II</em>, which featured characters from the <em><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulan_(1998_film)">Mulan</a></em> franchise.</p>

<p>In television, he voiced Karl, the assistant to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homer_Simpson">Homer Simpson</a>, in the Emmy-nominated episode "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simpson_and_Delilah">Simpson and Delilah</a>" from <em>The Simpsons</em>.</p>

<h2>Writing and Activism</h2>
<p>A longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Fierstein has used his platform to address social issues. He has authored opinion columns discussing gay rights and equality. Fierstein came out as gay during a time when few public figures were open about their sexual orientation, and he remains an influential voice in the LGBTQ+ community today.</p>

<p>Earlier in his career, he performed as a stand-up comic and female impersonator. Known for pushing boundaries in both theater and activism, Fierstein has continually used his fame to promote understanding and inclusivity.</p>

<h2>Personal Life</h2>
<p>Harvey Fierstein currently resides in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Throughout his multifaceted career as an actor, playwright, and voice actor, his distinctive voice and unique storytelling have made him a beloved figure in American theater and entertainment.</p>

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