Harvey Fierstein

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Harvey Fierstein

American actor and playwright

Also known as: Harvey Forbes Fierstein

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 13, 2024 • Article History

Quick Facts

In full:: Harvey Forbes Fierstein

Born:: June 6, 1954, Brooklyn, New York, U.S. (age 70)

Awards And Honors:: Tony Awards (2003); Tony Awards (1986); Tony Awards (1983); Tony Awards (1982)

Notable Works:: “Bella Bella”; “I Was Better Last Night”; “The Torch Song Trilogy”

On the Web:: NPR - Best Of: Harvey Fierstein on Broadway, drag, and his legendary voice (Dec. 13, 2024)

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Harvey Fierstein (born June 6, 1954, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.) is an American comedian, author, and playwright who was best known as the author of The Torch Song Trilogy, which centres on gay families. He often spoke out about gay rights issues. Fierstein was born into a strict Jewish family. He graduated from the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, with a bachelor of fine arts degree (1973) and soon made a career in New York theatre and playwriting. Having already won a part at age 16 in Andy Warhol’s play Pork (1971; staged at La MaMa), Fierstein went on to perform in ...(100 of 471 words)

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