Joel Grey

Joel Grey (born Joel David Katz; April 11, 1932) is an American actor, singer, dancer, photographer, and theatre director renowned for originating the role of the Master of Ceremonies in the Broadway musical Cabaret (1966), a portrayal that earned him the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. He reprised the role in the 1972 film adaptation directed by Bob Fosse, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, along with a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award. Grey's performance as the enigmatic, androgynous emcee, set against the backdrop of 1930s Berlin, became a defining hallmark of his career, making him one of only eight performers to secure both a Tony and an Oscar for the same character.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Jewish comedian and musician Mickey Katz, Grey began performing as a child and built a versatile stage career that included lead roles in musicals such as George M! (1968), for which he received a Tony nomination, and later as the Wizard in Wicked (2003 revival). His work extends to film appearances in Man on a Swing (1974) and television, including guest spots on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, alongside directing and photography pursuits. In recognition of his enduring contributions to theatre, Grey was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2023, presented by his daughter, actress Jennifer Grey.