Harvey Forbes Fierstein (b.1952,) is an American actor, playwright, and influential LGBT rights activist. He rose to prominence in the 1980s, making significant contributions to both theater and film.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Fierstein graduated from the Pratt Institute in 1973, launching a successful career in New York theatre and playwriting. In 1982, he gained widespread acclaim for Torch Song Trilogy, a groundbreaking play exploring the challenges faced by a gay man in New York City. This achievement earned him multiple Tony Awards, including Best Play, Best Actor, and Best Featured Actor.
Fierstein continued his success in theater, winning another Tony Award for the musical La Cage aux Folles (1983) and receiving acclaim for his roles in Broadway productions like Hairspray (2002.) Beyond theater, Fierstein made a mark in film and television, starring in and writing the screenplay for the film adaptation of Torch Song Trilogy (1988,) earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
As an openly gay figure, Fierstein has been a dedicated advocate for LGBT rights, utilizing his platform to promote awareness and acceptance. His contributions extend to children’s literature with the book The Sissy Duckling (2002.) His memoir is I Was Better Last Night (2022.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Harvey Fierstein
Beware of anyone who says they know. Trust me, they don’t, or they wouldn’t have to say they did.
—Harvey Fierstein
Topics: Trust
If you deny yourself commitment, what can you do with your life?
—Harvey Fierstein
Topics: Commitment, Dedication
Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; but, define yourself.
—Harvey Fierstein
Of course people are afraid. But honestly facing that fear, seeing it for what it is, is the only way of putting it to rest.
—Harvey Fierstein
Topics: Risk, Danger
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