Who Is Harvey Fierstein?

Born on the 6^th of June, 1954 in Bensonhurst, New York, Harvey Forbes Fierstein is no stranger to success. He's won numerous awards for writing ("Torch Song Trilogy," "La Cage Aux Folles") and for performing ("Torch Song Trilogy," "Hairspray") in both movies and theatre. Easily recognized--whether it be for his unique voice or his drag queen performances--Harvey has graciously appeared in some of the most memorable movies ("Mrs. Doubtfire," "Independence Day"), leant his voice to various cartoons ("Mulan," "The Simpsons") and has participated in such sitcoms as "Miami Vice," "Ellen" and "Cheers."

Harvey's father--Irving--was a handkerchief manufacturer, and his mother--Jacqueline "Jackie" Harriet Gilbert--was a housewife. He was educated in Brooklyn public schools and, in 1973, he received a B.F.A. in art from the Pratt Institute.

But being a playwright, television actor, movie actor and theatre actor isn't quite enough. Perhaps currently the most well-known gay actor, Harvey serves as a spokesperson for gays and lesbians and also devotes time to supporting AIDS events and charities.

As of the 2^nd of January, 2005, he has taken over Alfred Molina's role as Tevye in the Broadway performance of Fiddler On The Roof.

Harvey Tidbits

Has an older brother, Ronald, who has two adult sons.

Came out when he was thirteen and was supported by his parents and brother.

Performed in Manhattan's East Village, as a female impersonator, at the age of sixteen.

Attended Pratt Institute, in Brooklyn, because he was interested in becoming a painter.

In 1976, he broke up with his lover and, encouraged by his therapist, he wrote about the experience, turning it into "The International Stud" in which he played the lead role (a gay man whose bisexual lover leaves him for a woman).

Merged the first three stories based on the main character from "The International Stud" into one, titled "Torch Song Trilogy."

With his own personal touches, he wrote the book for "La Cage Aux Folles" and made it a Broadway hit.

Dustin Hoffman and Richard Dreyfuss both declined the lead role in the movie version of "Torch Song Trilogy" because they had seen Harvey play the lead and knew he would be the one for the movie, as well.

In 1998, before accepting a role in the animated movie "Mulan," he made sure that most of the cast was Asian so he wouldn't be taking work away from an Asian actor.

In 1999, his movie "The Sissy Duckling" was a hit and won him a Humanitas Prize in 2001. He later wrote the children's book, in 2002, and it was just as successful.

In 2002, he returned to the stage to play Edna Turnblad in "Hairsrpay." His Broadway musical debut was made in a dress and he was the first male actor to win an award for portraying a woman. He was only the second person to ever win awards in four different categories.

Made 711 performances as Edna Turblad in "Hairspray," before moving on to continue his film career.

Has toured with his club act "This Is Not Going To Be Pretty."

Supports many organizations, including the Services Legal Defense Fund which supports gay men and lesbians in the military.

In 2003, he appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade dressed as Edna Turnblad. He had asked the New York Post if they thought Santa would be just as popular if people knew he was partnered with someone of the same sex.

Turned down the roles of Penny Wise in Stephen King's movie "It" because he didn't want anti-gay people using the opportunity as a means of saying gay men prey on little children.

Doesn't believe in God, but prays every day and believes everyone is connected.

Had dyslexia when he was a child and loved reading books, but read slowly. Eventually got into plays because they weren't as descriptive.

Hobbies include quilting, gardening and cooking.

Torch Song Trilogy took about three months to film. Three weeks in New York and the rest in Los Angeles.

Pronounces his name "Fire-steen," his mother pronounces it "Fear-stein" and his brother pronounces it "Feer-steen."

His mother went back to high school and college when she was in her forties. She started working as a librarian, shortly after. Rather than let Harvey pay for her supplies and things, she chose to use her own money so she could remain independent.

Taught at his mom's school for one day and then went back to theatre. Harvey's brother, Ronald, was a folksinger at the time. He went on to become a lawyer.

His grandmother knitted him the scarf Arnold wears in Torch Song Trilogy.

During the run of Torch Song Trilogy, someone gave Harvey a pet rabbit, which he kept in his dressing room. The rabbit's name was Arnold.

Lived in Park Slope (Upper West Side), Brooklyn and nearly purchased a brownstone in the Village, but decided to take residence in Ridgefield, Connecticut, an hour from the city.

Longest conversation with Divine was in a launderette.

The songs filmed in Torch Song Trilogy were done live.