As the first nonbinary actor to win a Tony for best lead performance in a musical for the transitioning role of Jerry/Daphne in the 2022-23 Broadway production of Some Like It Hot (which also garnered Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Grammy Awards), Fayetteville, North Carolina native J. Harrison Ghee secured well more than a Warholian fifteen minutes of fame, attaining never-ending renown and stature in the annals of theater history.
After moving to NYC to study at AMDA (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy), the triple-threat talent launched a worldwide career working at Tokyo Disney, on cruise ships, and in national tours before taking Broadway by storm as Lola in Kinky Boots, Andre Mayhem in Mrs. Doubtfire, and Johnny Hooker in The Sting. Beyond the stage, Ghee has also appeared on screen in the titular role of “Robyn’s Story” on Fox’s hit TV anthology Accused (directed by Billy Porter), as Kwame in the Netflix series Raising Dion, and as a guest star on HBO’s High Maintenance.
In addition to making trailblazing contributions in the realm of acting, Ghee has been an active participant in other important social causes, including Broadway Barks (the star-studded pet adoption event held annually in Shubert Alley), and as an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, involved with such humanitarian organizations as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, GLAAD, God’s Love We Deliver, and more. In so doing, Ghee hopes to “create roles and conversations that reach beyond what was and into a realm of infinite possibilities,” while living by the mantra, “You have to free yourself to see yourself,” with the mission of “inspiring people to dream big and to chase those dreams.”
Recently, Ghee entertained and illuminated audiences as transgender icon The Lady Chablis in the Chicago premiere of the new musical adaptation of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by Taylor Mac (book) and Jason Robert Brown (music and lyrics), set to make its Broadway debut in 2025, and will be seen back in NYC on Monday, October 21, in the latest one-night-only installment of Jay Armstrong Johnson’s annual Halloween theatrical concert-meets-party, I Put a Spell on You: ALiiVE at Webster Hall, to benefit The Ali Forney Center – the nation’s largest agency providing support and services to LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing homelessness. And the busy, in-demand star graciously took time to answer my questions and to get fans excited about the Halloween season and the upcoming fundraising show.
- Do you believe in witches?
JHG: There is a little witch in all of us if you really tap it.
- If you could cast a spell on the world, what would it be?
I’d cast a spell of true unconditional love over the world.
- Do you have a favorite Halloween treat – or trick?
I can’t say that I do have a favorite treat or trick. It’s fun to see what each Halloween brings.
- Is there a potion you enjoy most in your off time?
The potion I enjoy most on my off time is cannabis.
- What’s been your most memorable Halloween costume?
I won a costume contest in Texas when I toured with Kinky Boots, and I was dressed as a peacock. I painted myself fully blue.
- What motivated you to appear in I Put a Spell on You?
I Put a Spell on You always brings out something new in me and it’s fun to play with Jay Armstrong Johnson and everyone.
- Is there a song, move, or line in it that you’re most looking forward to delivering?
There are some alternate lyrics in my number that are just so gay and will definitely make the children holler.
- Do you like it hot?
Why of course I do.
- What three emotions did you feel when you won your Tony Award?
Gratitude, joy, pride.
- Who’s been the biggest inspiration in your career?
The future is my biggest inspiration, creating a freer industry and society for us to exist in.
- What’s your first creative memory?
I always say I came out of my mother singing; it’s just always been my creative home base.
- What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Grounded, silly, tender.
- What’s your favorite pastime when you’re not working?
I love all kinds of shopping when I’m not working; thrifting, shopping for my future properties, shopping for others, every kind of shopping.
- What do you love most about NYC?
There is always something to do in NYC, experiences and adventures around every corner.
- What’s the most notable thing about being famous?
I’m starting to get used to the fact that people may recognize me at any given moment. It’s not my favorite thing, but I’m receiving it better.
Many thanks to you for sharing a fabulous fifteen minutes with us, getting everyone into the Halloween spirit, and letting our readers get to know your beautiful inner spirit a little better!
I Put a Spell on You: ALiiVE at Webster Hall plays on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 8 pm (doors open at 7), at Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street, NYC. For tax-deductible tickets (starting at $65 for general admission, $250 for sponsorship and VIP, plus fees), go online. If you can’t make it to the live performance, the show will stream on Broadway on Demand beginning at 8 pm on Sunday, October 27, and will be available until October 31. For tickets (priced at $35), click here.
