Cole Escola’s 2025 Tony Win Is a Victory for Every Queer Dreamer

Cole Escola

Cole Escola, a multi-talented actor, comedian, and writer from Oregon, made history on June 8, 2025, by becoming the first non-binary performer to win the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play. The award ceremony took place at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York.

🏆 Why Is This Win So Historic?

• Cole is the first non-binary performer to ever win a Tony Award in the play acting category.
• Previously, actors like J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell had won in musical categories, but Cole’s win marks the first major recognition for a non-binary actor in a dramatic play.

🎭 About “Oh, Mary!” – A Hilarious and Bold Play

• Cole wrote and starred in “Oh, Mary!”, a satirical one-act play that imagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a chaotic, cabaret-loving alcoholic during the final week of Abraham Lincoln’s life.
• The play mixes humor, emotion, and absurdity in a way that only Cole can pull off — making audiences laugh while also reflecting on personal identity and societal expectations.
• The character they portrayed is both funny and deeply human, winning praise from critics and fans alike.

📜 From Small-Town Oregon to Broadway Spotlight

• Born on November 25, 1986, in Clatskanie, Oregon, Cole started their entertainment journey through quirky YouTube sketches like Jeffrey & Cole Casserole.
• Later, they wrote and acted in shows like “Difficult People,” “Search Party,” “Big Mouth,” and “At Home With Amy Sedaris.”
• Their play Oh, Mary! started Off-Broadway in early 2024, quickly becoming a hit. Due to overwhelming demand, it moved to Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre in July 2024.
• The play even became a Pulitzer Prize for Drama finalist, proving Cole’s brilliance as both writer and performer.

📜 From Small-Town Oregon to Broadway Spotlight

• Born on November 25, 1986, in Clatskanie, Oregon, Cole started their entertainment journey through quirky YouTube sketches like Jeffrey & Cole Casserole.
• Later, they wrote and acted in shows like “Difficult People,” “Search Party,” “Big Mouth,” and “At Home With Amy Sedaris.”
• Their play Oh, Mary! started Off-Broadway in early 2024, quickly becoming a hit. Due to overwhelming demand, it moved to Broadway’s Lyceum Theatre in July 2024.
• The play even became a Pulitzer Prize for Drama finalist, proving Cole’s brilliance as both writer and performer.

🌟 The Big Tony Night

• The Tony Awards ceremony on June 8, 2025, was hosted by Cynthia Erivo.
• Cole stunned the audience by winning Best Leading Actor in a Play. Their heartfelt speech included a humorous thank-you to a “Grindr date” and a moving shoutout to their mom:
  “Hi, Mom. I love you. I’ll call you when I can.”
• They ended their speech with a bold message: “You’re right. Everyone else is wrong.” A moment that resonated deeply with queer youth.

Read more about Cole Escola’s performance on the official Tony Awards winners list.

⏳ Final Broadway Shows & Legacy

• Cole played the role of Mary on Broadway until June 21, 2025, after which Tituss Burgess took over.
• Their performance was powerful, funny, and brave — pushing boundaries and making audiences rethink gender and historical narratives.

💬 Cultural Impact of the Win

• Cole’s victory is not just about one award — it represents a shift in theatre culture.
• It empowers LGBTQ+ artists, especially those who don’t conform to binary gender labels, to dream big and take up space on center stage.
• It also reminds us that art should be inclusive, fearless, and true to one’s identity.

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📝 In Conclusion

Cole Escola’s Tony win is a celebration of uniqueness, talent, and identity. Their bold choices, sharp humor, and fearless storytelling have inspired countless young performers. With this victory, they haven’t just made history — they’ve opened a door for many others to follow.

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📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who is Cole Escola?

Ans: Cole Escola is a non-binary actor, writer, and comedian from Oregon, known for their unique style and bold storytelling. They gained widespread recognition for their play Oh, Mary!, which led to their historic Tony Award win in 2025.

Q2. What made Cole Escola’s 2025 Tony Award win so historic?

Ans: Cole Escola became the first non-binary performer to win a Tony Award in the “Best Leading Actor in a Play” category, marking a major milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in theatre.

Q3. What is Oh, Mary! about?

Ans: Oh, Mary! is a satirical play written and performed by Cole Escola. It humorously reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln as a dramatic, cabaret-loving figure during the final days of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency.

Q4. When and where did the 2025 Tony Awards take place?

Ans: The 2025 Tony Awards were held on June 8 at the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Q5. What did Cole Escola say in their Tony acceptance speech?

Ans: In their acceptance speech, Cole mixed humor and heartfelt words. They thanked a Grindr date for support, gave a shout-out to their mom, and ended by saying, “You’re right. Everyone else is wrong.”

Q6. Is Oh, Mary! still running on Broadway?

Ans: Cole Escola ended their performance on June 21, 2025. After that, actor Tituss Burgess took over the role. The show remains a cultural hit.

Q7. What does Cole Escola’s win mean for the future of Broadway?

Ans: Cole’s win signals a positive shift towards inclusivity and diversity in theatre. It opens doors for non-binary and LGBTQ+ artists to take center stage without conforming to traditional norms.

Q8. Has Cole Escola won any other major awards?

Ans: Apart from their Tony win, Cole Escola’s play Oh, Mary! was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, reflecting their talent as both a writer and performer.