Alex Newell on being one of the first gender-nonconforming actors to be nominated for a Tony

Actor Alex Newell is returning Broadway in the new show, "Shucked" and has already been nominated for a Tony Award for their role. As part of News NOW’s series “Flipping the Script,” Joe Fryer speaks to Newell about being one of the first non-genderconforming actors to be nominated for a Tony and their career in entertainment.
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#AlexNewell #Shucked #TonyAwards

[@musicalstar21]

I love that Alex acknowledged why there were gendered categories in the first place, and is pushing for more inclusivity, not less. also loved their explanation of "actor" as a gender neutral term.

[@sydneyreid7401]

Yesss me too I never knew

[@marcblais]

SO MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT for Alex. They are such a talented performer and rightfully deserve all the praise and awards. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@emmab4587]

They spoke so eloquently this was honestly a lovely conversation

[@ChelCM03]

Alex Newell AND J. Harrison Ghee nominated in the same year!? TWO genderqueer people of color nominated the SAME YEAR??? We love to see it! Trolls can stay mad can they're SLAYING this season

[@bigjedimullet]

As a non-binary person who gave up on acting and singing 20 years ago due to gender confusion, I hope they both win. 💖

[@ChelCM03]

@Liam I'm not nb but I hope they win too! Not only for the rep but they also SLAY their performances and they 100% deserve it on talent alone

[@TikiKrissy]

@@bigjedimullet Maybe it's time for your return to the arts! You have my support 😘 And if not, that's okay too. I hope you are happy, whatever you choose!

[@bigjedimullet]

@@TikiKrissy NO ITS FINE IM NOT CRYING AT WORK OR ANYTHING. 💖 Thank you, genuinely! And honestly… I’m probably going back to voice lessons now that I know I can probably find a teacher who won’t try to force me into an uncomfortable range because of my assigned gender at birth. Maybe someday I’ll get to bring down a chandelier like I always wanted!

[@ChelCM03]

@@bigjedimullet I say go for it! It's never too late to chase your dreams!

[@TikiKrissy]

Alex is beautiful and has such a powerful voice (I meant singing, but also as a Voice of Reason!) I first saw Alex on the Tonys for the second revival of Once on this Island, and their voice just blew me away! I'm just overjoyed that Alex and J. Harrison were each nominated. Things move so fast nowadays that sometimes when something doesn't move at lightening speed, it feels like it's not changing at all. But little steps forward like this still count. Bravo, Alex Newell!

[@robertr798]

Soooo many triggered snowflakes in the comments. Alex is earning standing ovations nightly, and y'all can stay mad about it.

[@joeywowdale9953]

What a wonderful interview on both sides. Thoughtful questions and great answers.

[@dayvaughnmonroe9540]

“Is it blue or cerulean?” Should be the next album title

[@howardvincentkurtz4018]

Alex, thank you insight and thoughtful words that the world needs to hear at this moment in time.

[@beckykennedy6886]

Alex and I went to the same high school together. They - who was a he at the time - were a year younger than me. But we were in the same drama club. I didn’t really know them very well, but their performances during our plays… I just knew they had it. So it’s no surprise to me they won a tony. Well deserved.

[@Goodgodgetagripgirl]

Lol see your comment in like 2 other videos. Cool

[@charliestreeter5799]

Alex is not only talented and beautiful but also so inspiring, I’ve loved them since Glee and will be a life long fan♥️

[@tyrellanderson4722]

Them? How many is she?

[@charliestreeter5799]

@@tyrellanderson4722 Alex uses they/them pronouns I believe.

[@tyrellanderson4722]

@@charliestreeter5799 ahhh, yes. I see.

[@openyourmind3763]

They were so extraordinary in Zoey! Didn't recognize them from Glee at first. So glad to see continued success as the world needs thier talent!

[@TomerBrosh]

omg i just finished Glee again and Alex is fabulous

[@bigblue1287]

There will be No Tony's is Tennessee. 😂🤣.. Congrats Alex!!!!!!!!!!

[@DanCrowleyNYC]

Alex is incredible in this wonderful show, and their big song in Act 1 earns a well-deserved standing ovation in the middle of the show. So thrilled for this!

[@purplequeen8318]

Don't forget Alex was in Once on this Island.

[@daniellewilliams6721]

Mama will provide is still my favorite song

[@edreid7872]

Shucked, I mean Shooked Lea Michele announcing her name after their history..😅

[@raidenei2477]

no matter what Alex does or is in i will always follow them,since Glee,i saw myself in them,a Femme Non-Binary,Poc, Thespian,anything Alex touches i know it will shinee her voice is such a gift to anyone who hears it and i will always stand by that. 💗💗

[@AaronJay35]

Can we please get Alex in a touring production of kinky boots!❤

[@dallasjordan1311]

Alex is amazing. Much respect

[@fearlesssfcappuccino]

Love Alex!!! (And I'm now intrigued by "Shucked," too!! XD) We need more nonbinary visibility

[@tommyudo3195]

Lots of trolls and haters in this comments section. Alex, I don't know your work, but your courage is an inspiration.

[@punapeter]

you have a troll account.....

[@shanecasey8365]

what courage? There's people living in war zones, Jan.

[@tommyudo3195]

@@shanecasey8365 Where's your courage? Encouraging assaults on trans people? Spewing hate anonymously on KZbin? Yeah, that really takes guts. And the correct grammar is "there are people," not "there is people." I might respect your opinion if you were literate.

[@shanecasey8365]

@@tommyudo3195 Language evolves, honey. Even "bad grammar". Conversate is now a word. cope. Nowhere did I "encourage assaults on trans people". Quit being so shrieking and histrionic. It's embarrassing .

[@itzdevii]

Alex's effin Tony win is waaaaaaaayyyy long overdue!

[@jonathanrio6587]

I am going to see this show ESPECIALLY because of Alex! BUT if there is no reference to that little boy who says, "It's 'cone"", I'm requesting my money back! hahahaha

[@laurendowns6013]

I had the same thought! Did they make a musical after that kid!? 😂

[@n.fosbinder6312]

1. They brought him to the red carpet for opening 2. They really truly did add the lyric "it's got the juice" after he went viral!

[@jonathanrio6587]

@@n.fosbinder6312 I didn't know that!!! and I LOVE that BOTH of those pieces of information! That kid is AWESOME! thank you!

[@lukegrant-ve2ek]

ALEX NEWELL ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marthedramatiq]

And now they are a WINNER!!!!!!!

[@alvinmedina7121]

love you Alex , can't wait to see show

[@figmo397]

They're the second performer from The Glee Project to be nominated for a Tony. I hope he follows the first one and wins.

[@julioagua]

Who is the first one?

[@miz_logo_lee]

@@julioagua Ali Stroker for Ado Annie in Oklahoma

[@julioagua]

@@miz_logo_lee Oh yeah, thanks!

[@Analblockage]

Alex was fantastic in Shucked. I think they have a really good shot at winning the Tony.

[@lynnern57]

Completely agree! Alex so deserves this nomination!

[@jessicaflores8532]

Way to go Alex!!!! Well deserved, congratulations!!!

[@valerielevy8799]

If Alex doesn't win the Tony, I'm rioting :)

[@MABACTS]

same

[@gogakushayemi]

Alex is just buckets of talent. So amused that the musical is about corn. Lol. Also, depending on personality and with time and training especially, people can respond to new things with respect and curiosity, instead of defaulting to hate.

[@JoseLopez-zu9uk]

BRILLIANT SPECTACULAR. I agree with her. On the other hand, she's the #1 American black woman who won that award in this year.

[@nothx512]

Just say Person....

[@CrisPheasant]

Class, class, class. Alex that is all i can honestly say about them..class act from start to finish. I'm so glad they are getting the accolades that are more than deserved as they are immensely talented.

[@Pretzils1031]

We've gotta get Alex as Ursula at some point

[@laurendowns6013]

MO!!!!!!!! Enjoyed Alex in Glee, but it was his role as Mo that really sealed it for me! Wish Zoeys would have gotten more love. It was such a fun show.

[@JScott-jm1bo]

I can’t wait to see this show!!!

[@masonstarship56]

Good for him that he is still going strong after all these years

[@ygk1389]

They should have been nominated for Once on This Island too, but a win is a win.😊

[@n.fosbinder6312]

literally they were robbed that year but this performance will bring home the statue

[@blind_t2]

and now you can call Alex a winner!

[@classyboy04]

So proud!!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@KaedonGray]

Bravo Alex!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@sheloveswilby]

They are incredible

[@coalhouse1981]

they better win

[@Dizizjaz08]

Well Deserved ❤

[@bskeete]

I wish Alex luck.

[@Blessed2bhere34]

I wish we just respected ppl for their talents. Men dressed as women from the beginning. Women weren’t even allowed to play female roles. I respect everyone I know one thing Alex can sing !

[@melissaburke5682]

I love love love Alex Newell’s voice since Glee. They are AMAZING!!!!

[@AnonymOus-dp3jj]

you mean he!

[@melissaburke5682]

@@AnonymOus-dp3jj I used the correct pronoun. They are nonbinary. You are a clearly a person who is a bigot.

[@eleanorallen7846]

They won❤🎉

[@CommeLePapillon]

Many congrats to Alex, someone that I adore, however before ‘gender non-conforming’ there was ‘two-spirit’, a term used by native communities long before the newer terminology. There is NOTHING new under the sun!

[@brianharrison8821]

Ty for this story. Idk how many times I've watched her performances. In awe

[@wilhelmpaulm]

lea michele was probably mad af 😂😂😂

[@aslprobro]

awwwww. I love this interview. sigh. so sweet!

[@TrayAndIanBwayShow]

I love them so much!

[@iamsunflower-fu3lk]

Well deserved 🎉

[@jordansthoughts54]

love you Alex

[@Blacharrt]

But you can't do this play in the places that need it, because it's against the law, or legislation is being passed against drag queens language is too vague.

[@CharleyGurl]

A theatrical stage production =\= a drag performance. This is no more drag than Mrs. Doubtfire. Surely this wouldn't get caught up in all that. That said - the show itself may be only for adults. I haven't seen it yet.

[@Blacharrt]

@@CharleyGurl drag is also a theatrical production, they are playing a character. You're thinking logically, and Republicans are not. They aren't making these laws, lobbyist are hanging to them and they are pushing them through.

[@CharleyGurl]

@@Blacharrt You know what I meant. Musical theater vs adult cabaret. Both are great, but they're worlds apart (generally - exceptions to every rule). I mean, I wouldn't take my kid to "Hedwig" but would certainly to see "Hairspray", "Matilda" or a "Cinderella" pantomime. And they all have "drag" in them. 🤷

[@js6728]

Cool

[@chandrakantmahapatra1317]

Ferociously gifted human.

[@darrenwiggins9957]

This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of it is canceling real women out of an award I wonder how the other actresses being nominated felt about that

[@CharleyGurl]

He was nominated in the ACTOR category. 🙄

[@Lets_Go_Somewhere26]

She goes women’s or men’s restroom?

[@Piankhi_the_Greater]

[Points sabre at thee] Zip it!

[@zekcool5468]

Why does that matter ?

[@RBF-hq6tu]

Beautiful!!

[@onllwyn]

I LOVE Alex Newell!

[@sydneyreid7401]

Love me some Alex Newell.

[@MizRubyJu]

In the height of the nascent cultural wars in Amerikkka towards #TransPeople, it’s a blow to #transphobia to have #BlackQueerMagic being nominated at the top of the @tonys ❤

[@blackgayhistorychannel]

So well deserved! Alex has been singing DOWN for years!!! ❤️🖤💚💛💜

[@UMVELINQANGI]

👍

[@TheZekedurham]

Disagreement is not hate.

[@bobbybubby7977]

Keep telling yourself that Blanche.

[@TheZekedurham]

@@bobbybubby7977 It's true. 100%.

[@bethlanders6608]

LOL LOL

[@scillyautomatic]

This network loves doing the work for the trans community. 🙄🙄🙄

[@punapeter]

you thought FOX would?

[@scillyautomatic]

@@punapeter Fox who?

[@jeremyn2008]

So tired of this non-binary crap. But this actor is so talented so I will put it aside.

[@zekcool5468]

Well nonbinary is a thing

[@bidensbrain2383]

Would someone please put NBC news out of their misery? This is embarrassing.

[@TheCommunicationCoach]

Seeing "Gadi" Schwartz (another you-know-who 🙄) is a big-enough turnoff for me to avoid this site unless I'm REALLY bored... YES, Hwood has far too many corrupt and pathetic nepotistic clowns already, it needs some serious purging and culling

[@therowantree]

would someone please put you out of your misery? transphobia and ignorance isn't a good luck on you, babe

[@Kayjee17]

It's embarrassing that you don't understand the importance of being open to new things. Crawl out into the sunshine caveman, there are a lot more things in life than you know about, and many more people interested in those things.

[@foomanxoo]

​@@therowantreeTransphobia isn't a real thing

[@MikeyPolines]

@@foomanxoo It VERY much is a real thing

[@beatnickblanket]

Alex Newell is a freaking GENIUS talent. "Shucked" is GARBAGE. SO. Bad.

[@ryano3694]

Omg no way actually did u see it

[@beatnickblanket]

@@ryano3694 I would never give an opinion on something I haven’t seen. It’s embarrassing on a middle school theater level.

[@ryanburton5783]

Horrible

[@Piankhi_the_Greater]

Grow up, Karen. Sincerely, a nonbinary man. 🇨🇺👤

[@zekcool5468]

This is amazing!

[@ryanburton5783]

@@Piankhi_the_Greater lol I'm not a karen I'm a shaniqua

[@ryanburton5783]

@@zekcool5468 it gross

[@redbutterfly88]

I saw her in once on this island and i can confidently tell u now she will definitely get the tonys. Mark my word🎉

[@WarrenHolly]

Words marked🙏🏾🤓

[@nonid5627]

I stopped watching when Glee added Alex. Sorry not sorry.

[@NIcholasparker88]

This is funny

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

It's the Lucille Ball reference for me. ❤

[@WalterSmile]

well deserved it 🫶🏾

[@KL-sw5xi]

His singing/acting is adequate. He's constantly out of breath when he sings.

[@n.fosbinder6312]

and your picture is a cat.

[@KL-sw5xi]

@@n.fosbinder6312 ???

[@doveamor]

Baby are u a vocal coach or voice professional because there’s plenty of reactions to her singing and they sound great. And every coach I’ve seen has said they sing amazingly. Just because their singing doesn’t fit ur standards of singing doesn’t mean her vocals are “adequate” like babes bffr.

[@CharleyGurl]

I think he sounds fine. He's moving around for most of the song and still does a great job.

[@KL-sw5xi]

@@doveamor : I saw him 3 weeks ago at the performance of "Shucked". The dude was sweating and out a breathe constantly. This is an obesity issue.