Joel Grey

Date of Birth: April 11, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Biography

Joel Grey, born Joel David Katz, is an acclaimed American actor, singer, dancer, and director, best known for his role as the Emcee in both the stage and film versions of the musical “Cabaret.” Born on April 11, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, Grey has enjoyed a prolific career spanning more than seven decades, earning numerous awards and accolades. Grey’s father, Mickey Katz, was a well-known clarinetist and comedian, which undoubtedly influenced Joel’s early interest in the performing arts. He began his career as a child actor in the 1950s, appearing in various television shows and stage productions. However, it was his role in the 1966 Broadway production of “Cabaret” that catapulted him to stardom. His mesmerizing portrayal of the Emcee won him a Tony Award, and he later reprised the role in the 1972 film adaptation, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. In addition to “Cabaret,” Grey has appeared in numerous other stage productions, including “Chicago,” “Wicked,” and “Anything Goes.” He has also had a successful television and film career, with roles in shows like “Oz,” “Brooklyn Bridge,” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Grey has been openly gay since 2015 and is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. His memoir, “Master of Ceremonies,” published in 2016, provides an in-depth look at his life, career, and personal struggles.

5 Interesting Facts about Joel Grey

1. Joel Grey is one of only a few actors to have won both a Tony and an Academy Award for the same role.

2. He directed the acclaimed 2011 Broadway revival of “The Normal Heart,” which won a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

3. Grey’s daughter, Jennifer Grey, is also a well-known actress, famous for her role in “Dirty Dancing.”

4. He made his professional stage debut at the age of 9 in a production of “On Borrowed Time.”

5. Joel Grey is a talented photographer, and his work has been exhibited in galleries and published in books.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joel Grey

1. “I think every actor should go through the process of realizing that you’re not the only one who can do the role.”

2. “The audience is the final collaborator in a performance. We play off them, and they give us energy.”

3. “I always believed I would be good. But I never thought I’d be successful. It’s a very strange thing to achieve.”

4. “I’m the kind of person who wants to know everything about you, but I’ll also tell you everything about me.”

5. “You have to be willing to be vulnerable to be an artist.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Joel Grey’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Joel Grey has two children: his daughter Jennifer Grey, who is an actress known for her iconic role in “Dirty Dancing,” and his son James Katz, who has largely stayed out of the public eye.