André De Shields: Old Dawg, New Tricks

“The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing,” advised André De Shields upon accepting the 2019 Tony Award for his performances as Hermes in Broadway’s hit musical Hadestown – and keep climbing, he does! At the age of 73, De Shields was the triple-crown winner of the 2019 award season, securing a Tony, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk Award.

In an illustrious career that has spanned a half century, De Shields has distinguished himself as an actor, director, and educator.  He got his start as the title character in The Wiz and went on to pick up an Emmy for his performance as the Viper in the NBC special Ain’t Misbehavin’ and two Tony nominations for Play On! and The Full Monty. De Shields’ other Broadway credits include Impressionism and Prymate. He’s also established himself as a veritable cabaret king, choreographing two shows for Bette Midler and creating six solo theatrical concerts. In 2019, he was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

With profound wit, elegance, and charm, this silky veteran of the stage proves why his star is still on the rise.