Joel Grey is an American actor, singer, dancer, photographer, and theatre director. He is best known for portraying the Master of Ceremonies in the musical Cabaret on Broadway as well as in the Bob Fosse directed 1972 film adaptation. He has won an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award. He earned the Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2023.
Grey began his career at a young age, appearing in children's theater productions in Cleveland, Ohio. He made his Broadway debut in 1951 in the musical Borscht Capades. He went on to appear in a number of Broadway shows, including Stop the World - I Want to Get Off, George M!, and Goodtime Charlie.
In 1966, Grey originated the role of the Master of Ceremonies in the Broadway musical Cabaret, a role that he would reprise in the 1972 film adaptation. His performance as the sinister and charismatic MC was critically acclaimed, and he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Grey has continued to work steadily in both theater and film throughout his career. He has appeared in Broadway shows such as The Grand Tour, Chicago, and Wicked. He has also starred in films such as Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins, Dancer in the Dark, and tick, tick… BOOM!.