Harvey Forbes Fierstein (born June 6, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York) is a Jewish, gay, American actor, author, and singer. He is best known for his semi-autobiographical play and film Torch Song Trilogy, which he wrote (play and screenplay) and in which he starred. He won the 1983 Tonys for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play and Best Play for Torch Song Trilogy. He also had a role as Robin Williams' maskmaker brother in Mrs. Doubtfire, made a notable cameo appearance in 1996's blockbuster summer hit, Independence Day and was featured as the voice for Karl, Homer's assistant, in an episode of The Simpsons.
He is known for his gravelly voice and campy demeanour. In addition to his film roles he is a stand-up comedian and drag queen, as well as a playwright and columnist on gay issues. He wrote the book for the Jerry Herman musical La Cage aux Folles, for which he won the 1984 Tony for Best Book (Musical). In 2003 he won the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for the musical Hairspray (based on the film by John Waters), making him the only person in the history of the Tonys to win in four different categories. He appeared in the role of Tevye the milkman in the Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, from February 2005 until the show closed in January 2006.
Fierstein is a resident of the small, affluent town of Ridgefield, Connecticut.
