Ali Stroker makes history with Tony Awards win

Actress Ali Stroker made history at the Tony Awards on Sunday night (09Jun19) as she became the first actor using a wheelchair to win one of the prestigious gongs.
The former Glee star, who was paralysed from the chest down after a car accident at the age of two, claimed the title of Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for her part in the revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!.
As she took to the stage at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall to accept her prize, the 31 year old gushed, “Oh, my gosh! Thank you, thank you so much.”
She then dedicated her accolade to youngsters facing similar physical and mental struggles.
“This award is for every kid who is watching tonight who has a disability, who has a limitation, or a challenge, who has been waiting to see themselves represented in this arena. You are,” an emotional Stroker declared.
The actress beat out competition from her co-star Mary Testa, Tootsie’s Lilli Cooper and Sarah Stiles, and Amber Gray from Hadestown to earn her first Tony.