Cole Escola, 38, made Broadway history on June 8 by becoming the first non-binary performer to win Best Leading Actor in a Play at the Tony Awards. They took home the honor for Oh, Mary!, a play they also wrote, during the ceremony at Radio City Music Hall.
Cole Escola Makes Tony History
On Sunday, June 8, Cole Escola, 38, took home the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play for their role in Oh, Mary! at the 78th annual ceremony honoring Broadway’s best. Using they/them pronouns, Escola delivered a heartfelt and humorous acceptance speech, thanking their mother, fellow nominees, and even a date from Grindr.
“I want to thank the other nominees, George, Jon, Harry, Daniel and Louis,” Escola said in their speech, referencing George Clooney, Jon Michael Hill, Daniel Dae Kim, Harry Lennix and Louis McCartney. “It’s an honor to be in your company, and more than that, it’s been a sincere pleasure spending time with you over these warm salads at all these lunches.”
Cole Escola wins Best Actor in a Play for their performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in @ohmaryplay, thanking Amy Sedaris, who “always reminds me how important she is to me.” pic.twitter.com/CXLyeDPGs5
— New York Magazine (@NYMag) June 9, 2025
Escola then sent out a sweet message to their mother. “First of all, hi mom. I love you. I’ll call you when I can,” they continued.
They also gave shoutouts to several others, including director Sam Pinkleton, before slipping in a cheeky mention: “Oh and T Bone from Grindr,” Escola said, followed by a nod to comedian Amy Sedaris.
Cole Escola’s OH, MARY: Why Its Winning Over Audiences
Set in the days leading up to Lincoln’s assassination, the absurdist comedy reimagines Mary Todd Lincoln as trapped and deeply unhappy. The show debuted Off-Broadway last February and earned Escola major acclaim, including the Obie, Drama Desk, Theatre World, and Outer Critics Circle awards.
The actor and writer originated the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!—starring opposite Conrad Ricamora as Abraham Lincoln and James Scully as Mary’s teacher.
Escola is currently reprising their role as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary! at the Lyceum Theatre through June 28.
