Actor • Singer • Director • Educator
With a career spanning more than five decades, André De Shields has distinguished himself as one of Broadway’s most celebrated performers, educators and advocates. Winner of the 2019 Tony Award for his role in Hadestown, he continues to inspire and uplift through art and activism.
From Baltimore to Broadway — a journey of talent, tenacity and triumph.
Born on January 12, 1946 in Dundalk, Maryland — the ninth of eleven children — André was raised in Baltimore under the guidance of his parents Mary Gunther and John De Shields. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} He earned a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later an M.A. in African American Studies from New York University. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
André made his Broadway debut in 1973, and became known for electrifying roles including the title role in The Wiz (1975), his Emmy-winning performance in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1982), and his Tony-winning turn as Hermes in Hadestown (2019). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Beyond performance, André is an educator, vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and long-term AIDS survivor. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
A legacy of awards, leadership and excellence.
2019 – Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Hadestown.
Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album (2020). Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement (1982). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Adjunct professor, lecturer and mentor — shaping the next generation of artists and leaders.
From André himself.
“Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming … Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be … The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next.”
— André De Shields, Oprah Daily interview :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}