Alex Newell and J. Harrison Ghee made history on June 11, 2023, when they became the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards. While Ghee was announced first for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, both actors shared this groundbreaking moment. Standing at the podium of the United Palace theater in New York’s Washington Heights, Newell—this powerhouse performer from Lynn, Massachusetts—delivered words that resonated far beyond Broadway: “I should not be up here as a queer, nonbinary, fat, Black little baby from Massachusetts.”
Alex Newell is an American actor and singer renowned for their powerful vocals and groundbreaking roles that have fundamentally changed representation in entertainment. From their breakout as Unique Adams on Fox’s hit series Glee to their Tony Award-winning performance as Lulu in Shucked, Newell has consistently challenged industry norms while creating authentic space for gender nonconforming performers worldwide.
Their career represents more than individual success—it marks a cultural shift in how global audiences understand and celebrate diverse identity in mainstream media.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alex Eugene Newell |
| Born (Age) | August 20, 1992 (32 as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor, singer |
| Active Years | 2009–present |
| Notable For | First openly nonbinary Tony Award winner, roles in Glee and Shucked |
| Parents | Brenda Newell (mother) |
| Education | Bishop Fenwick High School |
| Awards | Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award |
| Nominations | Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album |
| Height | Approximately 5’7″ (1.70m) |
| Gender Identity | Gender nonconforming (all pronouns) |
Early Life & Lynn, Massachusetts Roots
Where is Alex Newell from? Alex Eugene Newell was born on August 20, 1992, in Lynn, Massachusetts, a working-class city located approximately 10 miles northeast of Boston. Their early years were marked by both musical discovery and profound loss.
When Newell was just six years old, their father—a church deacon—died of cancer. This tragedy left their mother, Brenda Newell, to raise them as a single parent. The experience forged an unbreakable bond between mother and child, with Brenda becoming not just a parent but Newell’s primary source of strength and unconditional love.
Music became Newell’s refuge and calling. Their extraordinary vocal abilities first emerged in church choirs, where their powerful, gospel-influenced voice caught immediate attention. After completing four years at Kipp Lynn Academy, Newell attended Bishop Fenwick High School, graduating in 2012. They were deeply involved in both the school’s choir and their church’s musical programs, developing the vocal technique that would later captivate millions.
Lynn’s working-class environment instilled in Newell a fierce authenticity and determination that would prove essential as they navigated the complexities of identity and fame in the entertainment industry.
How Did Alex Newell Get Famous?
Alex Newell’s rise to fame began with The Glee Project in 2011. Among approximately 34,000 contestants who submitted audition videos, Newell’s self-taped performance earned over one million MySpace views—a remarkable achievement that secured them a spot among the show’s 12 finalists.
Though Newell was a co-winner alongside Samuel Larsen on The Glee Project, their individual talent was undeniable. The producers were so impressed they offered Newell a two-episode arc on Glee—a decision that would make television history. Newell first appeared in the third season episode “Saturday Night Glee-ver” as Wade “Unique” Adams, a transgender teenager who expressed their female identity through their bold, brave alter ego.
The character of Unique Adams broke unprecedented ground. Wade/Unique became one of the most visible transgender characters on network television and among the first on a prime-time show. When conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly criticized the portrayal on The O’Reilly Factor, Newell responded with characteristic wisdom: “My mother said, ‘If Bill O’Reilly said something about you, you are doing something right.'”
Fan response was overwhelming. Newell was invited back as a series regular for Glee’s fourth season, appearing in 43 episodes between 2012 and 2015. Their portrayal helped millions of viewers understand and empathize with transgender experiences during a critical period for LGBTQ+ visibility.
What Is Alex Newell’s Gender Identity?
Alex Newell identifies as gender nonconforming and uses all pronouns (they/them, he/him, she/her). Though assigned male at birth, Newell now embraces their gender nonconforming identity. In a May 2020 interview, Newell explained they relate to their character Mo from Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, who is genderfluid, stating their connection to the character’s fluid approach to gender expression. They also identify as gay and have become a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights globally.
How does Alex Newell identify? Their approach to gender reflects a modern understanding of identity as fluid and personal. By embracing all pronouns and describing themselves as gender nonconforming, Newell demonstrates that identity can be complex and multifaceted—a message that resonates with audiences worldwide seeking authentic representation.
Newell’s openness about their identity has provided visibility for countless individuals navigating similar experiences. Their willingness to live authentically in the public eye has established them as a role model for young people globally, particularly those who feel marginalized or unseen.
Major Career Milestones & Broadway Success
From Television to Broadway Musical Theater
After Glee concluded, Newell transitioned from screen to stage with remarkable success. In 2017, they made their Broadway debut as Asaka in the revival of Once on This Island at Circle in the Square Theatre. The production showcased Newell’s extraordinary vocal range and stage presence, earning them a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album.
Playing Asaka, the Mother of the Earth, Newell commanded both intimate moments and large-scale musical numbers. Their performance of “Mama Will Provide” became a production highlight, demonstrating their ability to blend power with vulnerability.
The Historic Tony Awards Moment
Alex Newell’s Tony Award win for Shucked in 2023 marked a watershed moment for Broadway diversity. The musical comedy, which opened April 4, 2023, at the Nederlander Theatre, featured Newell as Lulu, the best friend of protagonist Maizy and a whiskey distiller who becomes central to the small town’s response to their agricultural crisis.
Variety called Newell’s character the show’s “undeniable breakout,” while The New York Times noted they “bring down the house” with their showstopping performance of “Independently Owned,” describing it as a “feminist anthem.”
On June 11, 2023, Newell and J. Harrison Ghee became the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards. Newell won Best Featured Actor in a Musical, while Ghee won Best Leading Actor in a Musical for Some Like It Hot—both choosing to compete in the traditional male categories since the Tonys maintain gendered performance categories.
Beyond the Tony Award, Newell also received the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical for their work in Shucked, cementing their status as a formidable Broadway talent.
Musical Career and Television Projects
Recording Artist and Vocal Powerhouse
Alex Newell has built a successful recording career alongside their stage work. As a singer signed to Big Beat Records (an Atlantic Records subsidiary), Newell has released tracks with Clean Bandit, Blonde, and The Knocks. Their debut EP POWER showcased their gospel-influenced vocal style and emotional range.
Their song “Kill the Lights” gained prominence when featured throughout HBO’s series VINYL, demonstrating their appeal across different media platforms.
Television Excellence Beyond Glee
What is Alex Newell doing now? In 2019, Newell joined NBC’s musical dramedy Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist as Mo, a genderfluid DJ and neighbor to protagonist Zoey Clarke (Jane Levy). The show ran for two seasons before concluding with Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas, a holiday movie special in 2021.
Other notable television appearances include roles on Fox’s Empire and Our Kind of People, plus the NBC pilot Imaginary Friend. Their versatility across genres has earned them critical recognition, including Critics’ Choice Award and Screen Actors Guild nominations.
Current Projects and Continued Impact
Where is Alex Newell now? As of 2025, Newell continues breaking new ground. They brought their solo show, “Alex Newell and the Gospel of a Diva,” to Off-Broadway’s Minetta Lane Theatre in June 2025, directed by Zhailon Levingston. The production, recorded for future Audible release, features Newell sharing personal stories alongside favorite musical selections.
Newell also participated in Broadway Bares: Come Out, Come Out in 2025, joining Nicole Scherzinger and other Broadway luminaries to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Alex Newell’s gender identity? A: Alex Newell identifies as gender nonconforming and uses all pronouns (they/them, he/him, she/her).
Q: How did Alex Newell become famous? A: Alex Newell gained fame as a runner-up on The Glee Project in 2011, which led to their groundbreaking role as Unique Adams on Fox’s Glee.
Q: Did Alex Newell win a Tony Award? A: Yes, Alex Newell won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Shucked, becoming the first openly nonbinary actor to win this honor.
Q: How old is Alex Newell? A: Alex Newell was born on August 20, 1992, making them 32 years old as of 2025.
Q: How tall is Alex Newell? A: Alex Newell is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall.
Q: Is Alex Newell married or in a relationship? A: There is no publicly available information about Alex Newell being married or in a current relationship.
Q: What is Alex Newell’s ethnicity? A: Alex Newell is Black American, born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts.
Q: What is Alex Newell’s net worth? A: Alex Newell’s estimated net worth is not publicly disclosed.
Global Impact and Advocacy
Alex Newell’s influence extends far beyond entertainment. They regularly perform at benefit concerts for The Trevor Project, the Human Rights Campaign, and Jack Antonoff’s Ally Coalition, using their platform to support LGBTQ+ youth and causes worldwide.
In 2015, Newell received a special recognition award at the GLAAD Media Awards as part of the Glee cast, acknowledging their contribution to media representation. Their commitment to authenticity has encouraged countless individuals globally to embrace their true selves.
The historic 2023 Tony Awards moment represented more than personal achievement—it demonstrated that authentic representation can coexist with commercial and critical success, paving the path for future gender nonconforming performers in mainstream entertainment.
Legacy of a Trailblazing Voice
From a grieving six-year-old in Lynn, Massachusetts, to a Tony Award-winning performer commanding international stages, Alex Newell’s story exemplifies the transformative power of authentic self-expression. Their path from The Glee Project contestant to Broadway history-maker illustrates how talent, combined with unwavering authenticity, can change entire industries.
Alex Newell’s voice—both literal and metaphorical—continues resonating globally, proving that representation matters and that everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories that shape culture. As they continue breaking barriers and redefining success, Newell stands as a beacon of possibility for anyone who has ever felt different, unseen, or told they couldn’t achieve their dreams.
Their legacy lives not just in awards and accolades, but in the countless lives touched by their courage to be authentically themselves on the world’s biggest stages.
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