Cole Escola has made history as the first non-binary actor to win the Tony Award for Leading Actor in a Play, taking the prize for their role as Mary Todd Lincoln in "Oh, Mary!" Aside from their performance, they also wrote and created the play, which was nominated for the Best Play category. Escola accepted the award dressed in a custom silver gown inspired by Bernadette Peters. They expressed gratitude to fellow nominees and highlighted the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the arts during their emotional speech.
"I want to thank the other nominees, George, Jon, Harry, Daniel and Louis. It's an honor to be in your company, and more than that, it's been a sincere pleasure..."
"First of all, hi mom. I love you. I'll call you when I can," they continued, before name-checking LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr.
"Julie Harris has a Tony for playing Mary Todd Lincoln. I want to thank... the most important people in my life, my friends who are here tonight..."
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