S5E10: J. Harrison Ghee

Jul 15, 2025

J. Harrison Ghee, a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor known for their iconic role in Some Like It Hot and for advocating LGBTQIA+ rights, shares invaluable insights. They discuss their transformative journey toward authenticity and how drag performances helped them break free from limitations. Ghee also emphasizes the importance of creativity driven by love, the nurturing aspect of the Divine Feminine, and the need for broader storytelling in theatre. Their reflections on mentorship and self-care practices provide inspiring wisdom for emerging performers.

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INSIGHT

Identity Fuels Creative Practice

Jay Harrison G. lives as a multi-disciplinary creative who prefers they/them and embraces all pronouns with respect.
They frame their work as expanding their identity across acting, singing, and dancing with purpose.

ANECDOTE

From Church Choir To Broadway

Jay grew up singing in church and only discovered theater in high school before moving to New York at 18 for AMDA.
They began professional work at Tokyo Disney, on cruise ships, and did secret drag before Broadway roles changed everything.

INSIGHT

Art As A Ministry Of Love

Jay commits to purposeful creativity driven by love and intention rather than vanity or trends.
Their stated mission is to "take over the world with love" through art that matters.

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In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with actor, singer, dancer, and creator J. Harrison Ghee about the transformative journey of freeing yourself to see yourself, spreading the ministry of love, connecting to your Divine Feminine, expanding the bounds of creative storytelling, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode!

Episode Notes

Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews
Guest: J. Harrison Ghee
Music: Chloe Geller

Episode Resources:

Durham Performing Arts Center Rising Stars

PJ Morton - Smoke and Mirrors

New York Theatre Workshop - Saturday Church

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - Broadway 2026

The Shindellas - Lullaby

Trailblazers of the Week:

Dylan Weinberger

Autumn Angelettie

Guest Bio:

Tony and Grammy Award winner J. Harrison Ghee (they/them, all pronouns with respect) made history as the first non-binary actor to win in the Leading Individual Performance category for creating the role as Daphne/Jerry in Some Like It Hot, which also garnered them Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Also on Broadway, Ghee starred as Lola in Kinky Boots, created the role of Andre Mayem in Mrs. Doubtfire, and co-starred opposite Harry Connick, Jr. as Johnny Hooker in The Sting. Ghee captured audiences as the Lady Chablis in the musical premiere of Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil. On television, Ghee was selected to play the title role in Robyn's Story on the hit Fox anthology series Accused, directed by Billy Porter; starred as Kwame in Netflix's Raising Dion, and guest starred on HBO's High Maintenance.

A Fayetteville, North Carolina native, Ghee moved to New York City to study at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and began their professional career working at Tokyo Disney on cruise ships and national tours. They live by the mantra: “You have to free yourself to see yourself,” with the hope of inspiring people to dream big and to chase those dreams.

An outspoken advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, Ghee has been involved with many organizations, including Broadway Cares, GLAAD, and God's Love We Deliver, among others. Ghee hopes to create roles and conversations that reach beyond what was and into a realm of infinite possibilities.

Find J. Online:

Follow Tanya on Instagram

Follow The Zora Project on Instagram

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