Alex Newell didn’t just show up in Hollywood—they arrived with a purpose. Raised by a single mother after the loss of their father at age six, Newell found solace and self-expression in performing arts, particularly through music and theater. Their love for the stage was clear from early on, and that passion eventually pushed them to national recognition.

Newell first rose to fame as a contestant on The Glee Project, a reality competition series that offered a guest role on Glee as its top prize. With a jaw-dropping voice and magnetic personality, Alex made it to the final round and was rewarded with a recurring role on the actual series. Their Glee character, Unique Adams—a transgender high school student—was not only groundbreaking but also one of the first trans characters to appear in a recurring role on network TV.

Glee and the Power of Representation

As Unique Adams, Alex Newell made history. The role was powerful not just because of its visibility but because of the honesty and vulnerability Alex brought to it. The character’s struggles with acceptance, bullying, and identity were deeply human, giving trans and gender nonconforming youth a rare reflection of themselves on screen. Newell, who identifies as gender nonconforming and uses all pronouns, became an unexpected yet necessary advocate for LGBTQ+ representation.

During their run on Glee from 2012 to 2015, Newell delivered unforgettable renditions of songs like “If I Were a Boy” and “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Their vocal range, stage presence, and willingness to go there emotionally made them a standout even in a show full of talent.

From TV to Broadway Royalty

After Glee, Alex didn’t slow down—they leveled up. Their next act? Broadway. In 2017, Newell joined the cast of the revival of Once on This Island, playing the role of Asaka, Mother of the Earth. Their performance—vibrant, powerful, and dripping in soul—stole the show and earned them critical acclaim.

But it was Shucked, the Broadway musical that debuted in 2023, that gave Newell their long-overdue flowers. Their role as Lulu earned them the 2023 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, making history as the first openly nonbinary performer to win a Tony in an acting category. It was a moment that resonated far beyond the theater, signaling a new era for Broadway and LGBTQ+ visibility.

More Than a Performer: A Voice for Change

Alex Newell’s influence goes beyond the roles they play. They’ve been vocal about the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry as a queer, plus-size, gender-nonconforming Black performer. In interviews and on social media, Newell speaks openly about body positivity, authenticity, and the importance of taking up space—on stage, on screen, and in life.

They’ve also embraced music as a solo artist, releasing high-energy tracks like “Nobody to Love” and “Kill the Lights” that showcase their powerhouse vocals and flair for drama. Their music blends pop, dance, and soul in a way that feels as bold and boundary-breaking as they are.

The Road Ahead

What’s next for Alex Newell? They’ve hinted at more music, more theater, and perhaps even a return to TV. But one thing is certain: wherever they go, they’ll arrive unapologetically and in full voice.

Whether it’s belting on Broadway, making us cry on TV, or advocating for a more inclusive industry, Alex Newell is a force of nature. And they're only just getting started.