As noted by the Los Angeles Times, thespian Andre De Shields snagged his first Tony Award after notching 50 years in the acting business. The Broadway legend took home the accolade for Featured Actor in a Musical for Hadestown on Sunday (June 9).
Since the ’60s, De Shields has continuously refined and expanded his craft, reaching a wider audience for roles like his part in The Wiz‘s Broadway production (1975). To stress the importance of doing the work, the 73-year-old encourager shared three points to keep in mind.
“One, surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming,” he began. “Two, slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be. And three, the top of one mountain is the bottom of the next so keep climbing.” He also inserted a shoutout to his hometown of Baltimore, Md., and stated, “I hope you’re watching at home because I am making good on my promise that I would come to New York and become someone you’d be proud to call your native son.”
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yADJDPFa8zE
In 1997 and 2001, De Shields was nominated for a Tony Award for Play On! and The Full Monty, respectively.
I owe a huge karmic debt to my parents, who had a similar dream of being performers. I would be a triple crown winner. I won #OuterCriticsCircle, #DramaDesk, & w/ @TheTonyAwards, that would be my karmic debt paid in full.
— André De Shields (@Andre_DeShields) June 10, 2019
