Cole Escola’s Big Tony Win Breaks Barriers and Shakes Broadway
A historic night unfolded at the 2025 Tony Awards as Cole Escola stunned fans and critics alike by winning Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. The moment, both emotional and culturally significant, has lit up Broadway and social media overnight.
A Trailblazing Win
Cole Escola, best known for their comedic brilliance and unique stage presence, won for their role in Oh, Mary!, a bold reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln’s life. Their performance, equal parts hilarious and haunting, made waves this awards season — but few expected such a massive win.
“It feels surreal,” Escola said backstage. “This show was weird, messy, and from my heart. I never thought it would take me here.”
What They Wore on the Red Carpet
Escola turned heads with their non-traditional look. Ditching the typical tux, they wore a high-fashion Victorian-inspired suit dress in deep navy with silver embroidery, pairing it with lace gloves and a dramatic train. The outfit was a clear nod to their character Mary, blurring lines between past and present — and setting fashion Twitter on fire.
Fans and Celebs React
Social media exploded seconds after the announcement. One fan posted,
“Cole Escola winning a Tony? The theater gods are smiling today.”
Actor Bowen Yang tweeted,
“Beyond proud of my friend Cole. Broadway needed this.”
Even Broadway veteran Audra McDonald gave a standing ovation as Escola walked onstage.
A Shift in Broadway Storytelling
Escola’s win signals a shift — one where queer, unconventional, and independent stories are not only welcome but celebrated.
The Oh, Mary! play itself started as a fringe production and ended up a Broadway sensation. With this win, Escola becomes one of the few nonbinary actors to take home a Tony, joining a small but growing list of theater icons breaking gender norms.
What’s Next for Cole Escola?
Insiders say Escola has multiple offers lined up, including a rumored HBO adaptation of Oh, Mary! and a book deal in the works. Fans are already calling it “The Escola Era.”
Jenifer
