In a career spanning fifty-five years, André De Shields, at age 79, has distinguished himself as an unparalleled actor/activist, educator, iconic philanthropist and Broadway Deity. As Actor, Mr. De Shields’ mission is to fill intimate spaces with enormous beauty. He defines intimate spaces as the hearts of humanity. As an Activist, he endeavors to restore majesty, elegance and literacy to the Black Thespian’s toolbox, to advocate for long term survivors of HIV and AIDS, and to champion the legacy of the Wellderly (elderly individuals who continue to kick butt). His idiosyncratic career has resulted in a treasure trove of accolades, among them an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from his Alma Mater, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he has founded THE ANDRE DE SHIELDS FUND. His other marks of esteem include being declared the triple crown winner of the 2019 awards season, having garnered TONY, DRAMA DESK, OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE, and GRAMMY Awards for his universally acclaimed role as Hermes, messenger to the gods, in HADESTOWN. Perennially renown for his show-stopping performances in four legendary Broadway productions—THE WIZ (title role), AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Emmy Award), PLAY ON! (Tony nom.), and THE FULL MONTY (Tony nom.)—Mr. De Shields concluded 2024 portraying Old Deuteronomy in the radically re-imagined CATS: The Jellicle Ball, and serving as The Grand Marshal of the 51st Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, achieving the sui generis reputation as one of the ten wonders of New York City. UBUNTU! www.andredeshields.com