As the first triple Tony-nominated woman in history for actress, book, and musical for Titanique, Marla Mindelle often uses her quick wit to remain humble. “Also the first-ever triple Tony-nominated female loser,” she quips. “But herstory is herstory.”
Mindelle is best known for her award-winning portrayal of Céline Dion in the campy hit musical. She also co-wrote and starred in the off-Broadway musical The Big Gay Jamboree, and was in the Broadway casts of Sister Act, Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella.
“Chaotic and mentally unwell,” is how Mindelle describes her work, “aka, I do musical theater for a living.”
Mindelle has overcome some major obstacles. She lost hearing in her left ear due to an ongoing battle with “silent disease” tinnitus, and had to re-learn how to sing. “I would say performing eight times a week gives you no choice but to overcome that!”
Currently, Mindelle is writing two new musicals, “and you'll see me on stage a lot next year – which is a threat and a promise!” You can also see her on screen in the Netflix series Special and in the new film I Play Rocky.
As an Out100 honoree, Mindelle’s message to the world is borrowed from another legend on this list. “In the words of Latrice Royale: ‘Be sickening and make them eat it!’” @marlamindelle
