Brian Stokes Mitchell

Brian Stokes Mitchell (born October 31, 1957) is an American actor and singer. A powerful baritone, he has been one of the central leading men of the Broadway theatre since the 1990s.[1] He won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2000 for his performance in Kiss Me, Kate.

Brian Stokes Mitchell
Mitchell in 2007
Born (1957-10-31) October 31, 1957
OccupationActor, composer, vocalist
Years active1979–present
Spouse(s)
Allyson Tucker
(m. 1994)
Children1; Ellington Mitchell
Websitewww.brianstokes.com

Early life

Mitchell was born in Seattle, Washington, the youngest of four children of George Mitchell, an electronics engineer, and his wife Lillian, a school administrator. Mitchell grew up at various U.S. military bases overseas, where his father was a civilian engineer for the U.S. Navy. As a young boy, he lived in San Diego, California, where he began acting in school musicals.[2] He did not attend college, having begun performing professionally in high school, although he did have private teachers in both acting and voice in his teen years.[3] He has said that he studied film scoring, orchestration, and conducting through UCLA.[4] Prior to Ragtime, he was known professionally as Brian Mitchell.

Career

Stage

Mitchell first performed on Broadway in the musical Mail in 1988, with music by Michael Rupert and lyrics by Jerry Cocker, winning the Theatre World award.[5] His Broadway credits include an all-black revival of George and Ira Gershwin's Oh, Kay! (1990),[6] Jelly's Last Jam (1992) based on the works of jazz artist Jelly Roll Morton, and Kander and Ebb's Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993).[7]

He originated the role of Coalhouse Walker Jr, in the musical Ragtime, which opened on Broadway in January 1998. He received a 1998 Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.[8] He appeared in the 1999 revival of Cole Porter's Kiss Me, Kate as Fred Graham / Petruchio, winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical.[7][9] He appeared on Broadway in King Hedley II in 2001 (Tony Award nomination) and Man of La Mancha in 2002 (Tony Award nomination).[7]

He appeared in the New York City Center Encores! staged concert productions of Jule Styne's Do Re Mi (1999), Bob Merrill's Carnival! (2002), Kismet (2006) and The Band Wagon in 2014.[10]

He played the title role in the 2002 Kennedy Center production of Sweeney Todd, part of the Stephen Sondheim celebration.[11][12]

On June 9, 2005, Mitchell appeared in a concert version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific at Carnegie Hall. He starred as Emile, alongside Reba McEntire as Nellie Forbush and Alec Baldwin as Luther Billis. The production was taped and telecast by PBS in 2006.[13] Of his performance, Ben Brantley wrote in The New York Times, "As for Mr. Mitchell, his place in the pantheon of romantic musical leads is now guaranteed."[14]

Brian Stokes Mitchell Concert Marquee outside the Winspear Opera House in Dallas, Texas, September 1, 2011

Playbill Records released his debut solo CD, Brian Stokes Mitchell on June 6, 2006.[15][16] Mitchell has also performed in a Christmas concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir later released as a CD and DVD entitled Ring Christmas Bells. His second solo CD, "Simply Broadway," was released October 30, 2012, by CD Baby.[17]

Mitchell returned to Broadway to star with Patti LuPone in the musical version of the Pedro Almodóvar film Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, which opened at the Belasco Theatre in November 2010.[18]

A new musical titled Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed, based on the making of Shuffle Along opened on Broadway on March 14, 2016 in previews, officially on April 21 at the Music Box Theatre. Mitchell played "F.E. Miller", with Audra McDonald as "Lottie Gee", Billy Porter, Joshua Henry and Brandon Victor Dixon.[19]

Television and film

Mitchell has a number of television and film credits, including the role of John Dolan in Roots: The Next Generations (1979), and a seven-year stint as Dr. Justin 'Jackpot' Jackson on Trapper John, M.D. from 1979 to 1986. Mitchell made several appearances as a celebrity panelist on episodes of $25,000 Pyramid and $100,000 Pyramid in the 1980s, and was considered one of the game's better celebrity players.[20][21] Mitchell also participated as a celebrity panelist in four weeks' worth of episodes of The Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour, a short-lived NBC game show that ran from 1983-1984. He played recurring roles as Hilary Banks' news anchor fiancé Trevor Newsworthy/Collins on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and on Frasier as Dr. Frasier Crane's upstairs neighbor and nemesis Cam Winston. He supplied the singing voice of Jethro in the animated feature The Prince of Egypt (1998). He guest starred in March 2010 in Ugly Betty as Wilhelmina Slater's ex-boyfriend, Don.[22]

He appeared on the 57th episode of Glee, titled "Heart" in 2012,[23] and the 58th, titled "On My Way," as one of Rachel's dads (LeRoy) along with Jeff Goldblum.

He also played a recurring role on the USA Network series Mr. Robot as Scott Knowles, CTO of E Corp. The series began in June 2015 and ended in December 2019.[24]

He has also done voice-overs for animation including Animaniacs, Capitol Critters, Tiny Toon Adventures, A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, The Further Adventures of SuperTed, Kid 'n Play, New Kids on the Block, Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf, Gravedale High, Potsworth & Co., Captain Planet and the Planeteers, The Tom and Jerry Kids Show, Yo Yogi!, Fantastic Max, Pound Puppies, The Addams Family, California Raisins, The Angry Beavers, James Bond Jr., Batman: The Animated Series, Paddington Bear, Pinky and the Brain, Defenders of Dynatron City, The Hot Rod Dogs and Cool Car Cats, Droopy, Master Detective, Denver, the Last Dinosaur, Mighty Max, Don Coyote & Sancho Panda, Vampirina and the two Flintstones animated movies Hollyrock-a-Bye Baby and I Yabba-Dabba Do!.

Mitchell plays Nicholas Prophet in Wolverine: The Long Night, a scripted podcast serial.

Personal life

He has been married to actress Allyson Tucker since 1994[25] and has a son, Ellington. Mitchell was diagnosed with COVID-19 on April 1, 2020.[26] After his recovery, he sang nightly from a window of his Upper West Side apartment in Manhattan to thank first responders and medical workers.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role(s) Notes
1990Ghost DadTeacher
1998The Prince of EgyptJethroSinging voice
2005One Last Thing...Dr. Emerson
2011Jumping the BroomMr. Watson
2018MapplethorpeFather Stack

Television

Year Title Role(s) Notes
1979The White ShadowLucius RobinsonEpisode: "Spare the Rod"
1979Roots: The Next GenerationsJohn DolanEpisode: "Part 1 (1882-1883)"
1979−86Trapper John, M.D.Dr. Justin 'Jackpot' Jackson151 episodes
1985HotelLucas ToddEpisode: "Resolutions"
1985The Love BoatJeffrey NiverSeason 6 - Episode: 16
1987227EdEpisode: "The Honeymoon's Over"
1987Pound PuppiesNahookEpisode: "Show Puppies"
1987Houston KnightsNat HollidayEpisode: "Moving Violation"
1987FoofurVarious rolesVoice; 13 episodes
1987ALFNathan PearlEpisode: "Hail to the Chief"
1988Night CourtMr. MorleyEpisode: "Another Day in the Life"
1988Scooby-Doo! and the Reluctant WerewolfBonejanglesVoice; Television movie
1989The Further Adventures of SuperTedNarratorVoice; 13 episodes
1989GenerationsDavid Jeffries2 episodes
1989A Pup Named Scooby-DooBuddy ChillnerVoice; Episode: "The Spirit of Rock'n Roll"
1989The California Raisin ShowRedVoice; Episode: "The Apple, Raisin Style"
1988–89Fantastic MaxAdditional voicesVoice; 3 episodes
1989–90Paddington BearAdditional voicesVoice; 2 episodes
1990Mancuso, F.B.I.Performer2 episodes
1990Midnight Patrol: Adventures in the Dream ZoneVarious rolesVoice; 13 episodes
1990Tiny Toon AdventuresVinnieVoice; Episode: "Mr. Popular's Rules of Cool"!
1990New Kids on the BlockDanny WoodVoice; 16 episodes
1991James Bond Jr.Coach MitchellVoice; 14 episodes
1992Batman: The Animated SeriesBrian RogersVoice; Episode: "Fear of Victory"
1992AnimaniacsNoodles2 episodes
1992–93The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirTrevor6 episodes
1992–93The Addams FamilyAdditional rolesVoices; 21 episodes
1992–95Capitol CrittersVarious rolesVoice; 6 episodes
1996In the HouseDr. Stone ClarkeEpisode: "Three the Hard Way"
1999Double PlatinumAdam HarrisTelevision Movie
2001Call Me ClausCameronTelevision Movie
2002FrasierCam Winston3 episodes
2002Crossing JordanD.A. Jay Myers2 episodes
2010Ugly BettyDon JonesEpisode: "Fire and Nice"
2014Madam SecretaryVincent MarshEpisode: "So it Goes"
2012−15GleeLeRoy Berry3 episodes[27]
2015–16Mr. RobotScott Knowles8 episodes
2016–18The PathBill7 episodes
2017The BlacklistDavid Levine2 episodes
2017BullPerry SinclairEpisode: "School for Scandal"
2017–presentVampirinaGrandpopVoice
2018BillionsAlvin Epstein2 episodes
2018The Good FightRod Habercore2 episodes
2018ElementaryDominic VothEpisode: "Bits and Pieces"
2019FamWalt13 episodes[28]
2020Prodigal SonEverett Sterling2 episodes

Video games

Year Title Role(s) Notes
2014Watch DogsAdditional voicesVoice

Theatre

Year Title Role(s) Venue
1988MailFranklinMusic Box Theatre, Broadway
1991Oh, Kay!Jimmy WinterRichard Rogers Theatre, Broadway
1992−93Jelly's Last JamJelly Roll MortonVirginia Theatre, Broadway
1993−95Kiss of the Spider WomanValentinBroadhurst Theatre, Broadway
1998−99RagtimeCoalhouse Walker, Jr.Ford Center for the Performing Arts
1999−01Kiss Me KatePetruchioMartin Beck Theatre, Broadway
2001King Hedley IIKingVirginia Theatre, Broadway
2002−03Man of La ManchaDon QuixoteMartin Beck Theatre, Broadway
2010−11Women on the Verge of a Nervous BreakdownIvanBelasco Theatre, Broadway
2016Shuffle AlongF.E. MillerMusic Box Theatre, Broadway

Discography

  • Brian Stokes Mitchell (June 6, 2006)[16]
    • Track listing
  1. "Something's Coming" (West Side Story)
  2. "The Best Is Yet to Come" (Cy Coleman)
  3. "Pretty Women" (Sweeney Todd)
  4. "Just In Time" (Bells are Ringing)
  5. "Lazy Afternoon" (The Golden Apple)
  6. "Another Hundred People" (Company)/"Take the 'A' Train"
  7. "How Long Has This Been Going On?" (Funny Face)
  8. "Life is Sweet" (Wonderful Town)
  9. "Losing My Mind" (Follies)
  10. "Being Alive" (Company)
  11. "How Glory Goes" (Floyd Collins)
  12. "Grateful"
  • Simply Broadway (2012)
  • Plays With Music (2019)

Awards and nominations

Sources: Playbill[29] BroadwayWorld[30]

YearAwardCategoryTitleResultRef.
2001Grammy AwardBest Spoken World AlbumThe Complete Shakespeare SonnetsNominated[31]
1998Tony AwardBest Actor in a MusicalRagtimeNominated[32]
2000Kiss Me KateWon
2001Best Actor in a PlayKing Hedley IINominated
2003Best Actor in a MusicalMan of La ManchaNominated
2016Isabelle Stevenson AwardN/AWon[33]
1998Drama Desk AwardOutstanding Actor in a MusicalRagtimeNominated[32]
2000Outstanding Actor in a MusicalKiss Me KateWon
2001Outstanding Actor in a PlayKing Hedley IINominated
2003Outstanding Actor in a MusicalMan of La ManchaNominated
2011Outstanding Featured Actor in a MusicalWomen on the Verge of a Nervous BreakdownNominated
1998Outer Critics Circle AwardsOutstanding Actor in a MusicalRagtimeNominated
2000Kiss Me KateWon
2001Outstanding Actor in a PlayKing Hedley IINominated
2003Outstanding Actor in a MusicalMan of La ManchaNominated
1988Theatre World AwardN/AMailWon

Honors

References

  1. "Brian Stokes Mitchell Biography". Broadway: The American Musical. October 21, 2004. PBS. WNET. Archived from the original on August 28, 2017. Retrieved 2017-08-28.
  2. Zoglin, Richard. "From Coalhouse to Cole Porter" Archived 2017-11-12 at the Wayback Machine, November 1999, Time, accessed January 25, 2010
  3. Weber, Bruce. "Broadway's Last Leading Man?" Archived 2016-08-10 at the Wayback Machine The New York Times, November 24, 2002
  4. "Biography" Archived 2018-02-12 at the Wayback Machine brianstokes.com, accessed June 14, 2016
  5. " Mail Broadway" Archived 2016-05-20 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, accessed June 14, 2016
  6. " Oh, Kay! Broadway" Archived 2016-08-07 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, accessed June 14, 2016
  7. "Brian Stokes Mitchell Broadway" Archived 2016-04-17 at the Wayback Machine ibdb.com, accessed June 14, 2016
  8. " Ragtime Broadway" Archived 2016-06-04 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, accessed June 14, 2016
  9. Feiden, Doug. " 'Kiss Me Kate' is Big Tony Winner 'Copenhagen' and 'Contact' Also Honored" Archived 2016-03-06 at the Wayback Machine New York Daily News, June 5, 2000
  10. Gans, Andrew. "Tony Winner Brian Stokes Mitchell Hops on City Center's 'The Band Wagon', Beginning Tonight" Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, November 6, 2014
  11. "Special Events, Concerts, and Benefit Performances" Archived 2020-03-16 at the Wayback Machine sondheimguide.com, accessed August 10, 2015
  12. Gans, Andrew. "D.C.'s Sondheim Celebration Ends as Night Music Closes Aug. 25" Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, August 25, 2002
  13. Gans, Andrew. "Reba McEntire-Brian Stokes Mitchell 'South Pacific' To Be Taped for TV" Archived 2016-08-07 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, June 8, 2005
  14. Brantley, Ben (June 11, 2005). "Sultry City Night is Transformed into an Enchanted Bali Ha'i". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 27, 2018. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  15. Gans, Andrew. "Playbill Records' "Brian Stokes Mitchell" CD Hits Stores June 6" Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, June 6, 2006
  16. Ruhlmann, William. " Brian Stokes Mitchell Record" Archived 2016-04-29 at the Wayback Machine AllMusic, accessed June 14, 2016
  17. King, Susan. "Brian Stokes Mitchell steps off Broadway — for 'Simply Broadway'" Archived 2016-06-13 at the Wayback Machine Los Angeles Times, October 6, 2014
  18. Hetrick, Adam (July 26, 2010). "Patti LuPone, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Sherie Rene Scott Cast in Broadway's Women on the Verge". Playbill. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013.
  19. Purcell, Carey. "Brian Stokes Mitchell and Audra McDonald Will Reunite on Broadway in Shuffle Along, Billy Porter Joins Them" Archived 2015-09-14 at the Wayback Machine, Playbill, August 9, 2015
  20. "The New $25,000 Pyramid - Frank/Cindy 1/3". YouTube.com. March 18, 1983. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016.
  21. "$100,000 Pyramid - Brian Mitchell". YouTube.com. October 1986. Archived from the original on 2016-06-09. Retrieved 2016-11-27.
  22. Abrams, Natalie (January 25, 2010). "Ugly Betty Casts Tony Winner as Willie's Ex". TV Guide. Archived from the original on January 29, 2010. Retrieved January 26, 2010.
  23. Gans, Andrew. "Brian Stokes Mitchell and Jeff Goldblum Are Lea Michele's Gay Dads on 'Glee' " Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, January 18, 2012
  24. Gans, Andrew. "Brian Stokes Mitchell Lands Recurring Role in New TV Series" Archived 2015-07-28 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, May 29, 2015
  25. "Weddings; Brian Mitchell and Allyson Tucker" Archived 2016-06-23 at the Wayback Machine The New York Times, September 4, 1994
  26. Brian Stokes Mitchell [@bstokesmitchell] (April 1, 2020). "I'm Coronavirus positive, but doing well! More to come! - Stokes" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 2020-04-01. Retrieved 2020-04-02 via Twitter.
  27. Goldberg, Lesley. "'Glee': Jeff Goldblum, Brian Stokes Mitchell to Play Rachel's Gay Dads" Archived 2018-07-07 at the Wayback Machine Hollywood Reporter, January 17, 2012
  28. Petski, Denise (March 9, 2018). "'Fam': Brian Stokes Mitchell & Sheryl Lee Ralph Join CBS Comedy Pilot". Archived from the original on July 6, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  29. "Brian Stokes Mitchell Roles and Awards" Archived 2016-04-30 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, accessed June 14, 2016
  30. "Brian Stokes Mitchell Biography" Archived 2016-08-10 at the Wayback Machine broadwayworld.com, accessed June 14, 2016
  31. "Brian Stokes Mitchell". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  32. "Brian Stokes Mitchell - Playbill". Playbill.com. Retrieved April 28, 2020.
  33. "The 2016 Tony Awards: Winners". TonyAwards.com. Archived from the original on 2019-04-19. Retrieved 2016-06-14.
  34. Gans, Andrew. "Brian Stokes Mitchell Elected Actors' Fund President" Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, May 24, 2004
  35. "Chairmen" Archived 2015-08-10 at the Wayback Machine, The Actors Fund, accessed August 10, 2015
  36. Viagas, Robert. "Brian Stokes Mitchell to Receive Isabelle Stevenson Award" Archived 2019-07-06 at the Wayback Machine Playbill, May 3, 2016
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