Chester Gregory

Chester Gregory, also known as CHΞSS (born December 10, 1978), is an American actor, singer and songwriter from Gary, Indiana. His breakthrough came with his portrayal of Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story, which led to his Broadway debut as Seaweed in Hairspray.[1] Gregory's other credits include principal roles in Tarzan, Cry-Baby, Dreamgirls and Sister Act.[2] Gregory produced and starred in a look into the life of Jackie Wilson in The Eve of Jackie.[3] Gregory has received numerous awards including the Joseph Jefferson and NAACP Theatre Award.[4]

Chester Gregory
Born
Chester Gregory Jr.

(1978-12-10) December 10, 1978
Gary, Indiana
Other namesC̤̈Ḧ̤Ë̤S̤̈S̤̈
OccupationActor, singer, songwriter
Years active1996-Present

Aside from acting, Gregory worked on numerous albums and mixtapes before releasing In Search of High Love.

Early life and education

Chester Gregory was born in Gary, Indiana on December 10, 1978 to steel mill worker, Chester Gregory, Sr., and school teacher, Edith Gregory. Growing up in the same hometown as Michael Jackson inspired Gregory to become an artist.

After years of performing in local talent shows and workshops for young performers, Gregory auditioned for the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts. His first two attempts were unsuccessful, but he was accepted on his third by the time he reached high school.

He progressed to Columbia College Chicago, where he majored in Musical Theatre.[5] Shortly before graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Gregory earned the leading role as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar.[6] The production was co-directed by David Cromer.[7]

After graduating, Gregory began teaching acting classes and directing several productions at East Chicago Central High School and Indiana University Northwest.

Career

Acting career

Theatre

The Jackie Wilson Story culminated at New York's Apollo Theater and received rave reviews from the New York Times.[8] In 2003, Dr. Gregory met and performed for the legendary "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, who gave Dr. Gregory a standing ovation. That same week, Dr. Gregory made his Broadway debut as Seaweed in the Tony Award Winning musical Hairspray. He remained in the cast for two and a half years, then moved on to originate and star in other principal roles on Broadway including Tarzan (Terk), Cry-Baby (Dupree), Sister Act (Eddie Souther) and Motown The Musical (Berry Gordy). He also performed internationally while touring with Motown the Musical, Dreamgirls, and Sister Act. Other work includes August Wilson’s Fences and Two Trains Running.

Television/Film

Gregory's television and film work include roles in Revival! produced by Harry Lennix, Ish, The Testing Camera, and American Dreams and Films produced by Todrick Hall. He has also appeared on The Daily Show (Comedy Central), The View (ABC) and David Tutera’s CELEBrations with Kym Whitley.

Current/Future Work

In the spring of 2013, Dr. Gregory created, produced and starred in the one-man show, The Eve of Jackie,[9] which premiered in New York to sold out audiences at 54 Below and at Chicago's Black Ensemble Theatre. That summer his production was selected to headline The National Black Theatre Festival.[10] To date, Dr. Gregory continues to perform The Eve of Jackie to sold out audiences across the country.

In 2015, Dr. Gregory founded a workshop titled “Manifest Your Inner Shine”. That same year he received his honorary doctorate degree from his alma mater, Columbia College,[11] and had the honor of giving the commencement address. The following year Dr. Gregory founded Lucid Life, an organization and production company that provides workshops and master classes to high school students, college students, and artists who seek professional development. He has also lead acting and singing workshops at Donda’s House and other schools and organizations throughout New York, Florida, and the Chicagoland area.

Recording career

Gregory, who records under his artist name CHΞSS, has spent much of his career in the studio. He has released several albums and worked with music legends such as Phil Collins, Marc Shaiman, Henry Krieger and Artie Butler. Dr. Gregory worked with PJ Morton and Eric Roberson for his album In Search of High Love. Other collaborations include Ledisi, Keyon Harrold, Dot Da Genius, MaliMusic, 88-Keys, 9th Wonder, The Pocket Queen, Cory Henry, and Chance The Rapper. Dr. Gregory has a new project titled RETRO(GRADE) under his artist name, CHΞSS.

Stage Credits
Year Title Role Theater Notes
2003 Hairspray Seaweed[12] Neil Simon Theatre Broadway Debut
2006 Tarzan Terk[13] Richard Rodgers Theatre
2008 Shrek the Musical Donkey[14] 5th Avenue Theatre Seattle Pre-Broadway Try-out
2008 Cry Baby Dupree[15] Marquis Theatre
2009 Dreamgirls James "Thunder" Early Various (National Tour)
2011 Sister Act Eddie Souther[16] Broadway Theatre Reprised the role on the 2012 National Tour
2014 Motown: The Musical Berry Gordy Nederlander Theatre Replacement Barry on the original National Tour

Reprised the role on Broadway in 2016 and again on the second National Tour

References
  1. Jones, Kenneth (June 17, 2003). "Run and Tell That: Newcomer Chester Gregory II To Be Seaweed in Hairspray". Playbill. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
  2. "Chester Gregory Theatre Credits, News, Bio and Photos". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
  3. "Chester Gregory channels Jackie Wilson in a dynamic show at the Arsht Center". Miami Herald. 2015-10-15. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
  4. "24th Annual NAACP Theater Awards Honor Glynn Turman, Toni Braxton and Roger Guenveur". The Michigan Chronicle. 2014-11-11. Retrieved 2019-12-18.
  5. "(VIDEO) Columbia College Chicago Alum Chester Gregory Stars in 'Higher and Higher' Aug. 25 at Marriott Theatre | Theatre Department: The Green Room". Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  6. "Columbia College Chicago's 'New York City Broadway Experience' Featuring Tony Award Winner David Cromer Raises $15,000+ for Columbia College Theatre Students | Theatre Department: The Green Room". Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  7. "Columbia College Chicago's 'New York City Broadway Experience' Featuring Tony Award Winner David Cromer Raises $15,000+ for Columbia College Theatre Students | Theatre Department: The Green Room". Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  8. Jones, Kenneth (2003-04-03). "Liftin' Me Higher: Melba Moore Stars in Jackie Wilson Story at NYC's Apollo April 3; Opens April 6". Playbill. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  9. Williams, Brennan (2013-03-01). "Award-Winning Stage Actor Brings Music Legend Back To Life". HuffPost. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  10. Journal, Susan Gilmor Winston-Salem. "National Black Theatre Festival: Chester Gregory reprises role of Jackie Wilson". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  11. Desk, BWW News. "Chester Gregory Speaks at Columbia College Chicago, Receives Honorary Doctorate". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2020-03-07.
  12. Jones, Kenneth (June 17, 2003). "Run and Tell That: Newcomer Chester Gregory II To Be Seaweed in Hairspray". Playbill.com. Archived from the original on December 26, 2004. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
  13. Brantley, Ben (May 11, 2006). "Tarzan Arrives on Broadway, Airborne". The New York Times. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
  14. "Chester Gregory | In Search of High Love". CD Baby. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
  15. "Chester Gregory Theatre Credits". Broadway World. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
  16. Hetrick, Adam (February 1, 2011). "Victoria Clark, Fred Applegate, Chester Gregory Will Be Part of Broadway's 'Sister Act'" Archived 2011-02-04 at the Wayback Machine. Playbill.com. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
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