Who is Cole Escola?

Cole Escola: A Rising Star in the Entertainment Industry
Cole Escola is a talented American comedian, actor, singer, and playwright who has been making waves in the entertainment industry. Born on November 25, 1986, in Clatskanie, Oregon, Escola comes from a humble background and grew up in a trailer with their family.
Early Life and Education
Escola attended R.A. Long High School in Missouri, where they participated in community theater and starred in high school productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misérables, and Little Shop of Horrors. After graduating in 2005, Escola moved to New York City to study humanities at Marymount Manhattan College but dropped out after one year.
Career
Escola began performing at children's birthday parties and worked at the Scholastic bookstore before landing regular gigs as a guest performer in the Our Hit Parade cabaret series from 2008 to 2012. They also started performing monthly solo shows at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre, where they gained attention for their unique style.
Breakthrough and Success
Escola's breakthrough came with the release of their hour-long solo show, "Help! I'm Stuck," which premiered at Joe's Pub in June 2017. The show received critical acclaim and played numerous sold-out engagements.
In addition to their solo work, Escola has appeared on several television shows, including Difficult People (2015-2017), At Home with Amy Sedaris (2017-2020), Search Party (2020-2021), and Big Mouth (2022). They have also written for Hacks, The Other Two, Ziwe, and Difficult People.
Awards and Nominations
Escola has received numerous awards and nominations for their work, including two Tony Award nominations for Best Actor in a Play and Best Play for Oh, Mary!. They won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play in 2025, becoming the first non-binary performer to do so.
Personal Life
In 2022, Escola came out as non-binary, stating that they identify as "they/them" pronouns. This announcement sparked a wave of support from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Recent Projects
Escola's most recent project is Oh, Mary!, which opened on Broadway in June 2024. The play has received widespread critical acclaim and has been extended multiple times since its transfer to the Lyceum Theatre.
Overall, Cole Escola is a talented and versatile performer who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. With their unique style and impressive range of skills, they continue to captivate audiences and inspire others with their work.