Brian Stokes Mitchell

Brian Stokes Mitchell, hailed as "the last leading man" by The New York Times, boasts a career spanning over 40 years across Broadway, television, film, and concert stages alongside top conductors and orchestras nationwide.

His Tony Award-winning performance in "Kiss Me, Kate" and Tony-nominated roles in "Man of La Mancha," August Wilson’s "King Hedley II," and "Ragtime" highlight his Broadway prowess. Other Great White Way shows include “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Jelly’s Last Jam,” “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” David Merrick’s “Oh, Kay!” and “Mail,” which earned him a Theatre World award for outstanding Broadway Debut. Off-Broadway, he has graced productions like "Do Re Mi" and "Much Ado About Nothing."

On screen, Mitchell's television credits range from PBS' "Great Performances" to memorable roles in primetime series "Trapper John, MD," “Crossing Jordan,” “Frasier, "Glee," and "The Blacklist," among others. His rich baritone has also resonated in animation, such as in the film “The Prince of Egypt.”

As a musician, Mitchell's exploration extends to piano, orchestration, and conducting, showcased in his latest album, "Plays with Music." He has appeared on more than 20 albums as a cast member or special guest. His musical versatility has kept him in demand by some of the country’s finest conductors and orchestras: he has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, the L.A. Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops in iconic venues, such as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and Washington DC's Kennedy Center. He has been invited to the White House and performed for Presidents Carter, Clinton and Obama.

As a writer, Mitchell has contributed to the book "Hirschfeld’s Harlem," wrote the preface to "At This Theatre," and co-authored the children’s book "Lights on Broadway."

Mitchell's charitable work is extensive. Since his 20s, he has enjoyed working with multiple organizations, beginning with tours for the USO and also The March of Dimes. He received his most recent Tony Award in 2016 for his work as Chairman of the Board of Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actor’s Fund), a position he has continuously held since 2004. He is also on the Board and Artist Committee of Americans for the Arts, and is a founding member of Black Theatre United. A tireless advocate for both artists and the importance of the arts in a healthy society, Mitchell was honored by the city of New York with a Key to the City.