An American actor, playwright, and voice actor, he is known for his distinctive gravelly voice and versatile performances across stage and screen. He gained acclaim for his Tony Award-winning roles in "Torch Song Trilogy" and "Hairspray." His work often explores themes of LGBTQ+ identity and social justice. With a career spanning several decades, he has appeared in films like "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Independence Day" and contributed his voice to animated features such as "Mulan."