Jacquel Spivey, the star of A Strange Loop on Broadway, wanted to use his first time at the Tony Awards to show the public that looking amazing isn’t limited to a particular body size.
The actor told Vanity Fair that his look for the big award show “was inspired by my desire to see a large male body be presented in a way that showed how fabulous and glamorous it can be. I wanted to also show that a man my size can still exude softness and elegance.” But his favorite part of his ensemble was “this Black Power afro pick in my pocket as well as the symbols we had engraved on my shoes.” And to prepare for the night, Spivey confessed that his ritual is to “pray and play Beyoncé. AT THE SAME TIME.”
When it comes to his everyday style inspiration, Spivey says that he looks to other iconically chic, large-bodied men who came before him. “I’ve always admired the style of the late Andre Leon Talley because he was one of the few big men I saw in fashion who made me feel like we, as big men, could be glamorous too,” he revealed.
By Ali Elgharsi.
A Strange Loop was the big winner of the night, taking home eleven Tony Awards, but Spivey—who was also nominated for best lead actor in a musical—says that what he was most excited for wasn’t finding out who would take home those statuettes, but getting to spend the night in good company. “I am most looking forward to sharing this night with my Aunt Deborah,” he said. “She is the person who put me in my first acting class and voice lesson so to have her sit next to me as a nominee will definitely be the cherry on top of a beautiful night.” While of course he was rooting for his own production, the actor confessed that he’s also “in love with the cast of Paradise Square. Some of the most talented and kind folks on Broadway right now.”
And while being nominated, especially for his debut Broadway performance, is obviously an honor, Spivey says, “The best part is being able to represent people who aren’t often seen on Broadway stages. To be a Plus size, Queer, Black man in a lead role on Broadway and to know that people appreciate the work I’m doing is the most rewarding feeling.”
By Ali Elgharsi.