History of Cole Escola in Timeline

Cole Escola is an American comedian, actor, singer, and playwright recognized for their cabaret performances and television roles in shows like *Difficult People*, *At Home with Amy Sedaris*, *Search Party*, and *Big Mouth*. Most notably, they wrote and starred in the play *Oh, Mary!*, which premiered on Broadway in 2024. Escola received two Tony Award nominations for their work on *Oh, Mary!*, ultimately winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play and being named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 25, 1986: Cole Escola's Birth

On November 25, 1986, Cole Escola was born. They are an American comedian, actor, singer, and playwright.

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2005: Moved to New York City

In 2005, after graduating from R. A. Long High School, Cole Escola moved to New York City to study humanities at Marymount Manhattan College.

2008: Regular Performer in Our Hit Parade

From 2008, Cole Escola was a regular guest performer in the Our Hit Parade cabaret series.

2008: Met Jeffery Self

In 2008, Cole Escola met fellow comedian Jeffery Self in New York. Together, they began creating YouTube videos under the moniker "Very Good Looking (VGL) Gay Boys."

June 19, 2009: Premiere of Jeffery & Cole Casserole

On June 19, 2009, Jeffery & Cole Casserole premiered on Logo TV. It ran for two seasons.

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2012: Cabaret Shows

In 2012, Cole Escola began performing monthly solo shows at the Duplex Cabaret Theatre. They also appeared in Scott Wittman's cabaret show Jukebox Jackie at La MaMa.

2013: Present Laughter

In 2013, Cole Escola played Roland Maule in the Two River Theater revival of Noël Coward's Present Laughter.

2014: Rock Bottom at Joe's Pub

In 2014, Cole Escola played an unborn fetus in Bridget Everett's cabaret show Rock Bottom at Joe's Pub.

2015: Appearance on Difficult People

In 2015, Cole Escola appeared as Matthew on the Hulu television series Difficult People.

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June 14, 2017: Premiere of Help! I'm Stuck

On June 14, 2017, Cole Escola's hour-long solo show Help! I'm Stuck premiered at Joe's Pub, where it has since played numerous sold-out engagements.

2017: Appearance on At Home with Amy Sedaris

From 2015 to 2017, Cole Escola played Matthew on Difficult People. In 2017, they also appeared in recurring roles on At Home with Amy Sedaris, playing Sedaris' neighbor, Chassie Tucker.

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2020: Appearance on Search Party

In 2020, Cole Escola appeared as Chip (The Twink) on the HBO Max original Search Party.

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2021: Search Party Regular & What We Do in the Shadows

In 2021, Chip became a season regular in season 4 for Search Party. Escola also voiced a gargoyle in an episode of What We Do in the Shadows.

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2021: Voice Acting Roles

In 2021, Cole Escola voiced a gargoyle in an episode of What We Do in the Shadows. Chip became a season regular in season 4 of Search Party.

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2022: Appearance on Big Mouth

In 2022, Cole Escola appeared on Big Mouth.

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2022: Came Out as Non-Binary

In 2022, Cole Escola came out as non-binary.

July 2024: Broadway Debut of Oh, Mary!

In July 2024, Oh, Mary!, written by and starring Cole Escola, transferred to Broadway, marking their Broadway debut as an actor and playwright.

October 2024: Inclusion in TIME 100 Next List

In October 2024, Cole Escola was included in the TIME 100 Next list of the world's most influential rising leaders.

2024: Broadway debut in Oh, Mary!

In 2024, Cole Escola wrote and starred in the play Oh, Mary!, which opened on Broadway. They received two Tony Award nominations for their work on Oh, Mary!.

2025: Tony Award Win

In 2025, Cole Escola won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for their performance in Oh, Mary!, becoming the first non-binary performer to do so. The piece was also a 2025 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.