Cole Escola is a name you might have seen lighting up Broadway marquees or popping up in your favourite offbeat comedy series. Beyond the stage and screen, Escola is known for their distinctive fashion sense, notably paying homage to Broadway legend Bernadette Peters with a custom gown at the Tony Awards, and attending the Met Gala not once, but twice! They have also been recognised for their contributions to queer representation in comedy and theatre, becoming a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community.
But who exactly is this multi-talented performer making waves in the entertainment world? Below, we get you acquainted.
Early life and career...
Born on 25 November 1986 in Clatskanie, Oregon, Escola is a Scorpio – sharp-tongued, emotionally fearless, and never one to shy away from a little chaos in the name of comedy. They grew up in a small logging town and, despite some early hardships in their family, found solace in community theatre, participating in productions like Fiddler on the Roof and Les Misérables during high school.
But Escola's big break came with the cult-favourite sketch comedy show Jeffery & Cole Casserole, which they co-created with Jeffery Self. This led to roles in television series such as Difficult People, At Home with Amy Sedaris, and Search Party, where their unique comedic style garnered attention. They also contributed as a writer and producer on acclaimed shows like Hacks and The Other Two.
Broadway debut ...
In 2024, Escola made their Broadway debut with the play Oh, Mary!, a satirical take on Mary Todd Lincoln's life, which they both wrote and starred in. The performance was met with critical acclaim, earning Escola the 2025 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, making them the first openly non-binary performer to win in this category.
View this post on Instagram
Sense of style ...
Escola's fashion sense is a delightful blend of theatricality and personal expression. At the 2025 Tony Awards, they captivated audiences in a custom pale blue Wiederhoeft gown, inspired by Bernadette Peters' iconic 1999 look. The ensemble featured a corseted bodice with metallic blue bead embroidery and a silver ornamental door motif, complemented by auburn curls and a crystal-embellished manicure – a heartfelt tribute that mirrored Escola's admiration for Broadway legends.
View this post on Instagram
But Escola's style often embraces vintage femininity with a modern twist. At the 2025 Met Gala, they donned a Christopher John Rogers ensemble that combined fine tailoring with bold florals, embodying the event's theme of Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. And if that wasn't enough, they wore made-to-measure Thom Brown to the 2024 Met Gala.
But beyond red carpet events, Escola's fashion choices reflect a playful and confident attitude. In a conversation about Coach's FW25 collection, they expressed a fondness for cropped pieces, noting, "I love cropped things because they show off my ass".
View this post on Instagram
