Tony Awards: Was Ali Stroker on ‘Glee’?
You might’ve seen her on the Glee Project or in Broadway’s revival of Oklahoma! Actress Ali Stroker inspired fans by being the first actress in a wheelchair to win a Tony Award. Learn more about Ali Stroker’s journey to “Best Featured Actress in a Musical,” here.
Ali Stroker started acting when she was young
The actress initially gained exposure on the Glee Project, becoming a finalist on the second season. In 2013, Ali Stroker, her full name Alyson Mackenzie Stroker, appeared as a guest star on Glee.
Since then, Ali Stroker had a few cameo performances on multiple television shows and movies. That includes portraying Margot in series City Boyz, Tamara on Ten Days in the Valley, and Jeanie in the film Cotton.
Aside from her background in theater, this artist has been an advocate for multiple organizations, including the It Gets Better Project. In 2012, the actress sang at the “A Better Holiday” Concert, benefiting The It Gets Better Project. This is a nonprofit organization that “exists to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe.”
She’s currently in Broadway’s ‘Oklahoma!’
In June 2019, Ali Stroker made history as the first Tony Award winner in a wheelchair. According to the Today Show, the actress “has been paralyzed from the chest down since she was injured in a serious car accident with her brother,
She won the Tony Award for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical.” The award was for her performance as Ado Annie in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! on Broadway. Once she accepted the award, the actress gave an inspiring speech for other aspiring actors.
“This award is for every kid who is watching tonight who has a disability, who has a limitation or a challenge, who has been waiting to see themselves represented in this arena — you are,” she said during her acceptance speech.
Fans on Twitter congratulated Ali Stroker
After Ali Stroker won “Best Featured Actress in a Musical,” fans raced to Twitter to congratulate her. Some said her win, her speech, and her visibility inspired viewers at home.
“I’ve never wanted something for someone more than I want Ali Stroker to take home a trophy tonight. For her and for the kids who deserve a role model like her,” tweeted one fan.
One fan commented on the Tony Awards’ failure to be wheelchair accessible, tweeting, “so happy Ali Stroker won. Pissed that she had to sit backstage, separated from the audience, because the Tonys wouldn’t build a ramp up to the stage. Accessibility is a non-negotiable human right. #TonyAwards”
“Something that needs to be addressed: Ali Stroker was the only cast member of Oklahoma! that was not on stage to celebrate their ‘Best Revival’ win because there was no ramp for her to use to get there,” said another Twitter user.
Ali Stroker in currently performing in Oklahoma! on Broadway. Tickets for the musical are available now through January 2020.