Ep364 - Lea DeLaria: Queer, Loud, and Unapologetically Iconic

Heads up - this episode has lots of profanity! Lea DeLaria has never been one to hold back—and thank goodness for that. From making history as the first openly gay comic on late-night TV to her unforgettable role as Big Boo in Orange Is the New Black, Lea’s fearless authenticity has paved the way for countless others. In this episode, she takes us through her groundbreaking comedy career, her love affair with jazz and theater, and the unyielding passion that fuels her activism. Along the way, we dive into hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, her creative process, and the ways she continues to use her platform to fight for LGBTQ+ representation. Lea shares the origins of her famous brunch series at 54 Below, her experiences blending stand-up and music into a signature performance style, and her advice for embracing rejection in the entertainment industry. She also reflects on the highs and lows of her journey, reminding us all to keep pushing forward with humor, heart, and a little bit of rage when needed. This episode is equal parts inspiring, entertaining, and unapologetically Lea. Lea DeLaria is an award-winning comedian, actress, jazz singer, and LGBTQ+ activist. She made history in 1993 as the first openly gay comic to appear on a late-night talk show with her debut on The Arsenio Hall Show. Her Broadway credits include On the Town (1998), The Rocky Horror Show (2000), POTUS (2022), and a national tour of Chicago as Mama Morton. Lea is best known for her SAG Award-winning role as Big Boo in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black. A celebrated jazz musician, she has released several albums, blending comedy and music into her performances. Lea continues to champion LGBTQ+ representation in the arts and hosts a monthly brunch series at 54 Below in New York City. Connect with Lea: Website: leadelaria.com Instagram: @realleadelaria TikTok: @realleadelaria Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast YouTube: YouTube.com/TheTheatrePodcast Threads, Twitter & Instagram: @theatre_podcast TikTok: @thetheatrepodcast Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast TheTheatrePodcast.com My personal Instagram: @alanseales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices