Ali Stroker

Ali Stroker. An American actress and singer, she is a pioneering figure in the performing arts as the first performer who uses a wheelchair for mobility to win a Tony Award. Stroker rose to national prominence as a contestant on the second season of the television competition The Glee Project, which led to a guest-starring role on the hit series Glee. Her breakthrough came on Broadway in the 2015 revival of *Spring Awakening*, and she achieved historic recognition for her performance as Ado Annie in the 2019 revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's *Oklahoma!*.

Early life and education

Born in New Jersey, Stroker was injured in a car accident at the age of two, resulting in a spinal cord injury that required her to use a wheelchair. She demonstrated an early passion for the performing arts, participating in community theater and studying voice. For her formal training, she attended the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama. Her time at NYU was instrumental in developing her skills and confidence as a performer with a disability navigating the entertainment industry.

Career

Stroker's professional career began after she was selected as a finalist on Oxygen's The Glee Project in 2012, earning her a guest role on the Fox musical series Glee. She made her historic Broadway debut in 2015 with the groundbreaking Deaf West Theatre revival of *Spring Awakening*, a production that integrated American Sign Language and performers with disabilities. Her career-defining moment arrived when she was cast in the 2018 Daniel Fish revival of *Oklahoma!* at St. Ann's Warehouse, a production that later transferred to Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway. Beyond the stage, Stroker has appeared on television series such as *Lethal Weapon* and Ten Days in the Valley, and she released her debut children's music album, "Ali Stroker Sings," in 2020. She is also a dedicated advocate, frequently speaking about disability representation and accessibility in the arts through organizations like the Artists for Autism Foundation.

Awards and recognition

In 2019, Stroker made history by winning the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in *Oklahoma!*, becoming the first wheelchair user to receive the honor. For the same role, she also received a Drama Desk Award and was nominated for a Outer Critics Circle Award. Her advocacy and artistry have been recognized with additional honors, including the Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theater and being named a Hispanic Federation award recipient. Stroker's impact extends beyond trophies, as her Tony Awards acceptance speech was widely celebrated for its inspirational message about making space for artists with disabilities.

Personal life

Stroker married actor David Perlow, her longtime partner, in a ceremony in California in 2023. She is an active voice in the disability rights community, using her platform to discuss accessibility, inclusion, and the importance of seeing disabled people in all facets of life and media. Stroker has collaborated with various non-profits and initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities within the entertainment industry for people with disabilities. In her personal advocacy, she often highlights the work of institutions like the United Spinal Association and the importance of legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Stage and screen credits

Stroker's notable stage work includes her debut in the Broadway revival of *Spring Awakening* (2015) and her Tony-winning performance in the revival of *Oklahoma!* (2019). Her television credits encompass guest appearances on Glee, *Lethal Weapon*, and *Instinct*. She voiced a character in the animated Netflix series *Special* and performed in the Disney Channel original movie *The Swap*. Stroker also headlined her own concert at 54 Below and has performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

Category:American stage actresses Category:American television actresses Category:Tony Award winners