Grey Henson (born July 2, 1990) is an American actor, dancer, and singer. He originated the role as Damian Hubbard in the Broadway production of Mean Girls, for which he earned a nomination for a 2018 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical, as well as Elder McKinley in the US national touring production of The Book of Mormon. He later reprised the role of Elder McKinley in the Broadway production of the show. Most recently, he starred as Buddy in the 2024 Broadway revival of Elf.
Early life and education Henson grew up in Macon, Georgia, and was a performer on the stages of Macon Little Theatre, Theatre Macon, and Madison’s School of Dance, which he credits for his love of performing. He is a 2008 YoungArts alumnus.
Henson received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting/Musical Theatre from Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama in 2012. At Carnegie Mellon University, he performed in Assassins as Samuel Byck and Sweeney Todd as Beadle Bamford.
Career As a junior at Carnegie Mellon, Henson auditioned for the national touring company of The Book of Mormon and ultimately joined the cast in the role of Elder McKinley. The tour began in August 2012. Henson then took over the role on Broadway from August 26, 2014, until August 21, 2016.
Henson joined the original cast of the musical Mean Girls as Damian Hubbard in 2017. The musical, based on the film of the same name, premiered as an out-of-town tryout at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., on October 31, 2017, and ended December 3, 2017. The musical began previews on Broadway on March 12, 2018, and officially opened April 8, 2018. Co-star Barrett Wilbert Weed and Henson worked together to receive their roles in the production. His final performance in the role was March 8, 2020. Henson called the role "a dream".
In 2022, Henson appeared in the Peacock series Girls5eva as Tate.
Personal life Henson is openly gay.
Acting credits
Theatre Credits in bold indicate Broadway production(s): Year Title Role Theatre Director(s) 2012-2014 The Book of Mormon Elder McKinley First U.S. National Tour 2014-2016 Elder McKinley Eugene O'Neill Theatre 2017Mean Girls Damian Hubbard National Theatre 2018-2020 August Wilson Theatre 2023-2024ShuckedStoryteller 2Nederlander Theatre2024 tick, tick...BOOM! Michael Kennedy Center FolliesYoung BuddyCarnegie Hall 2024-2025 Elf Buddy the Elf Marquis Theatre 2025Hello, Dolly!Cornelius HacklCarnegie HallBigfoot! The MusicalBigfootManhattan Theatre Club2026Iceboy!The IceboyGoodman Theatre
Television Year Title Role Notes 2013 Suburgatory Alec Episode: "Blowtox and Burlap" 2018 Saturday Night Live Himself (uncredited) Episode: "Tina Fey" 2022 Girls5eva Tate 5 episodes 2026Love StoryTommy3 episodes
Accolades Year Award Category Nominated work Result 2014 Helen Hayes AwardsOutstanding Supporting Performer - Visiting Production The Book of Mormon 2018 Tony Awards Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Mean Girls Broadway.com Audience AwardsFavorite Featured Actor in a Featured Role in a MusicalFavorite Onstage Pair (with Barrett Wilbert Weed) Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical Helen Hayes Awards Outstanding Performer - Visiting Production 2025Drama Desk AwardsOutstanding Lead Performance in a MusicalElf 2026Drama League AwardDistinguished PerformanceBigfoot!
References
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