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Chester Gregory | |
|---|---|
| Born | Chester Gregory Jr. (1972-12-10)December 10, 1972 (age 52) |
| Other names | C.H.E.S.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1996-Present |
Chester Gregory, also known asC.H.E.S.S. (born December 10, 1972),[citation needed] is an American actor, singer and songwriter from Gary, Indiana. His breakthrough came with his portrayal ofJackie Wilson inThe Jackie Wilson Story, which led to hisBroadway debut as Seaweed inHairspray.[1] Gregory's other credits include principal roles inTarzan,Cry-Baby,Dreamgirls andSister Act.[2] Gregory produced and starred in a look into the life of Jackie Wilson inThe Eve of Jackie.[3] Gregory has received numerous awards including the Joseph Jefferson and NAACP Theatre Award.[4]
Aside from acting, Gregory worked on numerous albums and mixtapes before releasingIn Search of High Love.[citation needed]
He has been awarded the key to two cities: The key to his hometown the City of Gary, Indiana and the Key to the City of East Chicago, Indiana.
He has also been awarded Honorary State Representative for the state of Indiana.
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Chester Gregory was born in Gary, Indiana on December 10, 1972, to steel mill worker, Chester Gregory, Sr., and school teacher, Edith Gregory.[citation needed] Growing up in the same hometown asMichael Jackson inspired Gregory to become an artist.[citation needed]
After years of performing in local talent shows and workshops for young performers, Gregory auditioned for the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts.[citation needed] His first two attempts were unsuccessful, but he was accepted on his third by the time he reached high school.[citation needed]
He progressed to Columbia College Chicago, where he majored in Musical Theatre.[5] Shortly before graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Gregory earned the leading role as Jesus inJesus Christ Superstar.[6] The production was co-directed byDavid Cromer.[7]
After graduating, Gregory began teaching acting classes and directing several productions at East Chicago Central High School and Indiana University Northwest.[citation needed]
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Theatre
The Jackie Wilson Story culminated at New York'sApollo Theater and received rave reviews from theNew York Times.[8] In 2003, Gregory met and performed for the legendary "King of Pop,"Michael Jackson, who gave Gregory a standing ovation. That same week, Gregory made hisBroadway debut as Seaweed in the Tony Award-winning musicalHairspray. He remained in the cast for two and a half years, then moved on to originate and star in other principal roles on Broadway includingTarzan (Terk),Cry-Baby (Dupree),Sister Act (Eddie Souther) andMotown: The Musical (Berry Gordy). He also performed internationally while touring withMotown: the Musical,Dreamgirls, andSister Act. Other work includesAugust Wilson’sFences andTwo Trains Running.
Television/Film
Gregory's television and film work include roles inRevival! produced byHarry Lennix,Ish,The Testing Camera, andAmerican Dreams and Films produced byTodrick Hall. He has also appeared onThe Daily Show (Comedy Central),The View (ABC) and David Tutera’s CELEBrations withKym Whitley.
Current/Future Work
In the spring of 2013, Gregory created, produced and starred in the one-man show,The Eve of Jackie,[9] which premiered in New York to sold out audiences at54 Below and at Chicago'sBlack Ensemble Theatre. That summer his production was selected to headlineThe National Black Theatre Festival.[10] To date, Gregory continues to performThe Eve of Jackie to sold out audiences across the country.
In 2015, Gregory founded a workshop titled “Manifest Your Inner Shine”. That same year he received his honorary doctorate degree from his alma mater,Columbia College,[11] and had the honor of giving the commencement address. The following year Gregory founded Lucid Life, an organization and production company that provides workshops and master classes to high school students, college students, and artists who seek professional development. He has also led acting and singing workshops at Donda’s House and other schools and organizations throughout New York, Florida, and the Chicago area.
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Gregory, who records under his artist name CHΞSS, has spent much of his career in the studio. He has released several albums and worked with music legends such asPhil Collins,Marc Shaiman,Henry Krieger andArtie Butler. Dr. Gregory worked withPJ Morton andEric Roberson for his albumIn Search of High Love. Other collaborations includeLedisi,Keyon Harrold,Dot Da Genius,MaliMusic,88-Keys,9th Wonder,The Pocket Queen,Cory Henry, andChance The Rapper. Gregory has a new project titled RETRO(GRADE) under his artist name, CHΞSS.
| Year | Title | Role | Theater | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Hairspray | Seaweed[12] | Neil Simon Theatre | Broadway Debut |
| 2006 | Tarzan | Terk[13] | Richard Rodgers Theatre | |
| 2008 | Shrek the Musical | Donkey[14] | 5th Avenue Theatre | Seattle Pre-Broadway Try-out |
| 2008 | Cry Baby | Dupree[15] | Marquis Theatre | |
| 2009 | Dreamgirls | James "Thunder" Early | Various | (National Tour) |
| 2011 | Sister Act | Eddie Souther[16] | Broadway Theatre | Reprised the role on the 2012 National Tour |
| 2014 | Motown: The Musical | Berry Gordy | Nederlander Theatre | Replacement Barry on the original National Tour Reprised the role on Broadway in 2016 and again on the second National Tour |