Chester Gregory

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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|date=March 2017}} Growing up in the same hometown as Michael Jackson inspired Gregory to become an artist.{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}}

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|date=March 2017}} His first two attempts were unsuccessful, but he was accepted on his third by the time he reached high school.{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}}

He progressed to Columbia College Chicago, where he majored in Musical Theatre.{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.colum.edu/theatre/2019/08/23/video-columbia-college-chicago-alum-chester-gregory-stars-in-higher-and-higher-aug-25-at-marriott-theatre/|title=(VIDEO) Columbia College Chicago Alum Chester Gregory Stars in 'Higher and Higher' Aug. 25 at Marriott Theatre {{!}} Theatre Department: The Green Room|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-07}} Shortly before graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Gregory earned the leading role as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar.{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.colum.edu/theatre/2018/11/08/columbia-college-chicagos-new-york-city-broadway-experience-featuring-tony-award-winner-david-cromer-raises-15000-for-columbia-college-theatre-students/|title=Columbia College Chicago's 'New York City Broadway Experience' Featuring Tony Award Winner David Cromer Raises $15,000+ for Columbia College Theatre Students {{!}} Theatre Department: The Green Room|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-07}} The production was co-directed by David Cromer.{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.colum.edu/theatre/2018/11/08/columbia-college-chicagos-new-york-city-broadway-experience-featuring-tony-award-winner-david-cromer-raises-15000-for-columbia-college-theatre-students/|title=Columbia College Chicago's 'New York City Broadway Experience' Featuring Tony Award Winner David Cromer Raises $15,000+ for Columbia College Theatre Students {{!}} Theatre Department: The Green Room|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-07}}

After graduating, Gregory began teaching acting classes and directing several productions at East Chicago Central High School and Indiana University Northwest.{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}}

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Theatre

The Jackie Wilson Story culminated at New York's Apollo Theater and received rave reviews from the New York Times.{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/liftin-me-higher-melba-moore-stars-in-jackie-wilson-story-at-nycs-apollo-april-3-opens-april-6-com-112414|title=Liftin' Me Higher: Melba Moore Stars in Jackie Wilson Story at NYC's Apollo April 3; Opens April 6|last=Jones|first=Kenneth|date=2003-04-03|website=Playbill|accessdate=2020-03-07}} 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 his Broadway debut as Seaweed in the Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray. He remained in the cast for two and a half years, then moved on to originate and star in other principal roles on Broadway including Tarzan (Terk), Cry-Baby (Dupree), Sister Act (Eddie Souther) and Motown: The Musical (Berry Gordy). He also performed internationally while touring with Motown: the Musical, Dreamgirls, and Sister Act. Other work includes August Wilson’s Fences and Two Trains Running.

Television/Film

Gregory's television and film work include roles in Revival! produced by Harry Lennix, Ish, The Testing Camera, and American Dreams and Films produced by Todrick Hall. He has also appeared on The Daily Show (Comedy Central), The View (ABC) and David Tutera’s CELEBrations with Kym Whitley.

Current/Future Work

In the spring of 2013, Gregory created, produced and starred in the one-man show, The Eve of Jackie,{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-eve-of-jackie-chester-gregory-jackie-wilson-show_n_2792554|title=Award-Winning Stage Actor Brings Music Legend Back To Life|last=Williams|first=Brennan|date=2013-03-01|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}} which premiered in New York to sold out audiences at 54 Below and at Chicago's Black Ensemble Theatre. That summer his production was selected to headline The National Black Theatre Festival.{{Cite web|url=https://www.greensboro.com/entertainment/national-black-theatre-festival-chester-gregory-reprises-role-of-jackie/article_f22713fc-f49d-11e2-b969-0019bb30f31a.html|title=National Black Theatre Festival: Chester Gregory reprises the role of Jackie Wilson|last=Journal|first=Susan Gilmor Winston-Salem|website=Greensboro News and Record|date=25 July 2013 |language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}} To date, Gregory continues to perform The 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,{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/article/Chester-Gregory-Speaks-at-Columbia-College-Chicago-Receives-Honorary-Doctorate-20150519|title=Chester Gregory Speaks at Columbia College Chicago, Receives Honorary Doctorate|author=BWW News Desk|website=BroadwayWorld.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-07}} 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 as Phil Collins, Marc Shaiman, Henry Krieger and Artie Butler. Dr. Gregory worked with PJ Morton and Eric Roberson for his album In Search of High Love. Other collaborations include Ledisi, Keyon Harrold, Dot Da Genius, MaliMusic, 88-Keys, 9th Wonder, The Pocket Queen, Cory Henry, and Chance The Rapper. Gregory has a new project titled RETRO(GRADE) under his artist name, CHΞSS.

{{Reflist|2}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110708142605/http://www.chestergregory.com/index.htm Official Website]
• [https://twitter.com/ChesterGregory Twitter]
• https://m.imdb.com/name/nm2457435

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Category:American male musical theatre actors

Category:Living people

Category:1978 births

Category:People from Gary, Indiana