Cole Escola’s first shot on Broadway has earned them one of the most coveted prizes in the theater world. At Sunday night’s Tony Awards, the star of “Oh, Mary!” scored the Tony for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for their delightfully daffy depiction of Civil War-era first lady Mary Todd Lincoln.

Cole Escola, who grew up in Clatskanie, earned cheers and applause as they accepted the Tony Award as best lead actor in a play during Sunday's telecast.

Cole Escola won Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play at the 78th Annual Tony Awards on June 8, 2025 at Radio City Music Hall.