'Why not me?': André De Shields on his theatre career and latest Tony nomination

NPR | By Steve Inskeep

Published June 2, 2026 at 2:42 AM MDT

Facebook
Flipboard
LinkedIn
Email

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with theatre actor André De Shields who is in a late-career renaissance and is nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in "CATS: The Jellicle Ball."

Facebook
Flipboard
LinkedIn
Email

Steve Inskeep

Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition, as well as NPR's morning news podcast Up First.

Make a monthly donation

Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month

Make a one-time donation

Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR

Pay pledge or update info

Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information