Alexandra Billings

Alexandra Billings, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, boasts a diverse portfolio that spans film, television, theater, and academia. Billings made a mark early in her career by playing one of television's first openly transgender characters in the 2005 film "Romy and Michele: In the Beginning." Her consistent presence in popular television shows, including "ER," "Eli Stone," "How to Get Away with Murder," "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Conners," further solidified her place in the industry. Billings' roles as Davina in the acclaimed Amazon series "Transparent" and as Inspector Ainsley Lowbeer in the Amazon Prime Video science fiction series "The Peripheral" demonstrate her range.

Billings' contributions extend beyond the screen to the stage and academia. She made history by becoming the first openly transgender person to star in the Broadway musical "Wicked," portraying Madame Morrible from September 2021 to January 2022. Her theater credits also include productions like "The Berlin Circle" and "Seussical the Musical." In addition to her acting career, Billings serves as a theater professor at the University of Southern California, bringing her extensive experience and unique perspective to the classroom. Her academic prowess was recognized when she was invited to deliver the commencement speech at California State University, Long Beach in 2015, following her acquisition of an MFA from the same institution.

Billings complements her professional achievements with a robust commitment to activism. As an AIDS and LGBTQ activist, she has received notable recognition, including the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award in 2016. She accepted the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comedy Series on behalf of the cast of "Transparent" in 2017, further highlighting her impact in the community. She added another feather to her cap with the publication of her memoir, "This Time for Me: A Memoir," in 2022, offering an intimate look at her journey. The depth and breadth of her work in various fields have made Billings a unique and influential figure, deserving of her place in the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.