John Cameron Mitchell is an acclaimed actor, writer, and director known for his boundary-pushing work across theater, film, and television. He first captivated audiences with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a rock musical he co-wrote and starred in, exploring identity, love, and self-acceptance. Mitchell later adapted and directed Hedwig for the screen, earning two Tony Awards, the Sundance Film Festival’s Best Director award, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
Mitchell’s directorial work includes Shortbus (2006), an audacious exploration of intimacy; Rabbit Hole (2010), starring Nicole Kidman, which received an Oscar nomination for Kidman's performance; and How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2017), featuring Kidman and Elle Fanning. His television credits span roles in Girls, Shrill, The Good Fight, Yellowjackets, The Sandman, City on Fire, and Joe vs. Carole.
In audio storytelling, Mitchell created the podcast series Anthem: Homunculus, featuring a star-studded cast that includes Glenn Close, Patti LuPone, Cynthia Erivo, and Laurie Anderson. He is also set to release Cancellation Island, a new podcast starring Holly Hunter. With his fearless approach to storytelling, Mitchell remains a powerful voice in contemporary culture, celebrated for his commitment to authenticity and representation.
Presented in partnership with the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. This project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan.
Series presenting partners: Detroit PBS, ALL ARTS, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public.