Dylan Mulvaney, an actress known for her role as Anne Boleyn in the musical *Six*, made a notable appearance at the 2026 Tony Awards, participating in an ensemble performance led by Pink. The opening number, which featured a vibrant rendition of “Lady Marmalade,” included an array of celebrated performers, among them Megan Thee Stallion and Lea Michele. Mulvaney donned a striking white T-shirt emblazoned with “protect the dolls,” a statement advocating for the safety and love of the transgender community.
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Having made her Broadway debut earlier this year, Mulvaney played Anne Boleyn in *Six*, a role she held until 31 May. On the red carpet at the Tony Awards, she showcased a business-casual elegance in a stunning red gown designed by Christian Siriano. Her participation in *Six* has been a significant milestone for transgender representation in the theatre world, marking a moment of progress that resonates with many in the community.
In a candid TikTok video shared in April, Mulvaney reflected on her experiences throughout her time in the musical, discussing the challenges and triumphs of being a trans person in a prominent Broadway production. “I’ve now been in *Six* for over two months, and I’m having the time of my damn life,” she stated, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity while also acknowledging the emotional hurdles of her journey.
She highlighted that her casting was particularly groundbreaking. “There haven’t been a ton of trans folks replacing in musicals on Broadway, which is lame because it should be happening all the time,” she remarked. This sentiment underscores the ongoing struggle for inclusivity in the performing arts, an issue Mulvaney is passionate about.
Moreover, Mulvaney believes that the entertainment industry is gradually awakening to the importance of diverse perspectives. “When you do make an effort to include someone with a different life experience, it can give a character such a fresh and nuanced perspective,” she elaborated. In her view, the decision by the producers of *Six* to cast her was a significant leap of faith that reflects a growing acceptance of diversity on stage.
Before her breakthrough in *Six*, Mulvaney had previously been part of the touring ensemble for *The Book of Mormon* in 2019 and led an off-Broadway one-woman show titled *The Least Problematic Woman in the World*. Despite initial criticisms of her singing when she joined *Six*, Mulvaney adjusted her approach and persevered. “When I started in February, I was seeing comments about my singing, and it took me a long time to realise those people weren’t actually seeing me in the show,” she confessed.
During the Tony Awards opening, Pink took a moment to express solidarity with the transgender community, acknowledging the alarming loss of rights that trans individuals have faced in recent years. This sentiment echoed Mulvaney’s message, as she champions the narratives and roles of transgender performers in Broadway theatre.
“We are not the problem. We are the solution,” Mulvaney asserted, calling attention to the richness of experience that trans performers contribute to the industry. “What we have to offer is so rich in experience and joy that a note that we can’t hit, or a costume that might need some alterations, will be the tiniest casualty of what will be an epic show for all involved.”
In a powerful statement about her identity and its role in her performances, she shared, “I think the coolest part is that I don’t say the word trans one time in this show… then, when I go out to the stage door, and I get to meet trans people who like to do this too one day… that is good enough for me.”
As the 2026 Tony Awards aired on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, Mulvaney’s appearance served as a reminder of the progress still needed in entertainment, while also celebrating the strides that have already been made. Through her inspiring journey, she embodies hope and resilience for current and future generations of performers in the LGBTQ+ community, making her mark on Broadway’s evolving landscape.