Cole Escola: Pronouns, Bon Clay Casting, Tony Awards & More

When a performer’s theatrical flair meets a character who literally turns combat into art, the casting feels almost inevitable. Cole Escola, the nonbinary comedian and playwright behind the Broadway hit Oh, Mary!, is bringing that exact energy to one of anime’s most beloved shapeshifters.

Born: November 25, 1986 ·
Place of birth: Clatskanie, Oregon ·
Occupation: Comedian, actor, playwright ·
Pronouns: they/them ·
Notable work: Oh, Mary! ·
Major award: Drama Desk Award (2024)

Seven key facts about Cole Escola, from their background to the career shift into the Grand Line:

What are Cole Escola’s pronouns?

Preferred pronouns and identity

• Cole Escola uses they/them pronouns and openly identifies as nonbinary (Wikipedia).
• They have been public about their gender identity in interviews and on social media.

When did Cole Escola publicly share their pronouns?

Escola’s pronouns have been consistently listed in bios and press materials since at least 2021, when their role on Hacks brought wider attention (IMDb).

Pronouns in media and interviews

Major outlets including The New York Times now consistently use they/them for Escola, reflecting both the performer’s preference and evolving editorial standards.

The pattern: For a performer whose art leans into theatricality and identity play, pronouns are not just a courtesy—they’re a creative statement.

Is Cole Escola cast as Bon Clay in the third season of One Piece?

Official casting announcement

On November 4, 2025, Netflix confirmed that Cole Escola will play Bon Clay in the live-action One Piece Season 3 (Netflix Tudum). The announcement hailed Escola as a “Tony Award-winning performer” and described Bon Clay as a “beloved character known for performance skills and precision.”

What is Bon Clay’s role in One Piece?

Bon Clay (Bentham) is a member of Baroque Works, a flamboyant assassin who uses the Mane-Mane no Mi to transform his face and voice. IMDb News characterized the role as “a theatrical assassin who turns combat into art” (IMDb News). The live-action adaptation is expected to frame Bon Clay as nonbinary, aligning with the character’s original gender‑fluid performance (IMDb News).

Reactions from fans and media

Crunchyroll’s report called the casting “a strong sign that the Alabasta storyline is part of Season 3’s adaptation path” (Crunchyroll News). Fans on Reddit celebrated the choice, noting that Escola’s cabaret and drag‑adjacent stage work is a natural fit for Bon Clay’s exaggerated movements and theatrical flair.

What this means: Casting a nonbinary actor with deep stage roots signals Netflix is leaning into the character’s gender‑fluid legacy rather than sanitizing it for live action.

What is Cole Escola’s heritage?

Family background

Cole Escola was born in Clatskanie, Oregon, a small town in the Pacific Northwest. They are of Portuguese and Irish descent (Wikipedia).

Ethnicity and cultural influences

The mix of Portuguese and Irish heritage was referenced in early biographical profiles. Escola has not frequently discussed how these roots influence their work, but the theatrical tradition of Irish storytelling and Portuguese fado may echo in their cabaret‑style performances.

The trade-off: While heritage details are sparse, Escola’s upbringing in rural Oregon likely shaped their outsider perspective—a theme that resonates with many of their characters.

Why did Cole Escola wear a dress to the Tony Awards?

The designer and inspiration

At the 2024 Tony Awards, Cole Escola wore a custom Wiederhoeft gown—a sheer, structured piece that blended Victorian silhouette with modern queer aesthetics (The New York Times). The choice was a deliberate nod to Broadway royalty.

Honoring Bernadette Peters

Escola dedicated the look to Bernadette Peters, a link that underscored the performer’s reverence for Broadway history. The gown’s dramatic train and corset bodice echoed Peters’ own red‑carpet moments.

Fashion as self‑expression

The outfit was part of Escola’s broader practice of using clothing to signal identity. As a nonbinary person, selecting a gown on one of the industry’s biggest stages is both a celebration and a quiet political act.

Why this matters: In a single red‑carpet moment, Escola fused homage, personal style, and a subtle challenge to gendered dress codes—exactly the kind of layering Bon Clay demands.

Is Cole Escola married?

Current relationship status

Cole Escola has not publicly confirmed a marriage or long‑term partner. They are known to keep their personal relationships private, and no reliable source has reported a spouse or wedding.

Past partnerships

While Escola has been linked to other performers in the New York cabaret scene, no confirmed partnerships have been documented in mainstream media.

Privacy around personal life

Escola has stated in interviews that they prefer to let their work speak for itself. The lack of relationship details is consistent with this approach.

The catch: For a public figure whose identity is part of their art, guarding personal privacy can feel paradoxical—but it also protects the space needed to create.

Timeline: Cole Escola’s journey to the Grand Line

• November 25, 1986 – Born in Clatskanie, Oregon.
• 2017 – Appeared in At Home with Amy Sedaris.
• 2021 – Recurring role on Hacks.
• 2024 – Won Drama Desk Award for Oh, Mary!
• June 2024 – Wore Wiederhoeft gown to Tony Awards in tribute to Bernadette Peters.
• 2025 (announced) – Cast as Bon Clay in One Piece Season 3.

Clarity check: What’s confirmed, what’s not

In their own words: The theatrical assassin takes the stage

“Bon Clay is a beloved character who combines theatrical performance with deadly precision. We are thrilled that Cole Escola will bring this fan‑favorite to life.”

— Netflix Tudum (Netflix)

“A theatrical assassin who turns combat into art. Bon Clay is one of the biggest new additions to Season 3 of the live‑action series.”

— IMDb News (IMDb)

For Cole Escola, stepping into Bon Clay’s ballet‑inspired combat is more than a role—it’s a full‑circle moment. Their cabaret background, honed in New York’s downtown scene, has always blurred the line between performance and transformation. Now that same sensibility will animate one of anime’s most joyfully theatrical antagonists. For Netflix, the bet is clear: cast a nonbinary stage actor who understands that identity is its own kind of costume—and that the Grand Line is the biggest stage of all.

Related reading: **Cole Escola Casting as Bon Clay in One Piece Season 3** · **Cole Escola Joins One Piece Season 3 as Bon Clay – What We Know**

For a deeper look at their journey from viral sketches to Broadway and Netflix, check out Cole Escolas career milestones.

Frequently asked questions