Chester Gregory, also known as CHΞSS, is an American actor, singer and songwriter from Gary, Indiana. His breakthrough came with his portrayal of Jackie Wilson in The Jackie Wilson Story, which led to his Broadway debut as Seaweed in Hairspray. Gregory's other credits include principal roles in Tarzan, Cry-Baby, Dreamgirls and Sister Act. Gregory produced and starred in a look into the life of Jackie Wilson in The Eve of Jackie. Gregory has received numerous awards including the Joseph Jefferson and NAACP Theatre Award. Aside from acting, Gregory worked on numerous albums and mixtapes before releasing In Search of High Love.
Early life and education
Chester Gregory was born in Gary, Indiana on December 10, 1978 to steel mill worker, Chester Gregory, Sr., and school teacher, Edith Gregory. Growing up in the same hometown as Michael Jackson inspired Gregory to become an artist. After years of performing in local talent shows and workshops for young performers, Gregory auditioned for the Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts. His first two attempts were unsuccessful, but he was accepted on his third by the time he reached high school. He progressed to Columbia College Chicago, where he majored in Musical Theatre. Shortly before graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Gregory earned the leading role as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. The production was co-directed by David Cromer. After graduating, Gregory began teaching acting classes and directing several productions at East Chicago Central High School and Indiana University Northwest.
Career
Acting career
Theatre The Jackie Wilson Story culminated at New York's Apollo Theater and received rave reviews from the New York Times. In 2003, Dr. Gregory met and performed for the legendary "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, who gave Dr. Gregory a standing ovation. That same week, Dr. Gregory made his Broadway debut as Seaweed in the Tony Award Winning musical Hairspray. He remained in the cast for two and a half years, then moved on to originate and star in other principal roles on Broadway including Tarzan, Cry-Baby, Sister Act and . He also performed internationally while touring with, Dreamgirls, and Sister Act. Other work includes August Wilson’s Fences and Two Trains Running. Television/Film Gregory's television and film work include roles in Revival! produced by Harry Lennix, Ish, The Testing Camera, and American Dreams and Films produced by Todrick Hall. He has also appeared on The Daily Show, The View and David Tutera’s CELEBrations with Kym Whitley. Current/Future Work In the spring of 2013, Dr. Gregory created, produced and starred in the one-man show, The Eve of Jackie, which premiered in New York to sold out audiences at 54 Below and at Chicago's Black Ensemble Theatre. That summer his production was selected to headline The National Black Theatre Festival. To date, Dr. Gregory continues to perform The Eve of Jackie to sold out audiences across the country. In 2015, Dr. Gregory founded a workshop titled “Manifest Your Inner Shine”. That same year he received his honorary doctorate degree from his alma mater, Columbia College, and had the honor of giving the commencement address. The following year Dr. Gregory founded Lucid Life, an organization and production company that provides workshops and master classes to high school students, college students, and artists who seek professional development. He has also lead acting and singing workshops at Donda’s House and other schools and organizations throughout New York, Florida, and the Chicagoland area.
