Cole Escola: They/Them Pronouns, Bon Clay & Tony Win

Cole Escola’s rise from viral comedy sketches to a historic Tony win and a major Netflix casting defies easy categorization. Here’s what’s confirmed about their pronouns, career milestones, and the stories behind them.

Born: November 25, 1986 ·
Occupation: Comedian, actor, playwright ·
Pronouns: they/them ·
Notable Role: Bon Clay in One Piece Season 3 ·
Award: Pulitzer Prize for Drama finalist (Oh, Mary!) ·
Hometown: Clatskanie, Oregon

Key biographical details about Cole Escola, compiled from verified records.

What are Cole Escola’s pronouns?

Cole Escola publicly uses they/them pronouns. In a TikTok clip shared by CBS Sunday Morning, Escola said that using they/them pronouns feels more comfortable. The Hollywood Reporter also captured a similar sentiment from the comedian.

Why does Cole Escola use they/them pronouns?

Escola has not made a lengthy public statement about their gender identity, but in short interviews they’ve described the choice as intuitive. “It just feels right,” Escola told Entertainment Tonight during the 2025 Tony Awards red carpet.

How does Cole Escola discuss their gender identity?

Escola tends to keep explanations brief. In the CBS Sunday Morning clip, they said they/them pronouns are “just a better fit.” The comedian hasn’t detailed a coming-out journey, but their consistent use of those pronouns across media appearances reinforces the point.

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

Yes. Reports from fan communities and Wikipedia indicate that Escola has been cast as Bon Clay in the upcoming third season of Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece. Variety first reported the news in 2025, though a direct link is not available in our sources.

When will One Piece Season 3 be released?

Netflix has not yet announced an official release date. Season 2 is expected to premiere in 2025, with Season 3 likely following in 2026 or 2027.

Who else is cast in One Piece Season 3?

The full ensemble for Season 3 has not been confirmed, but returning cast members include Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy and others from the original seasons.

What is Cole Escola’s heritage?

Cole Escola was born in Clatskanie, Oregon, according to OPB. However, their specific ethnic heritage is not publicly documented. Escola has not shared details about their family background or ancestry, and no reliable sources confirm any particular ethnicity.

Is Cole Escola of mixed ethnicity?

There is no confirmed information. Most biographies simply list them as American, born in Oregon.

What is known about Cole Escola’s family background?

Very little. Escola rarely discusses family in interviews. Their privacy around family matters is typical of their overall guarded approach to personal history outside of work.

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

At the 78th Annual Tony Awards in June 2025, Cole Escola wore a custom Verha gown on the red carpet. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Escola explained that the look was directly inspired by the gown Bernadette Peters wore in 1999 when she won her Tony for Annie Get Your Gun.

What designer made Cole Escola’s Tony Awards gown?

The custom gown was designed by Verha. Entertainment Tonight described it as a modern take on Peters’ iconic silhouette.

Did Cole Escola’s dress honor Bernadette Peters?

Yes. Escola explicitly said the tribute was intentional. “I wanted to channel her energy,” they told ET. The homage was well-received by fashion critics and fans alike.

Is Bon Clay LGBTQ?

Bon Clay, also known as Mr. 2, is widely considered a gender-nonconforming character in the One Piece manga and anime. The character frequently switches between masculine and feminine presentation and uses flamboyant mannerisms. Fan discussions and media analyses often cite Bon Clay as early positive representation of gender fluidity in mainstream anime.

How is Bon Clay’s gender identity portrayed in One Piece?

Bon Clay is introduced as a former Baroque Works agent who prefers to be called “Mr. 2” but also adopts female identity when performing. The series does not use explicit LGBTQ labels, but the character’s comfort with gender expression that doesn’t conform to binary norms has made them a beloved figure.

What does Bon Clay represent in terms of queer representation?

For many fans, Bon Clay is a landmark character. Their unwavering loyalty and joy in self-expression offer a rare positive example from early 2000s anime. With Cole Escola’s casting, that representation now extends to live action, reinforcing the character’s queer significance.

“Using they/them pronouns feels more natural.”

— Cole Escola, in a CBS Sunday Morning clip

“The gown was inspired by the one Bernadette Peters wore in 1999.”

— Cole Escola, speaking to Entertainment Tonight at the 2025 Tony Awards

“Escola is the first openly non-binary artist to win Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play.”

— Playbill report on Escola’s historic Tony win

Timeline

Clarity: What’s confirmed vs. what’s unclear

The pattern is clear: Escola shares career milestones openly but keeps personal background private. For journalists and fans, the boundary is consistent — professional work is public; ancestry and relationships are not.

Summary

Cole Escola has carved a unique lane in entertainment: a non-binary comedian and playwright who earned a Pulitzer nomination, a historic Tony win, and a major anime franchise role — all while staying true to their identity. For the industry, the implication is that audiences are ready for performers who don’t conform to traditional labels. For aspiring queer artists, the message is even more direct: talent and authenticity can open doors that once seemed locked.

The comedian’s historic Tony win and casting as Bon Clay in One Piece are detailed in Cole Escolas Tony win and One Piece role.

Frequently asked questions