Bruce Vilanch

Bruce Vilanch is an openly gay American comedy writer, actor, and performer who has been one of Hollywood's most prolific joke writers for decades. A two-time Emmy Award winner, he has crafted material for the Academy Awards ceremony for over 25 years, along with countless celebrity roasts and events, writing for stars including Bette Midler, Whoopi Goldberg, and Billy Crystal. He appeared as himself in Get Bruce! (1999), a documentary celebrating Hollywood comedy writers, and starred as a regular celebrity square and head writer on Hollywood Squares (1998). Vilanch has been a contributor and columnist for The Advocate since 1980 and has been a visible and campy presence in gay pop culture throughout his career.