Michael Patrick King, the Emmy-winning writer, director, and producer behind Sex and the City and And Just Like That, will receive the Vito Russo Award at GLAAD’s 40th Anniversary Gala on Friday, October 10, in New York.
The award, named for GLAAD founder and ACT UP activist Vito Russo, recognizes LGBTQ media professionals whose work has significantly advanced acceptance and representation. King’s longtime collaborator and friend, Sarah Jessica Parker, will present the honor.
“I am honored to have my name associated with the name of Vito Russo—the inspiring, trailblazing hero of our LGBTQ world,” King said.
A Career Championing LGBTQ Stories
King has been a driving force in bringing LGBTQ characters and stories to mainstream audiences. From groundbreaking series like Will & Grace and AJ and the Queen to cult favorites like The Comeback, King has consistently amplified queer voices in television. Previous recipients of the Vito Russo Award include Billy Porter, RuPaul, Anderson Cooper, Ricky Martin, and George Takei.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis praised King’s influence:
“With a longstanding and diverse variety of groundbreaking LGBTQ stories, Michael Patrick King has brought humor, humanity, and authenticity to LGBTQ characters, raising the bar for inclusion in media and shaping culture at large.”
Gala Highlights
The gala will be hosted by Emmy-winning television personality Ross Mathews and feature appearances by RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Kandy Muse, Aja, and Dahlia Sin. Additional guests include GLAAD leadership and notable figures supporting LGBTQ media representation.
The evening will celebrate four decades of GLAAD’s advocacy for fair, accurate, and diverse media portrayals, honoring those who have contributed to LGBTQ equality in entertainment.
Hollywood to Broadway: King’s Versatile Career
King’s accolades include multiple Emmys and Golden Globes for Sex and the City, which he wrote, directed, and executive produced. He recently concluded And Just Like That, HBO Max’s most-watched original series debut, and is reuniting with Lisa Kudrow for the final season of The Comeback next year.
King’s earlier television work includes 2 Broke Girls, and his theater roots include Off-Off Broadway revue At Least It’s Pink. His film work includes Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2, which collectively grossed over $700 million worldwide.
Starting in New York’s theater scene and comedy clubs, King later transitioned to Hollywood, earning his first Emmy nomination for work on Murphy Brown and later contributing to Will & Grace. Across television, film, and stage, King has maintained a commitment to authentic storytelling and LGBTQ visibility.
