Broadway legend Andre De Shields reflects on a career spanning decades, marked by his resilience as an octogenarian performer and his long-term experience living with HIV. De Shields discusses his early inspirations, including the "Chitlin circuit" and the performance style of John Bubbles, which shaped his approach to stage presence and character embodiment. He details the significance of his breakthrough role in the original Broadway production of *The Wiz* and his Tony-winning performance in *Hadestown*, emphasizing how he uses fantasy and performance to transcend physical pain and societal constraints. By viewing his life as a deliberate path toward his destiny, De Shields highlights the importance of artistic commitment and the power of storytelling to connect with audiences, ultimately demonstrating how he continues to thrive on stage in *CATS: The Jellicle Ball* at age 80.
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