It’s André De Shields’ birthday, the perfect opportunity to reflect on the prolific actor’s three cardinal rules. 1. “Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming,” as André and his former castmates did at our 40th anniversary celebration of The Wiz. 2. “Slowly is the fastest way to get to where you want to be.” André won his first Tony at 73, recognizing his showstopping performance in Hadestown. 3. “The top of one mountain is the bottom of the next, so keep climbing.” André has been acting since the late 60s and won an Emmy for his electrifying role in Ain’t Misbehavin’ but he’s still climbing today. Thank you, André. Your three cardinal roles have been barrier breaking and awe inspiring to witness. Happy birthday!