IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Billy Eichner Joins Cast of NBC's 'Hairspray Live!'

Billy Eichner, comedian and star of "Billy on the Street," will be joining the cast of NBC’s live musical “Hairspray Live!” scheduled to air on December 7.
Billy Eichner at the HBO Emmys After Party, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 18 Sep 2016
Billy Eichner at the HBO Emmys After Party, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 18 Sep 2016Chelsea Lauren/Variety/REX/Shutterstock / Shutterstock

Billy Eichner, known for his roles on “Parks and Recreation,” “Difficult People” and -- of course -- “Billy on the Street,” will be joining the cast of NBC’s live musical “Hairspray Live!” scheduled to air on December 7.

Billy Eichner at the HBO Emmys After Party, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 18 Sep 2016
Billy Eichner at the HBO Emmys After Party, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 18 Sep 2016Chelsea Lauren/Variety/REX/Shutterstock / Shutterstock

Eichner will be playing Rob Barker, a television reporter who chronicles Tracy Turnblad’s efforts to desegregate “The Corny Collins Show.” He joins a star-studded cast that includes Kristin Chenoweth, Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Martin Short and Rosie O’Donnell.

“Hairspray Live!” is the newest addition in NBC’s series of annual live musicals, following “The Wiz Live!,” “Peter Pan Live!” and “The Sound of Music Live!”

“Hairspray” tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, whose dreams of fame and stardom entangle her in the racial tensions of 1960s segregation. Originally a film released in 1988 directed by John Waters, it was later adapted into a hit musical that won eight Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Musical.

Follow NBC OUT on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.