Audra McDonald
Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY
Latest News on Audra McDonald:
BIO
Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actor. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and an Emmy, in 2015 she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people and received a National Medal of Arts—America’s highest honor for achievement in the field—from President Barack Obama. In addition to her Tony-winning performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill—the role that also served as the vehicle for her Olivier Award-nominated 2017 debut in London’s West End—she has appeared on Broadway in The Secret Garden; Marie Christine (Tony nomination); Henry IV; 110 in the Shade (Tony nomination); Shuffle Along, or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed; and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Tony nomination).
A Juilliard-trained soprano, her opera credits include La voix humaine and Send at Houston Grand Opera, and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at Los Angeles Opera, where the resulting recording earned her two Grammy Awards.
On television, she was seen by millions as the Mother Abbess in NBC’s The Sound of Music Live! and played Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC’s Private Practice. She won an Emmy Award for her role as host of PBS’s Live From Lincoln Center and has received nominations for Wit, A Raisin in the Sun and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Having first appeared as Liz Lawrence on CBS’s The Good Wife, she stars in The Good Fight on Paramount+ as well as in Spectrum’s pandemic-themed drama, The Bite.
On film, she has appeared in Seven Servants, The Object of My Affection, Cradle Will Rock, It Runs in the Family, The Best Thief in the World, She Got Problems, Rampart, Ricki and the Flash, Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast, the movie-musical Hello Again, and MGM’s Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect.
Her upcoming film projects comprise Higher Ground’s Rustin and FilmNation’s Down Low. McDonald has issued five solo albums on the Nonesuch label as well as Sing Happy with the New York Philharmonic on Decca Gold. She also maintains a major career as a concert artist, regularly appearing on the great stages of the world and with leading international orchestras. A founding member of Black Theatre United, board member of Covenant House International, and prominent advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights, her favorite roles are those performed offstage, as an activist, wife to actor Will Swenson, and mother.
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STAGE CREDITS
Awards and Nominations
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Audra McDonald, Gypsy
Audra McDonald, Gypsy
Audra McDonald, Gypsy
Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders
Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders
Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders
Audra McDonald, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
Audra McDonald, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shad
Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade
Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade
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Audra McDonald, A Raisin In The Sun
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Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun
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Audra McDonald , A Raisin in the Sun
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Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun
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Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald, Marie Christine
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Audra McDonald, Marie Christine
Audra McDonaldRagtime
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Audra McDonald, Ragtime
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Audra McDonald, Master Class
Videos
Video: Impressionist Recreates Iconic RAGTIME Lyric With Broadway Stars
by Michael Major - 2026-05-18 14:45:07
Video: New Trailer Teases Extended Audra McDonald Concert Featuring 'Rose's Turn'
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-17 13:31:36
Video: Exclusive Clip of Renée Elise Goldsberry SATISIFED Doc Highlights Early Days of Ham4Ham
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-09-24 10:00:20
Video: HBO Previews Season 3 Finale of THE GILDED AGE in Tense New Sneak Peek
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-08-04 15:21:53
Video: Morgan Spector Recalls Breakout Role in Broadway's A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-31 11:11:30
Video: THE GILDED AGE Stars Denée Benton and Louisa Jacobson Talk Season 3, Working with Broadway Legends & More
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-21 13:12:52
Video: Audra McDonald, Denée Benton, & More Discuss Portrayal of Black Elite in THE GILDED AGE
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-17 15:20:43
Video: THE GILDED AGE Sneak Peek Teases Andrea Martin's Character
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-07 16:40:07
Video: THE GILDED AGE Stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon Discuss Theater's Impact on the Series
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-17 13:56:05
Video: Jordan Tyson Sings 'Strangers Like Me' From TARZAN MCC's MISCAST25
by Michael Major - 2025-06-03 11:56:19
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on ‘Legend’ Status and GYPSY Role in CBS Interview
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-03 10:59:39
Video: Audra McDonald and GYPSY Cast Perform 'Some People' on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2025-05-23 07:06:11
News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2026
Mayo Performing Arts Center has revealed its 2026-2027 season lineup of over 120 events, featuring touring Broadway productions, classic rock legends, comedians, and dance companies including the MPAC debut of Ailey II.
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 18, 2026
The return of The Gilded Age is nigh! The first teaser is here for the highly anticipated fourth season of The Gilded Age, which is confirmed to debut this fall. Check it out now!
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 16, 2026
Second Street Players will present GYPSY at their Riverfront Theater in Milford, DE, featuring Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim's score, including 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' and 'Rose's Turn.'
by Cynthia L. Dorsey - Jun 19, 2026
At a time when stories are being challenged, erased, and reimagined in real time, the communities most impacted are often cared for the least, with few industry spaces designed specifically for their support. In 2020, three powerhouse theater artists and Tony Award nominees, Amber Iman, Jocelyn Bioh, and Danielle Brooks, set out to change that. What began as a desire to celebrate Black women working in theater has grown into Black Women on Broadway (BWOB), a thriving community dedicated to mentorship, recognition, wellness, and professional development for Black women working both onstage and behind the scenes.
by R. Scott Reedy - Jun 15, 2026
The popular stage performer – an original cast member in the 2005 Broadway production of “Lennon” and the fifth Elphaba in “Wicked” – is currently making her Boston directorial debut with the Psych Drama Company production of “Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune,” which will be at the Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Black Box Theatre,
by Stephi Wild - Jun 15, 2026
Portland Ovations announced its 2026-2027 season, featuring Broadway national tours of BEETLEJUICE, THE WIZ, and MYSTIC PIZZA, plus Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Audra McDonald, and world premieres by Maine artists.
by Michael Gioia - Jun 14, 2026
Here is your complete guide to everything happening at The Festival, the three-day Broadway event taking place this August.
by - Jun 12, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 12, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 11, 2026
The Festival has released initial programming for the three-day outdoor event taking place at Kingston’s historic Hutton Brickyards. The first-of-its-kind celebration of Broadway will feature three days of musical theater performances and activations.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 9, 2026
Nantucket Performing Arts Center revealed two more additions to the Summer 2026 season, adding Emmy Award-winning comedian JB Smoove and a performance from Grammy Award winner Colbie Caillat.
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 8, 2026
Once again, Broadway's biggest night has come and gone! With the 79th Annual Tony Awards now behind us, we have compiled a list of some of the most memorable moments from the evening, including standout wins, performances, and more.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 7, 2026
The 79th Annual Tony Awards have come and gone! As winners took the stage at the big event, BroadwayWorld brought you full text of all of the acceptance speeches; from the emotional to the humorous, and everything in between.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2026
Nantucket Performing Arts Center is expanding its Summer 2026 season, adding Emmy Award-winning writer and comedian Seth Meyers and a new production of Craig Lucas' beloved play Prelude to a Kiss, directed by Mark Shanahan.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 1, 2026
Black Women on Broadway (BWOB) recently held its fifth annual awards celebration, honoring Debra Martin Chase, Whitney White, Alana Raquel Bowers, and Destiny Lilly for their contributions to the theater industry. The event was hosted by BWOB co-founders Danielle Brooks, Amber Iman, and Jocelyn Bioh.
by Joni Lorraine - Jun 1, 2026
Austin audiences will have plenty of opportunities to travel the world without leaving their seats during Texas Performing Arts' newly announced 2026/27 season.
by Michael Gioia - Jun 1, 2026
Grab a tissue — these Tony Awards speeches may make you teary-eyed!
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 7, 2026
Ragtime has won the 2026 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.
by Oliver Oliveros - May 27, 2026
The Maria Callas, the famed soprano, of Terrence McNally’s Master Class is, in many ways, the extreme opposite of the real-life 'La Divina.'
by Josh Sharpe - May 26, 2026
Fans eager to return to the glamorous world of The Gilded Age won't have to wait too much longer. In a new HBO Max spot, the streamer previewed several titles from their upcoming slate, confirming that Season 4 of the hit series will return sometime this year. Check it out now.
by Michael Major - May 26, 2026
Schmackary’s is hosting their 7th Broadway Bakes fundraiser this week. Confirmed participants this year include Sara Chase, Alex Brightman, Josh Rivera, Harvey Guillén, Betsy Wolfe, Christopher Sieber, Max Clayton, Marty Lauter, and more!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Audra McDonald has appeared on Broadway in 18 shows.
Audra McDonald has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
Audra McDonald's first West End show was Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill which opened in 2017
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gypsy, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Porgy and Bess, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess , Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess , Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Porgy and Bess , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shad, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin In The Sun, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Marie Christine, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine, Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.
Audra McDonald has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. These include: - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy - Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shade - Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.
