Audra McDonald
Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY
Lea Michele Reveals What Duet She Sang Both Parts of to Land Her Broadway Debut at Age 8 (May 19, 2026)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld May 19, 2026- DEATH BECOMES HER To End Broadway Run and More (May 19, 2026)
Videos: THE GILDED AGE Takes Over New York Streets for Season 4 Filming (May 18, 2026)
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.
Photos
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: New Trailer Teases Extended Audra McDonald Concert Featuring 'Rose's Turn'
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-17 13:31:36
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: See Andrea Martin as Madame Dashkova in New Sneak Peek of THE GILDED AGE
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
Video: SUCCESSION's Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook Reunite for 'Actors on Actors'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-24 11:49:14
Video: Audra McDonald & Jake Gyllenhaal Bond Over Stephen Sondheim, Vocal Warmups, & More
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-23 11:48:29
Video: George Clooney & Patti LuPone Sit Down for 'Actors on Actors' Series
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-22 13:25:12
Video: Audra McDonald and the Cast of GYPSY Perform Tiny Desk Concert
by Stephi Wild - 2025-04-22 08:59:26
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on Kamala Harris' Visit to GYPSY on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-03 14:32:49
News
by Michael Gioia - May 19, 2026
Lea Michele exclusively tells BroadwayWorld about auditioning for her first Broadway show, the 1987 production of 'Les Miserables,' on a whim.
by - May 19, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 19, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Josh Sharpe - May 18, 2026
Filming on the forthcoming season of The Gilded Age is currently underway, with recent videos revealing a transformed Financial District for what appears to be a large-scale parade sequence. Check out the videos here.
by Michael Major - May 18, 2026
Watch a new video of Gabrielle Mariella's impressions of Lea Michele, Patti LuPone, Kristin Chenoweth, Jenn Colella, Audra McDonald, Idina Menzel, Bernadette Peters, Mickey Mouse, and Julie Andrews singing 'Sarah Come Down to Me' from 'New Music.'
by Josh Sharpe - May 14, 2026
On May 13, the WNET Group hosted its 2026 gala at The Edison Ballroom in New York City, honoring Neal Shapiro. Take a look at photos from the evening, which included a special performance from six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald.
by Stephi Wild - May 13, 2026
On Monday May 11, WP Theater celebrated their annual gala honoring extraordinary achievement by women+ artists and industry leaders. Check out photos here!
by A.A. Cristi - May 11, 2026
The Kurt Weill Foundation for Music announced Lila Chrisp as the First Prize winner of the Lenya Competition, taking home $25,000. Claire Griffin and Ilanna Starr each received $20,000 Second Prizes.
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026
The Soraya announced its 2026-27 season featuring 45 performances, eight major debuts including Sutton Foster, Snarky Puppy, Audra McDonald, and Dance Theatre of Harlem, plus the introduction of incoming Executive & Artistic Director Chad Hilligus.
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026
Citadel Theatre has announced its 2026-27 mainstage season, featuring EUREKA DAY, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, and the musical ORDINARY DAYS.
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026
Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald will perform AN EVENING WITH AUDRA MCDONALD at Westport Country Playhouse, accompanied by longtime music director Andy Einhorn.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 7, 2026
The 2026 Honorees for the Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production have been revealed. Honorees include Luke Evans, Ayo Edebiri and more.
by Sidney Paterra - May 9, 2026
The results of the 2026 Tony races are very much still up in the air, but many of this season's nominated revivals have been Tony-tested before. How did they fare? The past may not always be the best indicator of the future, but accolades of years past provide interesting insight nonetheless. Check out a complete list of who was nominated, in what categories, and most importantly... if they won!
by Josh Sharpe - May 5, 2026
With his nomination for Marjorie Prime, Danny Burstein has become the most nominated male actor in Tony history, having earned a total of nine nominations across his stage career.
by Josh Sharpe - May 4, 2026
A new Beanie Baby is on the way! Beanie Feldstein has revealed that she is pregnant and expecting her first baby with her wife Bonnie-Chance Roberts. The couple, who were married in 2023, shared the news in a post on Instagram.
by Nicole Rosky - May 10, 2026
Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from the big announcement and recap the full list and the nominees' reactions!
by A.A. Cristi - May 1, 2026
Penn Live Arts has announced its 2026–27 season, titled Belonging, featuring performances across dance, music, theatre, and family programming in Philadelphia. The season includes appearances by Tony-winners Audra McDonald and John Cameron Mitchell.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026
Black Women on Broadway announced its 2026 honorees, recognizing the contributions of Black women to the Broadway community. Learn more about the honorees here!
by Analisa Swerczek - Apr 28, 2026
BroadwayWorld Omaha representative Analisa Swerczek sat down with Grant Reynolds, currently starring as Sky in the Mamma Mia! tour arriving in Omaha this week, to talk about his Chicago roots, life on the road, and all things Mamma Mia!
by Team BWW - Apr 28, 2026
It’s not every season that features two voices so deeply woven into the fabric of American theater. This fall, Vivo Performing Arts welcomes LaChanze, the original Celie in The Color Purple, whose electrifying cabaret artistry has earned raves from BroadwayWorld and audiences alike. In spring 2027, six‑time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald returns to Symphony Hall for an intimate evening of song and storytelling.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 27, 2026
Broadway veteran Will Blum, currently starring in Papermill Playhouse's 1776, will join the cast of INTO THE WOODS as the Baker at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre in Missouri.
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. She won Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Gypsy. For Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, she earned the Best Leading Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards, as well as Outstanding Actress in a Play and Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards. In addition, she won Best Leading Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Porgy and Bess. Her performance in The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess garnered her Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards, the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards, and Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards. She also received the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. Audra McDonald achieved Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) at the Drama Desk Awards for 110 in the Shade and won Best Featured Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards, and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Raisin in the Sun, along with Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards. Additionally, she received the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards and Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Marie Christine. Her accolades also include Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Ragtime and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Master Class.
Videos
