Karen Olivo
Date of Birth: August 07, 1976 (50)
Birth Place: New York, NY, USA
Latest News on Karen Olivo:
- Photos: THE LOST BOYS Tony-Winner Ali Louis Bourzgui Visits Students at Broadway Artists AllianceAug 12, 2026
- Photos: SCHMIGADOON! Star Alex Brightman Visits With Young Performers at Broadway Artists AllianceJul 24, 2026
- From THE COLOR PURPLE to RAGTIME: Top Broadway Moments on THE LATE SHOW May 21, 2026
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BIO
Karen Olivo originated the lead role of Satine in Broadway's Moulin Rouge! (2019) after playing the role in the Boston production in 2018. Other Broadway credits: West Side Story (2009, Tony Award winner); In the Heights (2008); and Brooklyn (2004). Regional/off-Broadway credits include: Fun Home (2018); Hamilton (2016); tick, tick...BOOM! (2014); and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (2011).
Photos
Robyn Hurder, Ricky Rojas, Aaron Tveit, Danny Burstein, Karen Olivo, Tam Mutu and Sahr Nguajah during the Broadway Opening Night performance Curtain Call bows for "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on July 25, 2019 in New York City.
Date:
12/28/2019
From: Photo Coverage: A Look Back on the Most Memorable Performances of 2019
Robyn Hurder, Ricky Rojas, Aaron Tveit, Danny Burstein, Karen Olivo, Tam Mutu and Sahr Nguajah during the Broadway Opening Night performance Curtain Call bows for "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on July 25, 2019 in New York City.
Date:
12/28/2019
From: Photo Coverage: A Look Back on the Most Memorable Performances of 2019
Bahiyah Hibah, Aaron Tveit, Karen Olivo, Danny Burstein, Sahr Nguajah, Tam Mutu, Ricky Rojas and Robyn Hurder with cast during the Broadway Opening Night Legacy Robe Ceremony honoring Bahiyah Hibah for "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on July 25,2019 in New York City.
Date:
12/28/2019
From: Photo Coverage: A Look Back at the Legacy Robe Ceremonies of 2019
Bahiyah Hibah, Aaron Tveit, Karen Olivo, Danny Burstein, Sahr Nguajah, Tam Mutu, Ricky Rojas and Robyn Hurder with cast during the Broadway Opening Night Legacy Robe Ceremony honoring Bahiyah Hibah for "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on July 25,2019 in New York City.
Date:
12/28/2019
From: Photo Coverage: A Look Back at the Legacy Robe Ceremonies of 2019
Bahiyah Hibah, Aaron Tveit, Karen Olivo, Danny Burstein, Sahr Nguajah, Tam Mutu, Ricky Rojas and Robyn Hurder with cast during the Broadway Opening Night Legacy Robe Ceremony honoring Bahiyah Hibah for "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on July 25,2019 in New York City.
Date:
12/28/2019
From: Photo Coverage: A Look Back at the Legacy Robe Ceremonies of 2019
STAGE CREDITS
[US Tour]
Chicago, Los Angeles, National Tour Production, 2016
Angelica Schyler
[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Production, 2011
Anne Mae/Afua Assata Ejobo
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1996
Performer (Swing) [Replacement], Maureen Johnson, Mimi Marquez (Understudy) [Replacement], Mimi Marquez (Understudy) [Replacement], Maureen Johnson (Understudy) [Replacement]
See how Karen Olivo connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Six Degrees of Broadway Beta
See how many degrees separate Karen Olivo from another Broadway star or creative.
Karen Olivo
Connection
Movies
Adrift in Manhattan
[ 2007 ] Ana, Isabel's daughter
[ 2007 ] Ana, Isabel's daughter
The New Twenty
[ 2008 ] Bethany
[ 2008 ] Bethany
Shanghai Hotel
[ 2011 ] Carmen
[ 2011 ] Carmen
Generation Um...
[ 2012 ] Carrie Hines
[ 2012 ] Carrie Hines
TV Shows
Harry's Law
Cassie Reynolds
Cassie Reynolds
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Yelina Muñoz, Jennifer Benitez
Yelina Muñoz, Jennifer Benitez
The Good Wife
Giada Cabrini
Giada Cabrini
Awards and Nominations
Drama League Awards - 2020 - Distinguished Performance Award
Karen Olivo, Moulin Rouge!
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Karen Olivo, Moulin Rouge!
Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Karen Olivo, Moulin Rouge!
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2009 - Best Featured Actress in a Musical
Karen Olivo, West Side Story
Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical
Karen Olivo, West Side Story
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical
Karen Olivo, West Side Story
winner
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Karen Olivo, West Side Story
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Ensemble Performances
Karen Olivo, In the Heights
Videos
Video: Courtney Reed Is the New Sparkling Diamond of MOULIN ROUGE!
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2023-09-25 15:50:32
VIDEO: Watch Broadway Unite for the BROADWAY BACKWARDS Finale!
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-04-01 09:38:52
VIDEO: Alex Timbers Visits Backstage LIVE with Richard Ridge- Watch Now!
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-02-27 16:38:33
VIDEO: Kaitlyn Bristowe Dances to 'Sparkling Diamonds' from MOULIN ROUGE! on DANCING WITH THE STARS
by Sarah Leiber - 2020-11-24 11:04:06
Broadway Rewind: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. & Karen Olivo Sing TICK, TICK... BOOM!
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-08-01 17:01:00
News
Photos: THE LOST BOYS Tony-Winner Ali Louis Bourzgui Visits Students at Broadway Artists Alliance
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 12, 2026
Tony Award winner Ali Louis Bourzgui visited students at NYC's Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A about originating the role of David in THE LOST BOYS and his journey as a performer.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 12, 2026
Tony Award winner Ali Louis Bourzgui visited students at NYC's Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A about originating the role of David in THE LOST BOYS and his journey as a performer.
Photos: SCHMIGADOON! Star Alex Brightman Visits With Young Performers at Broadway Artists Alliance
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 24, 2026
Two-time Tony nominee Alex Brightman, currently starring in SCHMIGADOON! on Broadway, visited Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A with students, sharing lessons on rejection, vocal health, and defining personal success. Check out photos of his visit.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 24, 2026
Two-time Tony nominee Alex Brightman, currently starring in SCHMIGADOON! on Broadway, visited Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A with students, sharing lessons on rejection, vocal health, and defining personal success. Check out photos of his visit.
From THE COLOR PURPLE to RAGTIME: Top Broadway Moments on THE LATE SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - May 21, 2026
With The Late Show with Stephen Colbert coming to an end this week, we are looking back at some of our favorite Broadway performances and musical theater-themed moments from over the past ten years.
by Josh Sharpe - May 21, 2026
With The Late Show with Stephen Colbert coming to an end this week, we are looking back at some of our favorite Broadway performances and musical theater-themed moments from over the past ten years.
Review: MURDER BALLAD at SLAC Takes Us to the Edge of Desire
by Tyler Hinton - Apr 9, 2026
The regional premiere of MURDER BALLAD at Salt Lake Acting Company takes us to the edge of desire.
by Tyler Hinton - Apr 9, 2026
The regional premiere of MURDER BALLAD at Salt Lake Acting Company takes us to the edge of desire.
Leslie Odom Jr. to Adapt and Star in Sammy Davis Jr. Horror Flick
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 3, 2025
Leslie Odom Jr., who recently wrapped up his encore run as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, is set to adapt and star in a new film about singer Sammy Davis Jr. and his friendship with Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey.
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 3, 2025
Leslie Odom Jr., who recently wrapped up his encore run as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, is set to adapt and star in a new film about singer Sammy Davis Jr. and his friendship with Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey.
Full Cast Set For Fourth Annual Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
Breaking the Binary Theatre has announced the complete casting for the fourth annual Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival. Learn more about the upcoming event here!
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
Breaking the Binary Theatre has announced the complete casting for the fourth annual Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival. Learn more about the upcoming event here!
Interview: LESLIE ODOM JR. Brings Solo Show to Cerritos Ahead of Broadway Hamilton Return
by Melissa Heckscher - Aug 4, 2025
Just weeks before returning to Broadway as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. talks to BroadwayWorld about his solo show, reuniting with the original cast, and how he’s a lot more than just “Burr, sir.”
by Melissa Heckscher - Aug 4, 2025
Just weeks before returning to Broadway as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. talks to BroadwayWorld about his solo show, reuniting with the original cast, and how he’s a lot more than just “Burr, sir.”
Nicci Claspell Steps Into MOULIN ROUGE! With Two Hours Notice & No Rehearsal
by Michael Major - Jul 10, 2025
Nicci Claspell is opening up about making her Broadway principal debut in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway with two hours notice and no rehearsal. Claspell first played Satine on the national tour of the hit musical, covering the role while playing Arabia.
by Michael Major - Jul 10, 2025
Nicci Claspell is opening up about making her Broadway principal debut in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway with two hours notice and no rehearsal. Claspell first played Satine on the national tour of the hit musical, covering the role while playing Arabia.
Leslie Odom, Jr. Cast in Apple TV+ Series IMPERFECT WOMEN
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 5, 2025
Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. will be appearing in a recurring role as Donovan in Imperfect Women, the upcoming limited series from Apple TV+, which stars and is executive produced by Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington.
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 5, 2025
Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. will be appearing in a recurring role as Donovan in Imperfect Women, the upcoming limited series from Apple TV+, which stars and is executive produced by Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington.
CHESS Returns to Broadway: Everything You Need to Know About the Iconic Musical
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 1, 2025
Chess is returning to Broadway for the first time since 1988! Catch up on the iconic musical's history, cast, songs, and plot before the revival begins.
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 1, 2025
Chess is returning to Broadway for the first time since 1988! Catch up on the iconic musical's history, cast, songs, and plot before the revival begins.
At This Performance: Getting to Know Swings, The Backbone of Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025
Perhaps no member of a Broadway company is more indispensable or rightfully lauded than our incredible covers. And of all the good folks working behind the scenes ready to keep the show going on day after day, perhaps no one works harder than the swing.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025
Perhaps no member of a Broadway company is more indispensable or rightfully lauded than our incredible covers. And of all the good folks working behind the scenes ready to keep the show going on day after day, perhaps no one works harder than the swing.
Review: MOULIN ROUGE at Orpheum Memphis
by AniKatrina Fageol - Oct 30, 2024
Truth. Beauty. Freedom. Love. The Bohemian ideals combined with a spectacular medley of tunes, some incredible choreography, and a love story for the ages.
by AniKatrina Fageol - Oct 30, 2024
Truth. Beauty. Freedom. Love. The Bohemian ideals combined with a spectacular medley of tunes, some incredible choreography, and a love story for the ages.
Kenita R. Miller, Alex Finke, and More Set for Dolly Parton Tribute Concert at Joe's Pub
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 7, 2024
LET ME SAY THIS: A DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE CONCERT, will be presented on Tuesday, September 17 at 9:30 PM at Joe's Pub, featuring Alex Finke, Raymond J. Lee, Kenita R. Miller, and Jennifer Sánchez.
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 7, 2024
LET ME SAY THIS: A DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE CONCERT, will be presented on Tuesday, September 17 at 9:30 PM at Joe's Pub, featuring Alex Finke, Raymond J. Lee, Kenita R. Miller, and Jennifer Sánchez.
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Talks Tony Noms for PURLIE VICTORIOUS and Good Broadway Etiquette
by Josh Sharpe - May 30, 2024
Leslie Odom Jr. stopped by TODAY on Wednesday to discuss starring and producing the play Purlie Victorious, which recently was nominated for 6 Tony Awards. Later on in the interview, he also went on to discuss good Broadway etiquette for audience members. Watch the interview now!
by Josh Sharpe - May 30, 2024
Leslie Odom Jr. stopped by TODAY on Wednesday to discuss starring and producing the play Purlie Victorious, which recently was nominated for 6 Tony Awards. Later on in the interview, he also went on to discuss good Broadway etiquette for audience members. Watch the interview now!
Tickets On Sale For SILUETAS at Power Street Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 16, 2024
Power Street Theatre has announced that tickets to the world premiere of the highly anticipated musical Siluetas, written by award-winning playwright (and PST co-founder) Erlina Ortiz and Broadway performer and composer Robi Hager (Spring Awakening, Fun Home), are now on sale.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 16, 2024
Power Street Theatre has announced that tickets to the world premiere of the highly anticipated musical Siluetas, written by award-winning playwright (and PST co-founder) Erlina Ortiz and Broadway performer and composer Robi Hager (Spring Awakening, Fun Home), are now on sale.
BWW Q&A: Leslie Odom, Jr. on Performing At at Ridgefield Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - Apr 10, 2024
BroadwayWorld chatted with Leslie Odom, Jr. about his upcoming performance at Ridgefield Playhouse on April 18th, 2024.
by Joshua Wright - Apr 10, 2024
BroadwayWorld chatted with Leslie Odom, Jr. about his upcoming performance at Ridgefield Playhouse on April 18th, 2024.
From Leon Guanajuato to The Global Stage: Majo Rivero's WEST SIDE STORY Adventure
by Felicitas de la Fare - Mar 11, 2024
What did our critic think of FROM LEON GUANAJUATO TO THE GLOBAL STAGE: MAJO RIVERO'S 'WEST SIDE STORY' ADVENTURE at World International Tour?
by Felicitas de la Fare - Mar 11, 2024
What did our critic think of FROM LEON GUANAJUATO TO THE GLOBAL STAGE: MAJO RIVERO'S 'WEST SIDE STORY' ADVENTURE at World International Tour?
Project Broadway's Mosaic Training Program Hosts In-Person Program for 2024
by Stephi Wild - Feb 14, 2024
Calling All BIPOC High School Aged Performers! Be a part of Project Broadway’s free In-Person Musical Theater Training Program this February-March 2024 in-person in NYC!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 14, 2024
Calling All BIPOC High School Aged Performers! Be a part of Project Broadway’s free In-Person Musical Theater Training Program this February-March 2024 in-person in NYC!
Review: MOULIN ROUGE! At Straz Center For The Performing Arts Is A Dazzling, Romantic, Bohemian Affair
by Drew Eberhard - Feb 9, 2024
What did our critic think of MOULIN ROUGE! At Straz Center For The Performing Arts.
by Drew Eberhard - Feb 9, 2024
What did our critic think of MOULIN ROUGE! At Straz Center For The Performing Arts.
Video: Broadway at the Kennedy Center Honors
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 22, 2024
The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors are coming up and we are celebrating the special occasion with some of our favorite videos of past Broadway performances. Check out the full list!
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 22, 2024
The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors are coming up and we are celebrating the special occasion with some of our favorite videos of past Broadway performances. Check out the full list!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Karen Olivo been in?
Karen Olivo has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.
How many West End shows has Karen Olivo been in?
Karen Olivo has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Karen Olivo been nominated for?
Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Best Featured Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for West Side Story, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for West Side Story, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for West Side Story, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for West Side Story and Outstanding Ensemble Performances (Drama Desk Awards) for In the Heights.
What awards has Karen Olivo won?
Karen Olivo has received numerous accolades throughout her Broadway career. She won the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Moulin Rouge!. She also earned the Best Featured Actress in a Musical award from the BroadwayWorld Awards for West Side Story. Additionally, Olivo won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for West Side Story.
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