Kathleen Chalfant Headshot

Kathleen Chalfant

Birth Place: San Francisco, CA, USA

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Kathleen Chalfant BIO

Kathleen Chalfant is a highly respected American actress who has made a name for herself both on stage and screen. Born in San Francisco in 1945, Chalfant grew up in a family of artists and intellectuals. She attended Radcliffe College and earned a degree in English before pursuing a career in acting.

Chalfant's Broadway debut came in 1987 when she appeared in the play "M. Butterfly" by David Henry Hwang. She went on to appear in a number of other Broadway productions, including "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches" and "Angels in America: Perestroika." Chalfant's performance as Hannah Pitt in "Angels in America" earned her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination.

In addition to her work on Broadway, Chalfant has also appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions. She has worked with some of the most prestigious theater companies in the country, including the Public Theater, the New York Theatre Workshop, and the Signature Theatre Company.

Chalfant's film and television career has been just as impressive as her stage work. She has appeared in a number of popular television shows, including "Law & Order," "The Guardian," and "The Affair." She has also appeared in several films, including "Kinsey," "Duplicity," and "The Laramie Project."

Despite her success in film and television, Chalfant has remained committed to the theater. She has continued to appear in off-Broadway and regional productions, and has even taken on the role of director. In 2010, she directed the play "Family Week" by Beth Henley at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York.

Chalfant's commitment to the theater has earned her numerous awards and accolades over the years. In addition to her Tony Award nomination, she has also received an Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award, and a Lucille Lortel Award. She was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2018.

Beyond her work as an actress and director, Chalfant has also been an advocate for social justice and human rights. She has been involved with a number of organizations, including the Women's Refugee Commission and the International Rescue Committee. She has also been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and has worked with organizations such as the Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Hetrick-Martin Institute.

Chalfant's dedication to her craft and her commitment to social justice have made her a beloved figure in the theater community and beyond. She continues to inspire audiences with her powerful performances and her tireless advocacy work.

Kathleen Chalfant Photos

Kathleen Chalfant STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
NYTW Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2024
Judy Cohen & Others

[Off-Broadway]
The Acting Company Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Rattlestick Playwright's Theater Original Off-Broadway Production, 2019
Elizabeth

[Off-Broadway]
Waterwell Site-Specific World Premiere, 2019
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
All-Female Staged Reading, 2018
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Royal Family Off-Broadway Production, 2018
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Playwrights Horizons Production, 2017
Peter Pan

[Off-Broadway]
Women's Project Theater Original Off-Broadway Production, 2015
Elizabeth

[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2014
Edda Schmidt

[Off-Broadway]
Vineyard Theatre Production, 2013
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2012
Sunny Jacobs [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
New York Theatre Workshop Production, 2012
Rose

[Off-Broadway]
Keen Company Production, 2012
Fanny

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2008
Mrs. Gottlieb

[Off-Broadway]
2007
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Miss Havisham

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Father [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Anna/Vera Cartwright/Frieda/One

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Gareth Peirce

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Anna Semyonova

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Madeleine

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Susan (Bed Among the Lentils)

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2001
Dolly Bloomer

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Vivian Bearing

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Vivian Bearing Ph.D

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1996
Non/Marie

[Off-Broadway]
1996
Mistress Quickly/Queen Isabel

[Broadway]
1995
Heather Espy

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Clov

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Jenny

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Clymenestra

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Council of Principalities

Ethel Rosenberg

Hannah Pitt

Henry

Prelapsarianov

Rabbi Chemelwitz

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Ethel Rosenberg

Hannah Pitt

Henry

Rabbi Chemelwitz

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Women

[Off-Broadway]
1990
Mrs. Ann Putnam

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Mrs. Potentate

[Broadway]
1988
Helga (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Sister Mary Ignatius/ Sarah Siddons [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Performer (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1974
Performer

Kathleen Chalfant Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1974]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1974]
Production Coordinator

Kathleen Chalfant Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 2018 - Lifetime Achievement Award

Kathleen Chalfant

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Kathleen ChalfantRose

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Kathleen ChalfantRose

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Kathleen Chalfant, A Walk in the Woods


winner
- 2012 - Legend of Off Broadway Award

Kathleen Chalfant


winner
The Lortels - 2004 - Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence

Kathleen Chalfant

Drama League Awards - 1999 - Distinguished Performance Award

Kathleen Chalfant, Wit


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Kathleen Chalfant, Wit


winner
The Lortels - 1999 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Kathleen Chalfant, Wit

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Kathleen Chalfan, Angels in America: Perestroika

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Kathleen Chalfant, Angels in America

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Kathleen Chalfant , Angels in America: Millennium Approaches

Kathleen Chalfant Videos

Kathleen Chalfant News


Interview: Lee Blessing And Joe Bishara of A WALK IN THE WOODS at Abbey Theatre Of Dublin


“I wish A WALK IN THE WOODS did not feel as timely now as it did when it was originally produced. … This play illuminates the importance for each of us as citizens of the world to understand that there are many layers to foreign politics/relations.” Joe Bishara

HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Extended for Two Weeks at NYTW


New York Theatre Workshop and Tectonic Theater Project will present a two-week extension for Here There Are Blueberries. Learn how to purchase tickets.

The Invisible Theatre's Susan Claassen to Step Down as Managing Artistic Director


The Invisible Theatre Managing Artistic Director Susan Claassen will pass “the torch” of Artistic Leadership to Betsy Kruse Craig, Associate Managing Artistic Director.

Pianist Cyrus Chestnut Commissioned For First Time �¿Headlining Performance at Carnegie Hall in April


Renowned pianist Cyrus Chestnut is set to deliver his first-ever headlining performance at Carnegie Hall on April 19th, featuring a full orchestra.

Kathleen Chalfant, Jonathan Raviv, and More Set for HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES at NYTW


New York Theatre Workshop has announced the full cast & creative team for Here There Are Blueberries, co-written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Tony & Emmy Award nominee Moisés Kaufman & Emmy Award nominee Amanda Gronich, and conceived & directed by Moisés Kaufman.

Kathleen Chalfant, Julie Halston, Ann Harada, Melissa Leo, Mary Testa And More Are Part WOMEN ON FIRE: FAIR IS FOUL


Outer Critics' Circle award-nominated Royal Family Productions, a non-profit theatre company known for its innovative productions and development of new original work, will present a workshop run of a brand new chapter of the WOMEN ON FIRE series, subtitled Fair is Foul.

Photos: Inside The 14th Annual Lilly Awards Ceremony


On Monday November 27, the 14th annual Lilly Awards, a ceremony dedicated to honoring the work of women in the American theater, were held at Playwrights Horizons. The inspirational evening recognized the work of the generation of women who led the push for parity. Check out photos here!

Jenn Gambatese and Sharon Catherine Brown to Join Anika Larsen for the Meet the Parent Discussion Series


Join Broadway stars Jenn Gambatese and Sharon Catherine Brown as they join Tony Award nominee Anika Larsen for a lively and informative discussion on parenthood and a life in the arts.

Jeff Cohen's SQUEAKY Will Receive Developmental Readings This Month


As part of its new Building the Box Developmental Reading Series, Out of the Box Theatrics will present readings of SQUEAKY, a poignant autobiographical comedy by Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen.

Casting Set For DANNY RYAN'S WAKE By 29PWC


29th Street Playwrights Collective New Works Series presents DANNY RYAN'S WAKE written by Michael Wells-Oakes and directed by Hannah Sgambellone in a staged reading at Bernie Wohl Theatre at Goddard Center, 647 Columbus Ave, on Thursday, November 16 at 7pm.

DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL To Tour to Los Angeles, Dallas & More


Get ready to go on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure as Dog Man: The Musical announces its national tour! Starting in Los Angeles and making stops in Dallas, Chicago, and Phoenix, this show is a must-see for the whole family. Don't miss out on this exciting tour of the hit musical based on the bestselling book series by Dav Pilkey.

Ariana DeBose, Cody Renard Richard & More Join Broadway Cares Board of Trustees


Discover the latest news as Ariana DeBose, Cody Renard Richard, and other prominent Broadway stars are appointed to the Broadway Cares Board of Trustees. Learn more about their roles and what this means for the organization's future.

Photos: Inside Royal Family Production's Sweet Sixteen Kick-Off Gala


Go inside Royal Family Production’s Sweet Sixteen Kick-Off gala, where they previewed their upcoming productions for their sixteenth season. The event was held October 2nd at their Times Square location with Kathleen Chalfant (Tony nominee, Angels in America) as host for the evening. Check out photos here!

Tyrese Shawn Avery, Dyllón Burnside & More to Lead LONG WAY DOWN Presentations


Get the latest news on the casting for the invited presentations of the new musical 'Long Way Down,' based on the acclaimed novel by Jason Reynolds. Find out who will be bringing this powerful story to life on stage at The Apollo on October 27 and 28.

Keen Company Will Honor Kathleen Chalfant at Annual Gala This Month


Keen Company kicks off its 2023–2024 season by honoring legendary actress and passionate advocate Kathleen Chalfant at Keen's 24th Annual Benefit Gala.

Photos: See Cynthia Nixon, Jane Krakowski & More at A TECTONIC CABARET


Get a glimpse into the star-studded performance of A TECTONIC CABARET, featuring Jane Krakowski, Cynthia Nixon, and more. Explore the captivating photos from this unforgettable night of entertainment.

Tickets on Sale Now for DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL at the Kirk Douglas Theatre


Center Theatre Group will present TheaterWorksUSA’s'New York Times” Critic’s Pick, “Dog Man: The Musical” based on the worldwide best-selling book series by Dav Pilkey. See performance dates and learn how to purchase tickets!

Feature: WOMEN OF A CERTAIN STAGE at Westport Country Playhouse


One Acts, Music, Dorothy Lyman speaking about Hollywood's Glass Ceiling Celebrate the Accomplishments of Women Over 40 on Stage!

Keen Company Unveils 2023-2024 Season Featuring THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING, a World Premiere & More


Get all the details on Keen Company's recently announced 2023-2024 season, including 'The Year of Magical Thinking' and more. Find out when and where you can experience the magic of these upcoming shows and stay up-to-date with the latest news in the entertainment world.

Catch DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL at S.F.'s Curran Theater


Get ready for a laugh-out-loud experience with 'Dog Man: The Musical' at S.F.'s Curran Theater. This family-friendly show is filled with adventure and is not to be missed. Grab your tickets now and join in on the fun!

Kathleen Chalfant FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Kathleen Chalfant been in?

Kathleen Chalfant has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Kathleen Chalfant been in?

Kathleen Chalfant has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Kathleen Chalfant been nominated for?

Kathleen Chalfant has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Obie Awards, Outstanding Solo Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for "Rose," and Outstanding Solo Performance at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Rose." She was also nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "A Walk in the Woods," received the Legend of Off Broadway Award, the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence at The Lortels, and the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for "Wit." Additionally, she received nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Wit," Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for "Wit," Outstanding Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Angels in America: Perestroika," Outstanding Featured Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Angels in America," and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches."

What awards has Kathleen Chalfant won?

Kathleen Chalfant has won several awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Obie Awards, the Legend of Off Broadway Award, the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence at The Lortels, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play for "Wit," and the Outstanding Lead Actress award at The Lortels for "Wit."

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