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Len Cariou

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BIO

Len Cariou is a Canadian stage actor, singer and stage director. He gained prominence for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim's musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979) alongside Angela Lansbury for which he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He also received Tony nominations for his roles in the Betty Comden and Adolph Green musical Applause (1970), and the Sondheim musical A Little Night Music (1973).



He is also known for his film roles in A Little Night Music (1977), The Four Seasons (1981), Thirteen Days (2000), About Schmidt (2002), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), Prisoners (2013), and Spotlight (2015). He portrayed Franklin D. Roosevelt in the HBO film Into the Storm (2009) for which he received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. He also is known for his recurring television roles in Murder, She Wrote (1985-1992), Brotherhood (2005-2006), and Damages (2010). Since 2010, he has starred as the patriarch Henry Reagan, NYPD Police Commissioner (retired), in the multi-generational CBS series Blue Bloods.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Harry Townsend's Last Stand Harry Townsend's Last Stand
[Off-Broadway]
New York City Center Off-Broadway Premiere, 2019
Harry Townsend
Broadway and the Bard Broadway and the Bard
[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Production, 2016
Performer
Kismet
[Regional (US)]
Reprise! Concert, 2004
Other Roles
The Persians
[Off-Broadway]
2003
Darius
No Strings
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2003
Performer
Funny Girl
[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.
Proof
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2000
Robert [Replacement]
The Dinner Party
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2000
Andre Bouville
Sweeney Todd
[London Fringe]
London Concert, 2000
Sweeney Todd
Paramour
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 1998
Gen. St. Pe
Angela Lansbury - A Celebration
[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer
Papa
[Off-Broadway]
1996
Ernest Hemingway
The Speed of Darkness
[Broadway]
1991
Joe
Mountain
[Off-Broadway]
1990
William O. Douglass
Measure for Measure
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Vincentio
Teddy & Alice
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt
Master Class
[Off-Broadway]
1986
Stalin
Up from Paradise
[Off-Broadway]
1983
Performer
Dance a Little Closer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Harry Aikens
Sweeney Todd
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Sweeney Todd
Cold Storage
[Broadway]
1977
Richard Landau
A Sorrow Beyond Dreams
[Off-Broadway]
1977
The Writer
Sondheim: A Musical Tribute
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer
A Little Night Music
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1973
Frederik Egerman
Night Watch
[Broadway]
1972
John Wheeler
Applause
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1970
Bill Sampson
King Henry V
[Broadway]
1969
King Henry V
Up From Paradise
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1983
God
Up From Paradise
[New York]
New York Concert, 1981
God

Productions

Don't Call Back
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director

Writing


Movies

A Little Night Music
[ 1977 ] Frederick Egerman
Drying Up the Streets
[ 1978 ] Larry
The Four Seasons
[ 1981 ] Nick Callan
Lady in White
[ 1988 ] Phil Terragrossa
Getting In
[ 1994 ] Dr. Lionel Higgs, Dr. Ezekial Higgs
Never Talk to Strangers
[ 1995 ] Henry Taylor
Executive Decision
[ 1996 ] Secretary of Defense Charles White
Thirteen Days
[ 2000 ] Dean Acheson
About Schmidt
[ 2002 ] Ray Nichols
Secret Window
[ 2004 ] Sheriff Dave Newsome
Boynton Beach Club
[ 2005 ] Jack
The Greatest Game Ever Played
[ 2005 ] Stedman Comstock
Flags of Our Fathers
[ 2006 ] Mr. Beech
1408
[ 2007 ] Mike's Father
The Onion Movie
[ 2008 ] Norm Archer
Prisoners
[ 2013 ] Father Patrick Dunn
Spotlight
[ 2015 ] Cardinal Law
Death Wish
[ 2018 ] Ben
Bumblebee
[ 2018 ] Uncle Hank

TV Shows

Blue Bloods
Henry Reagan
Brotherhood
Judd Fitzgerald
Law & Order
Edgar Beezley, Mac Geller, Captain Allard Bunker
Murder, She Wrote
Michael Hagarty, Monsignore O'Shaugnessy
The Outer Limits
Doc Wells, Father Anton Jonascu

Awards and Nominations


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2024 - John Willis Awards for Lifetime Achievement

Len Cariou

Drama League Awards - 2020 - Distinguished Performance Award

Len Cariou, Harry Townsend's Last Stand

Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

Len CariouCopenhagen

Helen Hayes Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production

Len CariouDinner Party

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Actor - Play

Len Cariou , Speed of Darkness


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Len Cariou, Sweeney Todd

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Len Cariou, Sweeney Todd

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Len Cariou , A Little Night Music


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1970 - Performance

Len CariouHenry V


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1970 - Performance

Len Cariou, Applause

Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Len Cariou, Applause

Videos

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News


Final Season of BLUE BLOODS Coming to DVD in December Photo
Final Season of BLUE BLOODS Coming to DVD in December

Tom Selleck returns as New York Police Commissioner Frank Reagan when BLUE BLOODS: THE FINAL SEASON arrives on DVD December 17 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Learn all the special features and how to order the new DVD set.
Ann Kittredge Returns To Chelsea Table + Stage For Encore Performance Of ROMANTIC NOT Photo
Ann Kittredge Returns To Chelsea Table + Stage For Encore Performance Of ROMANTIC NOTIONS

Ann Kittredge will perform an encore of 'Romantic Notions' at Chelsea Table + Stage on November 14 at 7 PM.
79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony Set for June 2025 Photo
79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony Set for June 2025

The 79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday evening, June 2, 2025 beginning at 7:00PM. The awards are the oldest awards given for Outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway Debut Performances.
Theatre Aspen to Present Six New Works at SOLO FLIGHTS FESTIVAL Photo
Theatre Aspen to Present Six New Works at SOLO FLIGHTS FESTIVAL

Theatre Aspen revealed the six newworks selected for the fifth annual Solo Flights Festival. Learn how to purchase tickets.
NOTES FROM A NARCISSISTIC NEGRO AND OTHER N WORDS to Play United Solo Festival Photo
NOTES FROM A NARCISSISTIC NEGRO AND OTHER N WORDS to Play United Solo Festival

Theatre Beyond Broadway has announced the world premiere production of Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words as part of the United Solo Fesitival Fall 2024 at Theatre Row.
RENEE KATZ SINGS IRVING BERLIN - LOST IN HIS ARMS is Coming to Don't Tell Mama Photo
RENEE KATZ SINGS IRVING BERLIN - LOST IN HIS ARMS is Coming to Don't Tell Mama

Don’t Tell Mama will present Renee Katz in “Renee Katz Sings Irving Berlin---Lost In His Arms”. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Len Cariou, Anthony Rapp And More Announced for Theatre Aspen SOLO FLIGHTS Festival Photo
Len Cariou, Anthony Rapp And More Announced for Theatre Aspen SOLO FLIGHTS Festival

THEATRE ASPEN has announced the lineup for its fifth annual SOLO FLIGHTS festival, featuring a diverse range of solo performances. The festival continues to celebrate and showcase individual storytelling talent.
Len Cariou, Santino Fontana and More Join SONDHEIM TONIGHT! With The San Diego Sympho Photo
Len Cariou, Santino Fontana and More Join SONDHEIM TONIGHT! With The San Diego Symphony Orchestra

Tony Award-winner Santino Fontana, Emily Skinner, Tony Yazbeck, Amy Owens, and special guest vocalist: Len Cariou will join the San Diego Symphony Orchestra in a celebration of Stephen Sondheim next month.
Photos: Go Inside the 2024 Off-Broadway Alliance Awards Photo
Photos: Go Inside the 2024 Off-Broadway Alliance Awards

Check out photos from the 2024 Off-Broadway Alliance Awards!
Photos: Norm Lewis Concludes SUMMERTIME (Special Tony Edition) at 54 Below Photo
Photos: Norm Lewis Concludes SUMMERTIME (Special Tony Edition) at 54 Below

Each night of Norm Lewis's SUMMERTIME show at 54 Below was a different kind of magic and, lucky me, living so nearby, I was able to capture all the award-winning guests and high-profile friends. So, here for Norm Lewis, who brought summer early to all of us at 54 Below, is a scrapbook of his seven nights and special guests, both on stage and off.
Photos: Inside and Backstage at the 78th Annual Theatre World Awards Photo
Photos: Inside and Backstage at the 78th Annual Theatre World Awards

The historic 78th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony was held on Monday evening, June 10, 2024 at the Marquis Theatre. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the big night here!
Kate Baldwin, Beth Leavel, and More Join FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall Photo
Kate Baldwin, Beth Leavel, and More Join FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall

The complete cast has now been announced for Transport Group's concert production of Follies. The sold-out event will play one night only—Thursday, June 20, at 8:00 p.m. at Carnegie Hall.
OH, MARY!, DEAD OUTLAW & More Win 2024 Off Broadway Alliance Awards Photo
OH, MARY!, DEAD OUTLAW & More Win 2024 Off Broadway Alliance Awards

The Off Broadway Alliance has revealed the winners of the 13th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards. See the full list!
Photos: Inside Amas Musical Theatre's 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert Photo
Photos: Inside Amas Musical Theatre's 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert

Check out photos from Amas Musical Theatre's gala! See who was in attendance and learn more about the honorees.
Cast Members From THE WIZ, STEREOPHONIC, and More Honored With 2024 Theatre World Awa Photo
Cast Members From THE WIZ, STEREOPHONIC, and More Honored With 2024 Theatre World Awards

The 2024 Honorees have been announced for the Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. Learn more about the honorees here!
Patrick Page, OH, MARY!, and More Nominated For Off Broadway Alliance Awards Photo
Patrick Page, OH, MARY!, and More Nominated For Off Broadway Alliance Awards

The Off Broadway Alliance has announced the nominees for the 13th Annual Off Broadway Alliance Awards, honoring commercial and not-for-profit productions that opened Off Broadway during the 2023-2024 season. Check out the full list of nominees here!
Seana McKenna Will Receive Stratford Festival's Legacy Award Photo
Seana McKenna Will Receive Stratford Festival's Legacy Award

The Stratford Festival has announced that actor and director Seana McKenna will receive the 2024 Legacy Award at a gala celebration on September 23 at Toronto’s Four Seasons Hotel.
Stars In The House To Livestream THE BROADWAY SITZPROBE EXPERIENCE: SHE LOVES ME O Photo
Stars In The House To Livestream THE BROADWAY SITZPROBE EXPERIENCE: SHE LOVES ME On May 6

On May 6, from 7 PM ET to 10 PM ET, Stars in the House, the award-winning streaming variety/fundraising show co-hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson, will livestream The Broadway Sitzprobe Experience: She Loves Me.
Len Cariou And Chris Domig to Star in Sea Dog Theater's TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE Fundrais Photo
Len Cariou And Chris Domig to Star in Sea Dog Theater's TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE Fundraiser

Join Tony Award winner Len Cariou and Artistic Director Chris Domig for an exclusive one-night performance of TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE at the historic Harmonie Club. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Steve Carell Joins Tina Fey in Netflix's THE FOUR SEASONS Photo
Steve Carell Joins Tina Fey in Netflix's THE FOUR SEASONS

According to multiple reports, Steve Carell has closed a deal which would reunite him with Tina Fey in a television remake of The Four Seasons from Netflix. The Office alum will star in the remake of Alan Alda's 1981 feature, who will star alongside Tina Fey in the series. Fey co-created the adaptation with Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield, whom she worked with on 30 Rock. The film is set to go into production later this year.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Len Cariou been in?

Len Cariou has appeared on Broadway in 14 shows.

How many West End shows has Len Cariou been in?

Len Cariou has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Len Cariou been nominated for?

John Willis Awards for Lifetime Achievement (Theatre World Awards) for , Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Harry Townsend's Last Stand, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Copenhagen , Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Dinner Party, Best Actor - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Speed of Darkness, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Little Night Music, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Henry V, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Applause and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Applause.

What awards has Len Cariou won?

Len Cariou has won the John Willis Awards for Lifetime Achievement (Theatre World Awards), Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweeney Todd, and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Henry Vand. He also received Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Applause.

How many shows has Len Cariou written?

Len Cariou has written 1 shows including Broadway and the Bard (Conceived by).

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