Leslie Uggams Headshot

Leslie Uggams

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Leslie Uggams BIO

Leslie Uggams is a Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer whose career has brought her from Harlem to Broadway, the big screen to television. Perhaps best known for her stirring portrayal of Kizzy in the landmark TV mini-series Alex Haley's Roots, Ms. Uggams has performed to critical and popular acclaim ever since her first professional appearances at the age of nine at the famed Apollo Theater in New York City. There she opened for such musical legends as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. Now, after six decades on stage and screen, she is a legend in her own right. She is on the Board of Directors of the Apollo Theater; was recently awarded an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut; and is also the recipient of an American Artist Award from Arena Stage in Washington, DC.

Leslie Uggams Photos

Leslie Uggams STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert Revival Production, 2024
Gran Mimi

[Regional (US)]
Connecticut Rep Production, 2014
Rose

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Gremmar

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Ethel Thayer

[New York]
Workshop, 2004
Lena Horne

[New York]
Workshop, 2004
Momma

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2003
Peggy Clark

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2002
Good Sister Dupree

Good Sister Dupree

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Muzzy Van Hossmere [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Ruby

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Elizabeth Borny

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1996
Performer

[US Tour]
National Tour, 1988
Reno Sweeney

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1987
Reno Sweeney [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Performer

[US Tour]
National Tour, 1985
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1982
Woman #1

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1968
Cleopatra

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1967
Georgina


Leslie Uggams Awards and Nominations

Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Leslie UggamsOn Golden Pond

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Leslie Uggams, King Hedley II

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Leslie Uggams , King Hedley II


winner
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Leslie Uggams , Hallelujah, Baby!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best New Personalities

Leslie Uggams, Hallelujah, Baby!


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1967 - Performance

Leslie Uggams, Hallelujah, Baby!

Leslie Uggams Videos

Leslie Uggams News


Margaret Curry to Present Encore Performance of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN at Laurie Beechman Theatre


Join Bistro Award-winning vocalist Margaret Curry as she returns for an encore performance of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN at Laurie Beechman Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Video: See Hugh Jackman in the New Trailer for DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE


Wolverine is back! Following the first trailer for Deadpool and Wolverine during the Super Bowl in February, Disney has dropped another trailer for the upcoming film in the Deadpool franchise, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The Music Man actor is returning to his role as Wolverine for the first time since 2017's Logan, which served as a swan song to the character.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 19, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 19, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Photos: Stars Walk the Yellow Carpet on Opening Night of THE WIZ on Broadway


The Wiz officially opened at the Marquis Theatre and the best of broadway was on hand for the celebration. Check out photos of special guests, including original stars Stephanie Mills and Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Andy Cohen, Tamron Hall,  Leslie Uggams, and many more!

Feature: Meet 54 Below's Newest Board Members


54 Below recently welcomed six new members to their distinguished board of directors. We asked them a few questions to get to know them a bit better. Meet James Gunderson, Tom Hood, Howard Lee Morgan, Brian Kaltner, Lee H. Perlman and Susan L Raanan!

Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert


Amas Musical Theatre has revealed the line-up of talent that will be on hand to celebrate the company's 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert. Learn more about the gala and see how to purchase tickets.

Playthings Theatre of New York to Present DORIAN'S WILD(E) AFFAIR Readings


Playthings Theatre of New York and executive producer Preston Ridge will present private industry readings (by invitation only) of Dorian’s Wild(e) Affair. Learn more about the show.

Photos: The Legendary Leslie Uggams Is Back at 54 Below


Leslie Uggams has 'one of the most entertaining and enjoyable shows to play a nightclub this year or any other!' She soared this week on the opening night of SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE at 54 Below. The show is back for one more performance tomorrow on Saturday March 23rd. See photos from the March 20th show.

Margaret Curry Brings An Encore of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN At Laurie Beechman Theatre!


Catch Margaret Curry's encore performances of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN at Laurie Beechman Theatre on April 6 and May 4. Don't miss the 2024 Bistro Award-winning show.

Linda Purl and Diva Jazz Orchestra Bring BIG BAND ROMANCE to Birdland in April


Birdland has announced that singer/actress Linda Purl, joined with internationally, acclaimed DIVA Jazz Orchestra, returns to its historic stage on Monday April 1 at 7pm.

Margaret Curry Brings THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN to the Laurie Beechman Theatre


2024 Bistro Award-winning vocalist Margaret Curry will return to Laurie Beechman Theatre in encore performances of The Space In-Between, originally performed on November 30, 2023.

Interview: RICHARD SKIPPER Celebrates HELLO DOLLY at Laurie Beechman Theatre


Richard Skipper, HELLO, DOLLY! historian and friend of the late great Carol Channing, is celebrating the beloved show on its 60th anniversary, with one more performance in Manhattan on March 29th at 7 pm featuring former Dolly alum Lorna Dallas. We spoke about the first sold out show and the enduring legacy of Dolly.

Amas Musical Theatre To Honor Patricia Birch And Len Cariou At 55th Annual Benefit Gala Concert


Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Baruch Performing Arts Center.

Video: Watch 'The Whole World's Waitin' to Sing Your Song' from JELLY'S LAST JAM


Watch video footage of Nicholas Christopher, Alaman Diadhiou, and the ensemble of Encores! Jelly's Last Jam performing 'The Whole World’s Waitin’ to Sing Your Song' here!

Video: Tiffany Mann and Okieriete Onaodowan Perform 'Michigan Water' In JELLY'S LAST JAM At City Center Encores!


Get a peek at the New York City Center Encores! production of Jelly’s Last Jam. In the video below, watch as Tiffany Mann and Okieriete Onaodowan as Buddy Bolden perform “Michigan Water”!

WHISPER DARKLY Concept Album Featuring Brad Oscar, Alli Mauzey & More Out Now


The concept album of the new immersive electro-swing musical Whisper Darkly is available in digial and streaming formats now.

Photos: First Look at Encores! JELLY'S LAST JAM


Up next in the New York City Center Encores! season is Jelly’s Last Jam. Check out new photos of the cast in action!

Review Roundup: JELLY'S LAST JAM Opens at New York City Center


Read the reviews for Jelly's Last Jam at New York City Center, starring Billy Porter and more.

Video: Watch Highlights of Nicholas Christopher, Billy Porter & More in JELLY'S LAST JAM


In this video, watch highlights of Jelly's Last Jam at New York City Center Encores!.

Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for JELLY'S LAST JAM at Encores!


In this video, watch as the cast of Encores! Jelly's Last Jam meets the press and gives a special sneak peek of 'Jelly's Jam' and 'Play the Music for Me.'

Leslie Uggams FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Leslie Uggams been in?

Leslie Uggams has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Leslie Uggams been in?

Leslie Uggams has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Leslie Uggams been nominated for?

Leslie Uggams has been nominated for several awards, including Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for "On Golden Pond," Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "King Hedley II," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "King Hedley II," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Hallelujah, Baby!," Best New Personalities at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Hallelujah, Baby!," and a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "Hallelujah, Baby!".

What awards has Leslie Uggams won?

Leslie Uggams has won several awards for her performance in "Hallelujah, Baby!" including the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Personalities, and a Theatre World Award for her performance in the show.

What is Leslie Uggams next theatre project?

Leslie Uggams's next show will be Jelly's Last Jam which opens on 2/21/2024 on Off-Broadway.

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