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Lillias White

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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BIO

Lillias White is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for her performance in The Life. She has appeared on Broadway in Barnum, Dreamgirls, Cats, Carrie, Once on this Island, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Fela! (Tony Award nomination) and most recently in Chicago in the Fall of 2021 as Matron “Mama” Morton having first appeared in the Broadway production in 2006. Other Off-Broadway and Regional credits include the musical Black No More in Winter 2022, the Public Theater’s Romance in Hard Times for which she won the Obie Award, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (directed by Phylicia Rashad) for which she won the NAACP Award, and the Carnegie Hall Concert version of South Pacific which was also broadcast on PBS’ “Great Performances.” She received the Daytime Emmy Award for her role as Lillian Edwards in “Sesame Street” and is beloved by audiences for voicing the lead muse Calliope in Disney’s animated feature Hercules. Her most recent television appearances include the Baz Luhrmann-directed Netflix series “The Get Down,” as well as “Russian Doll” and “Search Party.” She has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world. Her first solo studio album Get Yourself Some Happy! is available now at lilliaswhite.com and on all streaming platforms.

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Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Production, 2022
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Hermes [Replacement]

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
East Coast Premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse, 2018
Bea

[Chicago]
Chicago Pre-Broadway Production, 2015
Bea

[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 0
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Funmilayo

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 2005
Bloody Mary

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2005
Missy

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Other Roles, Performer

[Los Angeles]
World Premiere, 2003
Featured Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Velma

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Fanny Brice

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 2002
Special Guest

[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Effie Melody White

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Dinah Washington [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Sonja

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Matron “Mama” Morton [Replacement], Matron "Mama" Morton [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1995
Miss Jones

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1990
Asaka [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1990
Sonja, Sonja

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1989
Hennie, Hennie, Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Miss Gardner (Saint Tome (Sao Tome) and Principe)

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Effie Melody White

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1986
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Grizabella [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Effie Melody White (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Joice Heth [Replacement]

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1988
Performer

Movies

Me and Him
[ 1988 ] Dancing Secretary
Bleeding Hearts
[ 1994 ] Neighbor Woman
North
[ 1994 ] Operator
Hercules
[ 1997 ] Calliope
Anastasia
[ 1997 ] Ensemble and Character Vocals
Gloria
[ 1999 ] Transit Cop #1
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
[ 2000 ] Shopper
Interview with the Assassin
[ 2002 ] Nurse
Pieces of April
[ 2003 ] Evette
Game 6
[ 2005 ] Toyota Moseby
Then She Found Me
[ 2007 ] Sheila
Nasty Baby
[ 2015 ] Cecilia
The Chaperone
[ 2018 ] Singer
Melinda
[ 2018 ] Madam Magda
The Drummer
[ 2020 ] Roberta

TV Shows

Big Bird's Birthday or Let Me Eat Cake
Lillian
Sesame Street
[ 1990-1994 ] Lillian, Singer, Rhonda
NYPD Blue
Lila Edmonds
Law & Order
[ 1990-1996 ] Susan Monroe, Ms. Purvis, Streetwalker
Hercules
Calliope
Pryor Offenses
Grandma Irene
The Jury
Teresa Scott
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Xavier
Gotham
Choir Member
Person of Interest
Hon. R. Reginald
The Get Down
[ 2016-2017 ] Fat Annie
Search Party
Wilma
Russian Doll
[ 2019-2022 ] Dr. Zaveri
Grotesquerie
Glorious McKall

Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical

Lillias WhiteTexas in Paris

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Lillias White, Fela!


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Lillias White, The Life


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Featured Actress - Musical

Lillias White The Life


winner
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Lillias White, The Life


winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Performance

Lillias White, Romance in Hard Times

Videos

News


Merle Dandridge, Lesli Margherita and More Will Take Part in BROADWAY VOICES UNITE Benefit Concert
by Nicole Rosky - May 11, 2026

On Saturday, June 13, 2026 (7 PM) some of Broadway's best will be on the west coast for the third annual Broadway Voices Unite, bringing together celebrated performers for a powerful evening of Broadway and pop music—all to raise vital funds for Harvest Home.
AT THIS PERFORMANCE… Will Return to The Green Room 42 in May
by Stephi Wild - May 11, 2026

Stephen DeAngelis will present the 196th edition of AT THIS PERFORMANCE…, spotlighting understudies from RAGTIME, BEACHES, THE WILD PARTY, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, and GODDESS at The Green Room 42.
Best Cabaret in May 2026: Harry Connick Jr., Lillias White, Melissa Manchester & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 30, 2026

We've put together a list of some of the biggest stars of the stage and screen and the biggest names in jazz, cabaret, comedy and Broadway with shows in NYC. Now's your chance to see these stars live, in-person and in an intimate venue
Registration Now Open For 2026 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026

NJPAC announced registration is open for the 15th annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, with finalists set to perform on the NJPAC stage in Newark before a panel of judges including José James and Gretchen Parlato.
Cabaret Roundup: April 27-May 3- Stephen Schwartz, Lillias White & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Apr 27, 2026

Here are a few top picks to consider this week including a New York Pops concert honoring Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), a new solo show by Natasha Vaynblat (The Tonight Show, Comedy Central), Lyrics & Lyricists, and more.
Video: Jordan Fisher Performs 'She Cries' at BROADWAY DREAM ROLES
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 25, 2026

Broadway performers took the stage at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on April 20, 2026, for Broadway Dream Roles, a one-night event benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, where artists performed songs from roles they have not yet played on Broadway. Watch video of Jordan Fisher's performance of, 'She Cries,' by Jason Robert Brown.
BIT BY THE BUG Cabaret at The Green Room 42 to Benefit ALS Research
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2026

Kindred Spirits Productions will present BIT BY THE BUG at The Green Room 42, a musical theatre cabaret honoring Judy Ellis and raising funds for Target ALS, featuring a cast of 13 performers.
Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lillias White, and More Set For YOU GOTTA BELIEVE Anniversary Gala
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2026

Broadway performers including Brian Stokes Mitchell, Charlotte d'Amboise, and Lillias White will perform at YOU GOTTA BELIEVE's 30th Anniversary Gala in NYC, honoring Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson.
Bonnie Milligan, Norm Lewis, and Lillias White Will Perform With Seth Rudetsky at Williams College
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2026

Berkshire Theatre Group will present THE SETH RUDETSKY CONCERT SERIES at Williams College's '62 Center for Theatre and Dance, featuring Tony Award winners Bonnie Milligan, Norm Lewis, and Lillias White in an intimate Broadway concert format.
Photos/Video: BROADWAY DREAM ROLES Brings Out Lillias White, Jordan Fisher, Ali Stroker and More
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2026

Broadway Dream Roles lit up the Al Hirschfeld Theatre with performances by Jordan Fisher, Santino Fontana, Ali Stroker, and Lillias White. Check out photos and video of the event.
Jordan Fisher, Judy Kuhn, Nichelle Lewis, Lillias White and More Join BROADWAY DREAM ROLES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2026

Additional stars have been added to the lineup for Broadway Dream Roles, which returns to the Al Hirschfeld Theatre. Jordan Fisher, Judy Kuhn, Nichelle Lewis and more have joined the event!
Exclusive: Highlights from the 2026 Broadway Ensemble Awards
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 9, 2026

Winners were announced for the first-ever Broadway Ensemble Awards. Among the big winners were Chess, which took home four awards, and Ragtime, which took home two. Watch highlights from inside the big night in this video!
Darius de Haas, Lillias White and More to Join BUBBLING BROWN SUGAR 50th Anniversary Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2026

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 58th anniversary with a gala benefit concert marking the 50th anniversary of Bubbling Brown Sugar at Penthouse 45 in NYC, featuring chef and TV host Carla Hall as special guest.
The Green Room 42 to Present CHARLIE SINGS JUDY In April
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2026

Charlie High will honor Judy Garland's legendary Carnegie Hall concert on April 23 at The Green Room 42. The performance will feature selections from Garland's historic set, marking its 65th anniversary.
Photos: See Highlights from the 2026 MAC Awards at Symphony Space
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 26, 2026

The 3/23 show honored some of the best of NYC's cabaret scene including Karen Akers, Lillias White, and more. See photos from the event taken by Conor Weiss.
Photos: Lillias White, Karen Akers and More at the 2026 MAC Awards
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Mar 24, 2026

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets presented the 40th Annual MAC Awards at a live ceremony at NYC's Peter Norton Symphony Space. See photos from the event and learn more about the MAC Award winners.
Billy Stritch, Christine Ebersole, Jim Caruso, and More Take Home 40th Annual MAC Awards; Learn More!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2026

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets announced winners of the 40th Annual MAC Awards on March 23, 2026, at NYC's Peter Norton Symphony Space, including special honoree awards. Check out the full list of winners here!
Cabaret Roundup: March 23-29- Darren Criss, Lillias White & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Mar 23, 2026

Here are a few top picks to consider in NYC this week including the annual MAC Awards Show, music from the Heated Rivalry soundtrack sung by Justin Vivian Bond, comedian Kyle Dunnigan's band and more.
THE FIRST ANNUAL 54 BELOW GALA and More Set for 54 Below Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 20, 2026

Next week, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Linda Eder with Billy Stritch, The First Annual 54 Below Gala and more. 
Review: LILLIAS WHITE LIVE AT THE BEECHMAN A Wild Ride Of Music and Mirth
by Stephen Mosher - Mar 14, 2026

Lillias White is storming the castle at The Laurie Beechman, and audiences are all white flags as they surrender, happily and heartily.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Lillias White been in?

Lillias White has appeared on Broadway in 16 shows.

How many West End shows has Lillias White been in?

Lillias White has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Lillias White been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical (The Lortels) for Texas in Paris, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Fela!, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Life, Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Life , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Life and Performance (Obie Awards) for Romance in Hard Times.

What awards has Lillias White won?

Lillias White has won several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Life, Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Life, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for The Life, and a Performance award at the Obie Awards for Romance in Hard Times.

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