News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Ruth Williamson Headshot

Ruth Williamson

Get Ruth Williamson Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Ruth Williamson is an American actress known for her dynamic performances on stage, screen, and television. Born in Texas, Williamson grew up in a family of performers and began her own career in the arts at a young age.


Williamson made her Broadway debut in 1986 in the musical "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," which won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. She played the role of Rosa Bud and received critical acclaim for her performance. She went on to appear in a number of other Broadway productions, including "Guys and Dolls," "The Music Man," and "La Cage aux Folles."
In 2000, Williamson originated the role of Mrs. Meers in the Broadway production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie." The show was a critical and commercial success, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Williamson's performance as the villainous Mrs. Meers was praised for its humor and energy, and she received a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Williamson has also made a name for herself in the world of television and film. She has appeared in a number of popular shows, including "Law & Order," "Sex and the City," and "The Sopranos." She has also appeared in several films, including "The Nanny Diaries" and "The Producers."
In addition to her work in theater, television, and film, Williamson is also an accomplished singer. She has performed in several cabaret shows and has released an album of jazz standards called "Here's to Life."

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Off-Center Revival, 2017
Performer

[Los Angeles]
Reprise! Concert, 2007
Mollie Plummer

[St. Paul, MN (Regional)]
St. Paul Revival, 2006
Martha Watson

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Revival, 2005
Martha Watson

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Jacqueline

[Regional (US)]
Los Angeles Revival, 2003
Cora Hoover Hooper

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2000
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Cochette

The Queen

Egyptian Dancing Girl

Extra Extra

Conspirator

[New York]
Workshop, 1999
Miss Flannery

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 1998
Momma

Mrs. Eggleston

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1996
Vi Hennessey/Mme. La Duchesse De Villardell

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1995
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1992
General Matilda B. Cartwright

[Regional (US)]
Regional Production, 1990
Ensemble

First Auditioner

Mrs. Spencer

TV Newswoman

Terry

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
World Premiere, 1989
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1986
Carol

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1983
Marie Pantry (Understudy)

[US Tour]
4th National Tour, 1981
Miss Hannigan


Movies

Foreign Student
[ 1994 ] Mrs. Baldridge
The Family Man
[ 2000 ] Betty Peterson
Double Parked
[ 2000 ] Marge
Psycho Beach Party
[ 2000 ] Pat
Easy Six
[ 2003 ] Dean Janet Vanderpool
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
[ 2003 ] Madeline Kroft
The Producers
[ 2005 ] Snooty Woman
Evan Almighty
[ 2007 ] Neighbor
3 Geezers!
[ 2013 ] Art Instructor
Paraphobia
[ 2013 ] Linda
The Watcher
[ 2016 ] Francine
Velvet Buzzsaw
[ 2019 ] Dee Opening Patron

TV Shows

Courage the Cowardly Dog
Black Puddle Queen
Law & Order
Sophie Mercier, Dr. Rachel Moran
Nip/Tuck
Hedda Grubman

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Ruth Williamson, The Music Man

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Ruth Williamson, The Green Heart

News


VIDEO: Watch a GUYS AND DOLLS Reunion on Stars in the House- Live at 8pm!

Stars in the House continues tonight (8pm ET) with a GUYS & DOLLS Reunion!  Stars In The House” is partnering with NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, an exciting newcomer onto the Big Apple’s hotel scene, for a very special reunion of the 1992 cast of Broadway’s Tony Award-winning “Guys and Dolls
Wake Up With BWW 6/16: New Music Video From Christy Altomare, and More!

Today's top stories: Watch the new music video from Christy Altomare, The Avett Brothers perform the title song from their new musical Swept Away, and more!
Virtual Theatre This Week: June 14-20, 2021- with Rita Moreno, Kerry Butler, and More!

This week (June 14-20) in live streaming: Rita Moreno visits Backstage Live, Show of Titles on demand, a Kerry Butler master class, a Guys and Dolls reunion, and so much more!
Nathan Lane, Neil Patrick Harris, Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara And More Will Reunite on STARS IN THE HOUSE

After over a year of programming, producers Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley's “Stars In The House” is nearing $1 Million raised to support The Actors Fund, whose COVID relief efforts have helped over 16,300 people in need in the performing arts community. 
Theater for the New City Presents Reading of VISITORS IN THE DARK Starring Charles Busch, Julie Halston and More

Theater for the New City will present a live reading of 'Visitors in the Dark' by Charles Busch (The Confession Of Lily Dare, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Die Mommie Die!) on Monday, July 20, 2020 at 7PM. This is part of the weekly series of Live readings on Theater for the New City's website and Facebook page.
Virtual Theatre Today: Wednesday, July 1- Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lauren Patten and More

Today (July 1) in live streaming: Lin-Manuel Miranda is the special guest on The Chaos Twins, Lauren Patten visits Backstage Live, and so much more!
VIDEO: Watch Charles Busch & Company in DIE, MOMMIE, DIE on STARS IN THE HOUSE

Stars in the House continues today (2pm) with Plays In The House: DIE, MOMMIE, DIE!: By Charles Busch. Starring Charles Busch, Jennifer Cody, Brandon Contreras, Willie Garson, Ruth Williamson and BD Wong. Directed and narrated by Carl Andress.
Charles Busch Brings DIE, MOMMIE, DIE! Back to Life in Upcoming Reading on STARS IN THE HOUSE

Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley announced today that Charles Busch will reprise his iconic performance as Angela Arden in a reading of his classic comedy 'Die, Mommie, Die!' on Wednesday, July 1st at 2 PM ET as part of 'Stars In The House's' 'Plays In The House' series.
BWW Feature: Live Streaming Events, Archived Concerts and More Scheduled For Future Dates

BWW Feature: Live Streaming Events, Archived Concerts and More Scheduled For Future Dates
The New Cast Album of THE NEW YORKERS, the 1930 Cole Porter Musical Is Available Today

Ghostlight Records has announced that the new cast album of Cole Porter's The New Yorkers - The New York City Center Encores! 2017 Cast Recording is available on CD, digital and streaming formats today, Friday, December 6. The release is the first major cast album of the 1930 musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, book by Herbert Fields, and based on a story by Peter Arno and E. Ray Goetz. The 2017 production from New York City Center (Arlene Shuler, New York City Center President & CEO) Encores! was directed by John Rando, with musical direction by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Chris Bailey.
Eden Espinosa, Freda Payne, Dillon Klena, And Special Guest Ada Vox Have Joined ROCKIN' IN PARADISE

Broadway star Eden Espinosa, recording legend Freda Payne, and Newsies star Dillon Klena have joined the cast of Rockin' in Paradise, a concert to support the Anaheim Performing Arts Center Foundation, it was announced today by Ronn Goswick Entertainment.
Line-Ups Set For 6th Annual Actors Fund Benefit Concert Weekend

Cabaret is Alive and Well and Living in Los Angeles, benefit concert weekend for The Actors Fund, is back for the 6th year in a row. Conceived and Directed by David Galligan, the 3-night event is presented by Fraser Entertainment Group. All proceeds benefit The Actors Fund.
ROCKIN' IN PARADISE To Support Anaheim Performing Arts Center Foundation

Ronn Goswick Entertainent has announced Rockin' in Paradise, a concert to support the Anaheim Performing Arts Center Foundation, on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9, at 8pm.  Under the direction of 3-D Theatricals Ovation Award-winner T.J. Dawson with musical direction by Ovation Award-winner Gerald Sternbach, the show will feature some of the best entertainers Broadway and Hollywood have to offer. Executive producers are Norman Hames, Dr. Daniel Kantarovich, Dr. Howard Knohl, and Robert Sciortino.
American Idol's David Hernandez Joins Rockwell Line-Up

Fraser Entertainment Group's AN EVENING OF CLASSIC BROADWAY will be back at LA's Rockwell Table and Stage with another new cast of performers. The celebration of the Broadway Songbook will take place on Sunday, July 21st at 8PM (doors open at 6:30).
TV: The Actors Fund Helps Celebrate the 2019 Tony Awards in LA!

The Actors Fund in Los Angeles celebrated Broadway's Biggest Night at the 23rd Annual Tony Awards® Viewing Gala on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA. Hosted by Leslie Jordan, this year's star-studded gala honored Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award® winner Lily Tomlin with the Julie Harris Award for Artistic Achievement. BroadwayWorld's own Michael Sterling and Paul Preston of Digital Mind Productions were on hand for the festivities which included coverage of the evening's red-carpet arrivals, cocktail hour, gala dinner, live performances, silent auction, and the West Coast's exclusive live feed of the 2019 Tony Awards® broadcast from New York City. 
BWW Interview: Charles Busch Always Rejuvenating DIE, MOMMIE, DIE! & His Other Ingenious Projects

Multi-faceted, creative hyphenate Charles Busch will be appearing in his latest reincarnation of his 1999 classic cult-fav DIE, MOMMIE, DIE! for four performances May 17 through May 19, 2019 for L.A. Theatre Works. Dazzlingly filling out the crazy cast of characters of DIE, MOMMIE, DIE! - Mark Capri, Willie Garson, Ellis Greer, Jeffrey Self and Ruth Williamson. I had the wonderful chance to revisit Charles' gracious wit after almost two decades previous.
Charles Busch RecordsDIE MOMMIE DIE at UCLA's James Bridges Theater

In DIE MOMMIE DIE, written by and starring female impersonatorCharles Busch, tongues aren't the only thing dipped in acid. Busch stars as Angela Arden, a role he created on both stage and screen, when L.A. Theatre Works records his camp send-up of '60s melodramas for broadcast on public radio, podcast and online streaming. Four performances take place May 17 through May 19 at UCLA's James Bridges Theater.
Ghostlight Records Announces Recording of NY City Center's THE NEW YORKERS

Ghostlight Records has announced it will record a new cast album of Cole Porter's 1930 musical The New Yorkers. The recording will be based on the 2017 production from New York City Center (Arlene Shuler, New York City Center President & CEO) Encores!, directed by John Rando with musical direction by Encores! Music Director Rob Berman and choreography by Chris Bailey. The concert adaptation is by Encores! Artistic Director Jack Viertel. The album, produced by Rob Berman and Lawrence Manchester, is being recorded March 25-26.
Throwing Out My CDs by Ben Rimalower: GUYS AND DOLLS

Well, next up in decluttering my apartment is clearing out the big, tall stack of different Guys and Dolls CDs I've spent a few decades collecting. I think I could hack this particular task without any tears (or maybe like you know without having to blog about it) were it not for that gorgeous black square with the orange and yellow title letters thrown into the air alongside perfect pair of cartoon dice. 1992 Grammy Award-winning New Broadway Cast Recording, it's gonna be hard to leave you, baby.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Ruth Williamson been in?

Ruth Williamson has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has Ruth Williamson been in?

Ruth Williamson has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Ruth Williamson been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Music Man and Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Green Heart.

Get Ruth Williamson Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos