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Audra McDonald Headshot

Audra McDonald

Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald

Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY

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BIO

Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actor. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and an Emmy, in 2015 she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people and received a National Medal of Arts—America’s highest honor for achievement in the field—from President Barack Obama. In addition to her Tony-winning performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill—the role that also served as the vehicle for her Olivier Award-nominated 2017 debut in London’s West End—she has appeared on Broadway in The Secret Garden; Marie Christine (Tony nomination); Henry IV; 110 in the Shade (Tony nomination); Shuffle Along, or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed; and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Tony nomination).



A Juilliard-trained soprano, her opera credits include La voix humaine and Send at Houston Grand Opera, and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at Los Angeles Opera, where the resulting recording earned her two Grammy Awards.

On television, she was seen by millions as the Mother Abbess in NBC’s The Sound of Music Live! and played Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC’s Private Practice. She won an Emmy Award for her role as host of PBS’s Live From Lincoln Center and has received nominations for Wit, A Raisin in the Sun and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Having first appeared as Liz Lawrence on CBS’s The Good Wife, she stars in The Good Fight on Paramount+ as well as in Spectrum’s pandemic-themed drama, The Bite.

On film, she has appeared in Seven Servants, The Object of My Affection, Cradle Will Rock, It Runs in the Family, The Best Thief in the World, She Got Problems, Rampart, Ricki and the Flash, Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast, the movie-musical Hello Again, and MGM’s Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect.

Her upcoming film projects comprise Higher Ground’s Rustin and FilmNation’s Down Low. McDonald has issued five solo albums on the Nonesuch label as well as Sing Happy with the New York Philharmonic on Decca Gold. She also maintains a major career as a concert artist, regularly appearing on the great stages of the world and with leading international orchestras. A founding member of Black Theatre United, board member of Covenant House International, and prominent advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights, her favorite roles are those performed offstage, as an activist, wife to actor Will Swenson, and mother.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2024
Mama Rose

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Performer

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theater Festival Production, 2020
Blanche DuBois

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Frankie

[West End]
West End Production, 2017
Billie Holiday

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Lottie Gee

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Lady Day

[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2013
Mother Abbess

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Bess

[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2009
Olivia

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
Lizzie Curry

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2005
Fay Apple

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 2005
Clara

[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 2005
Performer

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2004
Dot

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Ruth Younger

Ruth Younger

Ruth Younger

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 2003
Lady Percy

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2003
Clara

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2002
Julie Jordan

[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Deena Jones

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2000
Beggar Woman

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Marie Christine L'Adrese

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

Performer [Replacement]

[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Nina

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Sarah

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Sharon

[Broadway]
Broadway Concert, 1995
"Something Wonderful" Performer

Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1994
Carrie Pipperidge

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Opera Revival, 2007
Jenny


Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best Actress

Audra McDonald, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Leading Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2012 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess


winner
Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess


winner
Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie)

Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shad

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2004 - Best Featured Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, A Raisin In The Sun


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald , A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Drama League Awards - 2000 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre

Audra McDonald

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Marie Christine


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Audra McDonald, Marie Christine

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Featured Actress - Musical

Audra McDonaldRagtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Ragtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Master Class

Videos

News


Betty Buckley’s 'Grizabella' Joins Broadway Legends Ornament Collection

This holiday season, “let the memory live again” of Betty Buckley’s Tony Award-winning performance in Cats as her Grizabella joins Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ limited edition Broadway Legends ornament series.
Photos: Audra McDonald and the Cast of GYPSY Meet the Press

On Monday, October 28th, the cast and creative team of GYPSY participated in press interviews at New 42 Studios where the upcoming revival is in its fourth week of rehearsals. See photos of the company here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 29, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 29, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Audra McDonald Shares Her Take on Mama Rose in GYPSY

Audra McDonald is sharing some insights into how she thinks of the character of Mama Rose. The Tony-winning performer will be taking on the iconic role in Gypsy beginning in November and McDonald visited Good Morning America to talk about the show and give audiences an idea of what they can expect.
Interview: Kelli O'Hara Promises Some Surprises in Concert at Groton Hill Music Center

Kelli O’Hara says there’ll be some surprises in store when she plays Groton Hill Music Center on November 2. 'My music director and pianist, Dan Lipton, and I won’t finalize the set list until we get there. We like to arrive at a venue, get a feel for the space, and then set the list. I always include my favorite pieces, but I might change the order or make additions or subtractions based on the feeling I get.'
Video: RAGTIME Rehearses for New York City Center

Something's beginning at New York City Center next week. The annual gala presentation for 2024 is Ragtime. In this video, watch as the cast and creative team get ready for the start of performances and talk about how they're approaching the production!
Broadway Stage and Screen- A Fall 2024 Watch Guide

A new Broadway season has arrived at last, full of exciting new shows and revivals of beloved classics. While many of them are original concepts or based on plays, 7 are already films that you can watch from home.
Theater Resources Unlimited 2024 TRU Love Benefit: PASSION...PASS IT ON!

Theater Resources Unlimited has announced their 2024 TRU Love Benefit, featuring Norm Lewis and Nona Hendryx, on November 17 at Green Room 42 in NYC.
Cast and Creative Team Set for SHE LOVES ME at Long Wharf Theatre

Long Wharf Theatre revealed the cast and creative team for its winter production of SHE LOVES ME, featuring direction by Rebecca Martinez and performances by actors including John Smith and Jane Doe. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Broadway Buying Guide: October 21, 2024- SUNSET BOULEVARD Storms Back to Broadway

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, October 21, 2024.
Photos: Anne Hathaway, Billy Porter & More at BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA!

On Monday, October 14, Broadway for Harris presented Broadway Rallies for Kamala!, a special event in New York City to mobilize audience members and remote viewers across the country to get involved in supporting Kamala Harris. See photos!
Bradley Riches, Amber Davies & Claudia Kariuki Join Scott Alan Live At Cadogan Hall

Bradley Riches, Amber Davies, and Claudia Kariuki will join Amy di Bartolemeo, Oliver Tompsett, and Stuart Matthew Price as guest vocalists for internationally acclaimed songwriter SCOTT ALAN live at Cadogan Hall.
Video: Sean Stack Talks WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Survival Jobs Podcast

Watch hosts Jason A. Coombs and Samantha Tuozzolo chat with the incredibly talented and thoughtful Sean Stack, who is currently starring in the hit Broadway production of Water for Elephants at the Imperial Theater!
Well-Strung Returns To Provincetown Town Hall In November

WELL-STRUNG, the string quartet known for blending classical music with pop hits, has announced their return to Provincetown Town Hall.
GYPSY Casts Rescue Dogs in the Role of 'Chowsie'

The Broadway revival of Gypsy has announced the furry friends who will be taking the stage in the role of 'Chowsie'. Tana June and Indy, two rescues from Homeward Bound in Elkhart, Indiana. Tana June will play the role, with Indy understudying. Meet the dogs here.
Kelli O'Hara to Perform at Steppenwolf Theatre in April

Kelli O'Hara is set to perform at Steppenwolf Theatre in spring 2025. The Tony Award-winning actress will bring her Broadway talents to Chicago for two special nights. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: SUFFS Performs 'Keep Marching' At BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA

Broadway and Hollywood talent gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala. A-list talent turned out for the big night including the cast of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, SUFFS. Watch as the show's creator, composer, and star, Shaina Taub performs, 'Keep Marching' with the show's all-female cast. See the video!
Video: Anne Hathaway Rocks BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA With A Queen Classic

Tonight, Broadway and Hollywood talent gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala. Award-winning stage and screen star Anne Hathaway, who rocked the vote with a cover of Queen's classic song, 'Somebody to Love'. Watch the video!
Video: Schele Williams Talks BROADWAY RALLIES FOR KAMALA

Broadway and Hollywood’s best gathered for Broadway Rallies for Kamala, a special event in New York City. We spoke to the event's director Schele Williams about the event and the dial-a-thon that has made one million phone calls for the Harris campaign.
Broadway Buying Guide: October 14, 2024- OUR TOWN, GYPSY, and More

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, October 14, 2024.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Audra McDonald been in?

Audra McDonald has appeared on Broadway in 18 shows.

How many West End shows has Audra McDonald been in?

Audra McDonald has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Audra McDonald's first West End show?

Audra McDonald's first West End show was Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill which opened in 2017

What awards has Audra McDonald been nominated for?

Audra McDonald has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances, including: - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Ohio State Murders - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ohio State Murders - Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Ohio State Murders - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune - Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shade - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for 110 in the Shade - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 110 in the Shade - Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin In The Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Marie Christine - Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine - Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.

What awards has Audra McDonald won?

Audra McDonald has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career, including: - Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shade - Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.

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