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Christine Ebersole

Birth Place: Winnetka, IL, USA

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BIO

She met Marc Shaiman when he was 19 and the musical director of her first club act. She appeared in two different parts on Ryan's Hope in 1977 (as a nurse) and 1980 (as Lily Darnell).



Ebersole was a cast member of Saturday Night Live during 1981–82, the first full season under new producer Dick Ebersol (their similar surnames being a coincidence), acting as "Weekend Update" co-anchor with Brian Doyle-Murray. Among her impersonations were Mary Travers, Cheryl Tiegs, Barbara Mandrell, Diana, Princess of Wales, and Rona Barrett.

Following SNL, she appeared in One Life to Live as daffy Maxie McDermott (receiving an Emmy nomination) and Valerie. She co-starred with Barnard Hughes on the sitcom The Cavanaughs, played the title role in the short-lived sitcom Rachel Gunn, R.N., and guest-starred on Will & Grace, Dolly!, Just Shoot Me, Murphy Brown, Ally McBeal, Samantha Who, Boston Legal, The Colbert Report, and Royal Pains. In 1991, she appeared as the titular Miss Jones in a pilot for an ABC series about a single mother, but the series was not taken up.

She appeared in the 1993 television film adaptation of Gypsy starring Bette Midler, and in the 2000 ABC-TV film Mary and Rhoda starring Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper.

In 2011, she had a recurring role on the TV Land sitcom Retired at 35. In 2014, she played Carol Walsh on the TBS sitcom Sullivan & Son. She has a recurring role on the USA Network television show Royal Pains as Ms. Newberg.

Ebersole's films have included Tootsie (1982), Amadeus (1984), Three Men and a Baby (1987), Mac and Me (1988), My Girl 2 (1994), Richie Rich (1994), Black Sheep (1996), and My Favorite Martian (1999).

Ebersole has found considerable success on stage. She appeared in Going Hollywood, a musical by David Zippel and Jeremy Shaeffer. She was in the chorus in 1983 with Jerry Mitchell. They were both excited about the possibility of going to Broadway but never made it. She was featured in Paper Moon by Larry Grossman and Ellen Fitzhugh and Carol Hall, which ran at the Paper Mill Playhouse (Millburn, New Jersey) in September 1993. Off-Broadway, she has appeared in Three Sisters and Talking Heads, and her Broadway credits include On the Twentieth Century, the 1979 revival of Oklahoma! (as Ado Annie), the 1980 revival of Camelot and the 2000 revival of Gore Vidal's The Best Man.

In 2001, she appeared in the Broadway revival of 42nd Street as Dorothy Brock, for which she won her first Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, She next appeared in the 2002 Broadway revival of Dinner at Eight as Millicent Jordan for which she was nominated for the Tony Award, Featured Actress in a Play. In 2005, she played M'Lynn in the Broadway production of Steel Magnolias.

In 2006, Ebersole took the dual roles of Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale ("Big Edie") and Edith Bouvier Beale ("Little Edie") in Grey Gardens, a musical based upon the film of the same name. After a sold-out off-Broadway run, Ebersole remained with the roles when the production moved to Broadway in November 2006, and remained with the show through its closing in July 2007. For this role, she won her second Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. She appeared as Elvira in the 2009 Broadway revival of the Noël Coward comedy Blithe Spirit.

She appeared in the musical War Paint, which premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago on June 28, 2016, for a run through August 2016. The show began previews at the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway on March 7, 2017, and opened on April 6, 2017. It closed on November 5, 2017. She played the role of Elizabeth Arden, opposite Patti LuPone as Helena Rubinstein. The musical had a book by Doug Wright with the music composed by Scott Frankel (music) and Michael Korie (lyrics).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
Elizabeth Arden

[Chicago]
Goodman Theatre World Premiere Production, 2016
Elizabeth Arden

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2009
Elvira

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2008
Margo Channing

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2006
Edith Bouvier Beale

"Little" Edie Beale

'Little'' Edie Beale / Edith Bouvier Beale

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2006
"Little" Edie Beale/Edith Bouvier Beale

[New York]
Reading, 2005
"Little" Edie

[New York]
Reading, 2005
Paula Abagnale

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
M'Lynn

[New York]
National Alliance for Musical Theatre Presentation, 2004
The Drowsy Chaperone

[New York]
Reading, 2003
Muriel/Jolene

[New York]
Reading, 2003
Mme. Ernestine von Liebedich

[New York]
Reading, 2003
Aimee Semple McPherson

[Off-Broadway]
2003
(Irene Ruddock) A Lady of Letters

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2002
Millicent Jordan

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2001
Dorothy Brock

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2001
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2000
Mabel Cantwell

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1999
Mame Dennis

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1999
Roles originated by Eve Arden

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1996
Dossie Lustig

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1994
Liza Elliott

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1994
Emily West

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1993
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Gerta Granville

[Off-Broadway]
1982
Natasha

[Off-Broadway]
1982
Skye Bullene [Replacement]

[US Tour]
National Tour, 1980
Guenevere

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1980
Guenevere

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1979
Ado Annie Carnes

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Agnes [Replacement]

Lily Garland (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Dana

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1975
Nancy [Replacement]

[New York]
Workshop, 1983
Performer

[New York]
Reading, 1983
Performer

[West End]
London Production, 2008
Edith Bouvier Beale/"Little" Edie Beale


Movies

Tootsie
[ 1982 ] Linda
Thief of Hearts
[ 1984 ] Janie Pointer
Amadeus
[ 1984 ] Katerina Cavalieri
Mac and Me
[ 1988 ] Janet Cruise
Ghost Dad
[ 1990 ] Carol
The Lounge People
[ 1991 ] Cynthia Lewis
Dead Again
[ 1991 ] Lydia Larson
Folks!
[ 1992 ] Arlene Aldrich
Richie Rich
[ 1994 ] Mrs. Rich
My Girl 2
[ 1994 ] Rose Zsigmond
Pie in the Sky
[ 1995 ] Mom Dunlap
Black Sheep
[ 1996 ] Governor Tracy
'Til There Was You
[ 1997 ] Beebee Moss
True Crime
[ 1999 ] Bridget Rossiter
Pros & Cons
[ 1999 ] Kathy Stanford
My Favorite Martian
[ 1999 ] Mrs. Brown
Love Comes to the Executioner
[ 2006 ] Miriam Prigusivac
Confessions of a Shopaholic
[ 2009 ] TV Show Host
The Drawn Together Movie!
[ 2010 ] Singer
The Wolf of Wall Street
[ 2013 ] Leah Belfort
The Big Wedding
[ 2013 ] Muffin
Emoticon ;)
[ 2014 ] Julia
Driveways
[ 2019 ] Linda
Steven Universe: The Movie
[ 2019 ] White Diamond
Licorice Pizza
[ 2021 ] Lucy Doolittle

TV Shows

Blue Bloods
Lena Janko
Ink
Belinda Carhardt
Madam Secretary
Lydia Dalton
Related
Renee
Royal Pains
Ms. Newberg
Ryan's Hope
Lily Darnell, Pearl Miller
Saturday Night Live
SNL Newsbreak Anchor
Search Party
Mariel, Mariel Davenport
Steven Universe
White Diamond, White Pearl
The Cavanaughs
Kit Cavanaugh

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Christine Ebersole, War Paint

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Christine Ebersole, War Paint

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Christine Ebersole, War Paint


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2007 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Christine Ebersole , Grey Gardens


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

Christine Ebersole, Grey Gardens


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Christine Ebersole, Grey Gardens


winner
Drama League Awards - 2006 - Distinguished Performance Award

Christine Ebersole, Grey Gardens


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Special Citation

Christine Ebersole, Grey Gardens


winner
Obie Awards - 2006 - Performance

Christine Ebersole, Grey Gardens


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Christine Ebersole , Grey Gardens


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Christine Ebersole, Talking Heads


winner
Obie Awards - 2003 - Performance

Christine Ebersole, Talking Heads

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Christine Ebersole, Dinner at Eight

Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Christine Ebersole, Dinner at Eight


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Christine Ebersole , 42nd Street


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Christine Ebersole, 42nd Street


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

Christine Ebersole, 42nd Street

Videos

News


Hear the Debut Of 'Young And Foolish' From Jane Monheit's New Self-Titled Album

Jane Monheit's new track 'Young and Foolish' debuts exclusively on BroadwayWorld, showcasing her latest musical exploration. Discover the nuances of her performance and what makes this release noteworthy.
Leslie Uggams to be Honored by Encompass New Opera Theatre

Encompass New Opera Theatre will honor Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams with a musical tribute on October 27, 2024. Learn more about Uggams and about the event.
Meet the Cast of A WONDERFUL WORLD: THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG MUSICAL, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical is now in previews on Broadway. The musical officially opens on Monday, November 11, 2024 at Studio 54. Meet the cast of A Wonderful World here!
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Announces Liz Diamond as New SDCF Board President

Liz Diamond, Jonathan Parker, and Barbara Whitman have been announced as new members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) Board of Trustees, bringing their extensive experience to the organization.
Photos: Christine Ebersole Visits FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: Merrily We Stole A Song

Christine Ebersole recently stopped by to check out a preview of the Off-Broadway production of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: Merrily We Stole A Song. Check out a photo of Ebersole with the cast!
Monthly BIRTHDAY SALUTE to a Major Cabaret Figure

A major, long-time cabaret figure gets our monthly birthday Tribute. How many hints will you need to know who it is?
Mercedes Ruehl and Christine Ebersole Appearing in Season 2 of ACCUSED

Tony Award-winners Mercedes Ruehl and Christine Ebersole will both appear in the second season of Fox's Accursed, playing Connie and Deb, respectively. They will appear alongside Debra Winger and Matthew James Thomas (who will play a new role) in the 'Margot's Story' episode.
Andy Mientus, Krysta Rodriguez, and More Set For THE ROCKY HORROR SKIVVIES SHOW

The Skivvies will return to Joe's Pub next month for The Rocky Horror Skivvies Show, a Halloween treat that puts the signature stripped-down, mashed-up Skivvies stamp on the iconic songs from the cult favorite.
THE AFTER PARTY Event Will Raise Funds to Save The Laurie Beechman Theatre and West Bank Cafe

The Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Cafe will host a special one-night-only event, 'The After Party,' on Friday, August 16th, to benefit the fundraising efforts to save the iconic venue from closure.
Klea Blackhurst to Present THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage

Klea Blackhurst will present 'The Box Set,' at Chelsea Table + Stage featuring her acclaimed tribute to Hoagy Carmichael alongside Billy Stritch. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Nick Cartell's New Album 'A THOUSAND SPOTLIGHTS' is Now Available

Broadway star Nick Cartell – currently headlining as Jean Valjean on the national tour of Les Misérables – has released his new album A Thousand Spotlights on CD and in streaming and digital platforms today, Friday, July 26.
Exclusive: LES MISERABLES Tour Star Nick Cartell Sings PHANTOM On New Album, 'A Thousand Spotlights'

Nick Cartell, star of the LES MISÉRABLES National Tour, debuts a new track from his upcoming album and announces concert dates.
Megan Hilty, Christine Ebersole & Gavin Creel to be Featured in Broadway In Worcester 2024-2025 Season

Broadway in Worcester announces its 2024-2025 season featuring Megan Hilty, Christine Ebersole, and Gavin Creel. Single tickets and subscriptions are now available. Learn how to purchase!
SNL Stars on the Broadway Stage

Ana Gasteyer is not the only Saturday Night Live alum to have flexed her acting muscles on the Broadway stage. BroadwayWorld is rounding up your favorite SNL stars who are also Broadway stars. Check out our list here!
Christine Ebersole Joins Hallmark Movie HOLIDAY TOUCHDOWN: A CHIEFS LOVE STORY

Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole is one of the latest names to join the cast of the upcoming original Hallmark movie centering on the Kansas City Chiefs football team. In Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, Ebersole will appear alongside Diedrich Bader, Megyn Price, and Richard Riehle.
Are We In a Sondheim Renaissance?

This time, the reader question was: Have there been a lot of Sondheim productions in New York City since the legendary composer and lyricist passed away?
Julian Ovenden Comes to Cadogan Hall Featuring Scott Frankel in October

Star of stage and screen, Julian Ovenden, will play one night only at Cadogan Hall on Monday 14 October.
Photos: Norm Lewis, Kate Baldwin & More Perform FOLLIES Concert at Carnegie Hall

See photos of Norm Lewis, Kate Baldwin and more performing Follies in concert at Carnegie Hall!
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.
How Often Do Shows Tour Before Coming to Broadway?

This time, the reader question was: How often do shows like The Wiz start on tour before coming to Broadway?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Christine Ebersole been in?

Christine Ebersole has appeared on Broadway in 14 shows.

How many West End shows has Christine Ebersole been in?

Christine Ebersole has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Christine Ebersole's first West End show?

Christine Ebersole's first West End show was Grey Gardens which opened in

What awards has Christine Ebersole been nominated for?

Christine Ebersole has received several nominations for her performances, including: - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for War Paint - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for War Paint - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for War Paint - Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Grey Gardens - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grey Gardens - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Grey Gardens - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Grey Gardens - Special Citation (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens - Performance (Obie Awards) for Grey Gardens - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Talking Heads - Performance (Obie Awards) for Talking Heads - Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dinner at Eight - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Dinner at Eight - Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for 42nd Street - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for 42nd Street - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 42nd Street

What awards has Christine Ebersole won?

Christine Ebersole has received numerous awards for her performances, including: - Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Grey Gardens - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Grey Gardens - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Grey Gardens - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Grey Gardens - Special Citation (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens - Performance (Obie Awards) for Grey Gardens - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grey Gardens - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Talking Heads - Performance (Obie Awards) for Talking Heads - Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for 42nd Street - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for 42nd Street - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 42nd Street.

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