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Anita Gillette

Birth Place: Baltimore, MD, USA

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BIO

Anita Gillette is an American actress, singer, and dancer who has had a long and successful career in Broadway, television, and film. Born on August 16, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, Gillette grew up in a family of performers and began her own career in show business at a young age.


Gillette's Broadway debut came in 1959, when she appeared in the musical "Gypsy" as a member of the chorus. She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions throughout the 1960s, including "All American," "Carnival!," and "Jimmy."
In 1972, Gillette received critical acclaim for her performance in the Broadway production of "Cabaret," in which she played the role of Sally Bowles. Her performance earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Gillette continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in productions such as "They're Playing Our Song," "Brighton Beach Memoirs," and "Chapter Two." In 1994, she received another Tony Award nomination for her performance in the musical "Mr. Wonderful."
In addition to her work on Broadway, Gillette has also had a successful career on television. She has appeared in numerous television shows throughout the years, including "Quincy M.E.," "The Love Boat," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."
Gillette is perhaps best known to television audiences for her recurring role on the hit show "The Cosby Show," in which she played the character of Cliff Huxtable's mother-in-law. She also appeared in the spin-off series "A Different World."
In film, Gillette has appeared in several movies throughout her career, including "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice," "Moonstruck," and "She's the One." She has also lent her voice to several animated films, including "The Emperor's New Groove" and "The Aristocats."
Gillette's talents extend beyond acting, as she is also an accomplished singer and dancer. She has performed in numerous cabaret shows and concerts throughout the years, showcasing her impressive vocal range and dancing skills.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Gillette is also a philanthropist and has been involved with several charitable organizations throughout her career. She has worked with organizations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Alzheimer's Association.
Gillette has been recognized for her contributions to the arts and entertainment industry with several awards and honors. In 2006, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, and in 2014, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs.
At the age of 85, Gillette continues to work in the entertainment industry and inspire audiences with her talent and dedication. Her impressive career and contributions to the arts have cemented her as a beloved and respected figure in the world of entertainment.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Production, 2017
Bee4

Bee3

Bee2

[Boston]
Huntington Theatre Company, 2015
Irene Reilly

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

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2008
Angelina

Clara

Chi Chi

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Angelina / Clara / Chi Chi

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2006
Eunice Miller

[New York]
Concert Reading, 2005
Catherine "Grandma Bingo" Baladucci

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Bridget Conway

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2001
Serena Applegate

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Rita

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Juno Boyle

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Bianca Broude

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Off-Off-Broadway Revival, 1986
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Blanche [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Sonia Walsk [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1977
Jennie Malone

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Female Parts

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1969
Betty Compton

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Sally Bowles [Replacement]

Sally Bowles (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1966
Susan Hollander

[Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1965
Sarah Brown

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Angela Crane

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Performer

Leslie Henderson

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Susan

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1961
Lili [Replacement]

Gypsy

Lili (Standby)

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1959
Linda

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1959
Thelma [Replacement]

June (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1992
Performer

[Los Angeles]
World Premiere, 1965
Performer


Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actress

Anita GilletteThe Big Meal

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Anita Gillette , Chapter Two


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1960 - Performance

Anita GilletteRussell Patterson’s Sketchbook

News


Photos: Opening Night of the 35th New York Cabaret Convention

The Cabaret Convention kicked off last night, 10/22, at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater. The opening night honored Charles Strouse with a star-studded cast including Stephen Schwartz, his collaborator on RAGS. The honoree himself was in attendance. The convention continues tonight and tomorrow. See photos from the evening.
Talia Susakuer & Loni Ackerman to Join BROADWAY MELODY at 54 Below

Talia Suskauer (Wicked) and Loni Ackerman (Cats) will join Broadway Melody at 54 Below. Broadway Melody is a love letter to both the Golden Age of the American musical and a bygone era of the city that never sleeps, all seen through the eyes of a lovelorn trumpet player and an actress on the cusp of her big break. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " Oct. 21 to Oct. 27, 2024

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including the cabaret convention, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Jason Robert Brown.
Ann Kittredge Returns To Chelsea Table + Stage For Encore Performance Of ROMANTIC NOTIONS

Ann Kittredge will perform an encore of 'Romantic Notions' at Chelsea Table + Stage on November 14 at 7 PM.
Laura Benanti, Kate Baldwin & Nikki M. James To Star In BROADWAY MELODY at 54 Below

Laura Benanti, Nikki M. James, Kate Baldwin and more will star in BROADWAY MELODY WITH JACK VIERTEL & FRIENDS at 54 Below in November. Learn more about the upcoming concert and see how to purchase tickets.
RENEE KATZ SINGS IRVING BERLIN - LOST IN HIS ARMS is Coming to Don't Tell Mama

Don’t Tell Mama will present Renee Katz in “Renee Katz Sings Irving Berlin---Lost In His Arms”. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Nelson Aspen Pays Tribute to TONY BENNETT at The Green Room 42

Nelson Aspen and Allyson Briggs have a new tribute show to the great Tony Bennett, who passed away last July at the age of 96. You can catch Tony Bennett: A Tribute on August 7th at the Green Room 42 near Times Square. The Green Room 42 show will feature clips from his time with Bennett, reflections on his humanitarian work, career highlights, support of young musicians, and, of course, plenty of songs from the great American songbook that Bennett infused with his signature style.
Feature: Monthly Musical 'Birthday' Salute: TAKE THE QUIZ!

Have a little fun, take a little bit of a lucky guess, and learn a little more about famous music folks all born in August. Our Broadway World cabaret birthday hunter couldn't decide on just one person to salute in the usual 'born this month' feature, so instead there's a trivia quiz that name-drops a whole bunch of them. Drop by BWW and give it a try.
Judi Mark Returns Home To Chicago With A Tribute To Gwen Verdon At Davenport's

Judi Mark returns to Chicago with her tribute show 'Merely Marvelous: The Songs of Gwen Verdon' at Davenport's on August 31, celebrating the Broadway star with performances and stories.
Interview: Theatre Life with Stephen Cole

Today’s subject Stephen Cole is an accomplished lyricist, performer, and book writer. You can now add novelist to that already impressive list of accomplishments. Stephen Cole’s latest literary endeavor takes us back to the Golden Age of Broadway with his first novel entitled Mary & Ethel…and Mikey Who?. The book is now available everywhere for purchase in both hardcover and digital versions.
Feature: MONTHLY BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE: Let's salute Irving Berlin

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Review: Backstage Babble Uncovers Broadway Flop History at 54 Below

Not every Broadway show is a smash. A focus on 14 hidden gems from shows that disappeared too quickly fueled an entertaining evening at 54 Below last Sunday on April 29th. Hosted by Charles Kirsch of Backstage Babble podcast and Robert W. Schneider, the evening was a success.
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " April 29 to May 5, 2024

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including Sheldon Harnick's birthday celebration and Kyle Dunnigan's new hour.
Interview: Backstage Babble's Charles Kirsch Is Celebrating Flops at 54 Below

Charles Kirsch's podcast, Backstage Babble, gives a behind the scenes look at Broadway shows and the theater industry. On Monday April 29th at 7 pm, Kirsch will be hosting a special event at 54 Below paying tribute to 14 shows on the iconic “flop wall” at Joe Allen Restaurant with shows including Merrily We Roll Along, Nick and Nora, and Kelly.
Brenda Braxton, Amanda Green & More to Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES JOE ALLEN RESTAURANT

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BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " April 1 to April 7, 2024

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week.
Marilyn Maye, Abby Mueller And More Take the Stage Next Month At 54 Below

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.
Dancers Over 40 Brings a Roast of Lee Roy Reams to 54 Below

Dancers Over 40 will celebrate its 30th anniversary as an organization with its first ever – and 54 Below’s first ever roast. The event will focus on Mr. Broadway himself, DO40 member and former board member Lee Roy Reams! 
Book Review: MARY & ETHEL ...and MIKEY WHO? Is a Fun-filled Time-traveling Show Biz Adventure

Mary & Ethel...and Mikey Who? is a good read (or listen). Come travel through time in a new work of historical fiction and fun, full of Broadway and spice and sweetness.
Tony Winners Len Cariou, Judy Kaye & Penny Fuller to Join COMEDY TONIGHT! A ROAST OF LEE ROY REAMS

To celebrate their thirtieth anniversary Dancers Over 40 will commemorate this milestone with COMEDY TONIGHT: A ROAST OF LEE ROY REAMS on Monday, April 1st, 2024 at 7:00pm at 54 Below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Anita Gillette been in?

Anita Gillette has appeared on Broadway in 12 shows.

How many West End shows has Anita Gillette been in?

Anita Gillette has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Anita Gillette been nominated for?

Anita Gillette has been nominated for the following awards: Outstanding Featured Actress at The Lortels for The Big Meal; Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Chapter Two; and Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Russell Patterson’s Sketchbook.

What awards has Anita Gillette won?

Anita Gillette won a Theatre World Award for her performance in Russell Patterson’s Sketchbook.

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