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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

Gypsy Gypsy
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2024
Mama Rose
Ohio State Murders Ohio State Murders
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Performer
A Streetcar Named Desire A Streetcar Named Desire
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theater Festival Production, 2020
Blanche DuBois
Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Frankie
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
[West End]
West End Production, 2017
Billie Holiday
Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Lottie Gee
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Lady Day
The Sound of Music Live! The Sound of Music Live!
[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2013
Mother Abbess
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Bess
Twelfth Night
[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2009
Olivia
110 in the Shade 110 in the Shade
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
Lizzie Curry
Anyone Can Whistle
[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2005
Fay Apple
Children And Art
[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer
Passion
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 2005
Clara
Escape: 6 Ways to Get Away (2)
[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 2005
Performer
Sunday in the Park with George
[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2004
Dot
R Shomon
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Performer
A Raisin in the Sun A Raisin in the Sun
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Ruth Younger
Ruth Younger
Ruth Younger
Henry IV Henry IV
[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 2003
Lady Percy
Passion
[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2003
Clara
Carousel
[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2002
Julie Jordan
Dreamgirls
[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Deena Jones
Sweeney Todd
[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2000
Beggar Woman
Marie Christine
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Marie Christine L'Adrese
The Vagina Monologues
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Dear World
[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Nina
Ragtime
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Sarah
Master Class
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Sharon
Something Wonderful
[Broadway]
Broadway Concert, 1995
"Something Wonderful" Performer
Performer
Carousel
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1994
Carrie Pipperidge
The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
[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

More Videos

News


Mask For Pleasure: COVID-impacted Artists Raise Awareness at George Clooney's Broadwa Photo
Mask For Pleasure: COVID-impacted Artists Raise Awareness at George Clooney's Broadway Opening
by Emmy Rice - Apr 6, 2025

On the opening weekend of the Broadway debut of George Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck, a small group of COVID-impacted NY artists offered a gesture of collective care in Manhattan's theatre district.
Playlist: The Best of Jason Robert Brown Photo
Playlist: The Best of Jason Robert Brown
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 5, 2025

The Last Five Years will officially open on Broadway for the first time since the beloved musical premiered  in 2001. The man behind the music is none other than Jason Robert Brown. We are celebrating with a playlist of 50 of our favorite Jason Robert Brown songs.
Audra McDonald Live Free AARP Performance I AM WHAT I AM To Broadcast In April Photo
Audra McDonald Live Free AARP Performance I AM WHAT I AM To Broadcast In April
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 5, 2025

​AARP Theater is set to present a special live broadcast featuring the acclaimed Audra McDonald in 'Audra McDonald: I Am What I Am' on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). ​
Interview: Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton Talks Boston Lyric Opera's Production of RODGER Photo
Interview: Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton Talks Boston Lyric Opera's Production of RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CAROUSEL
by R. Scott Reedy - Apr 4, 2025

The legend of Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre stems in part from the many pre-Broadway tryouts that have and continue to take place there, including not one but two now-iconic Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musicals, 1943’s “Oklahoma!” – when it was still being called “Away We Go!” – and 1945’s “Carousel.”
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on Kamala Harris' Visit to GYPSY on THE VIEW Photo
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on Kamala Harris' Visit to GYPSY on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 3, 2025

With the new production of Gypsy now settling into its Broadway run, Audra McDonald visited The View on Thursday to discuss the acclaimed production. During the interview, she recalled the visit of former Vice President Kamala Harris this past January. Watch it now!
Tickets Now on Sale for the 78th Annual Tony Awards Hosted by Cynthia Erivo Photo
Tickets Now on Sale for the 78th Annual Tony Awards Hosted by Cynthia Erivo
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2025

A limited number of tickets for The 78th Annual Tony Awards are now on sale to the general public. Learn more about the awards ceremony and see how to purchase tickets here.
Videos You Missed This Week: GYPSY, THE GREAT GATSBY and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: GYPSY, THE GREAT GATSBY and More
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 28, 2025

2025 has officially arrived and the second half of the 2024-25 Broadway season is very much underway. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending March 28, 2025 with videos from Gypsy, The Great Gatsby, and more!
New Zombie Rock Musical ROMERO & JULIET Will Be Performed in Concert in May Photo
New Zombie Rock Musical ROMERO & JULIET Will Be Performed in Concert in May
by Stephi Wild - Mar 25, 2025

Zombies! Shakespeare! 1980s inspired music! All of these elements are the foundation for the new rock musical, ROMERO & JULIET. The show will be presented by Split Stage Productions in a concert version.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 24, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 24, 2025
by - Mar 24, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 24, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Photo: GYPSY Celebrates 100th Broadway Performance Photo
Photo: GYPSY Celebrates 100th Broadway Performance
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 23, 2025

Everything's still coming up roses at the Majestic Theatre! The critically acclaimed new production of GYPSY starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald just celebrated its 100th performance on Saturday, March 22. Check out a photo here.
Videos You Missed This Week: PURPOSE, OPERATION MINCEMEAT, and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: PURPOSE, OPERATION MINCEMEAT, and More
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 21, 2025

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! 2025 has officially arrived and the second half of the 2024-25 Broadway season is very much underway. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending March 21, 2025 with videos from Purpose, Operation Mincemeat, and more!
Watch Audra McDonald Sing in New Highlights from GYPSY Photo
Watch Audra McDonald Sing in New Highlights from GYPSY
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 21, 2025

Starting here, starting now we;ve got new highlights from the critically acclaimed new production of GYPSY starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald on Broadway.  Watch McDaonald and the full cast in action in this video!
Broadway Casting Director Alan Filderman Has Passed Away Photo
Broadway Casting Director Alan Filderman Has Passed Away
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 21, 2025

Broadway casting director Alan Filderman has passed away at the age of 70 following a battle with cancer.
Meet the Cast of THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 18, 2025

The Last Five Years begins performances tonight, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and officially opens on Sunday, April 6, 2025 for a strictly limited, 14-week-only engagement at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre. Meet the cast of The Last Five Years here!
GYPSY Cancels March 13 Show; Performances Expected to Continue as Scheduled Photo
GYPSY Cancels March 13 Show; Performances Expected to Continue as Scheduled
by Stephi Wild - Mar 14, 2025

The performance of Gypsy scheduled for last night, March 13, was cancelled due to an illness within the company. They are expecting to continue performances as scheduled tonight.
Video: Audra McDonald, Danny Burstein & Joy Woods Perform 'Together, Wherever We Go' Photo
Video: Audra McDonald, Danny Burstein & Joy Woods Perform 'Together, Wherever We Go' From GYPSY
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 13, 2025

Audra McDonald, Danny Burstein and Joy Woods recently took the stage on The Kelly Clarkson Show to perform 'Together, Wherever We Go' from Gypsy, now playing at the Majestic Theatre. Watch their fabulous performance!
Photos: GYPSY Welcomes Oprah Winfrey For A Backstage Visit Photo
Photos: GYPSY Welcomes Oprah Winfrey For A Backstage Visit
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025

Oprah Winfrey embraced six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and the cast of GYPSY backstage at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway this past Tuesday night after watching the performance. Check out photos from her visit with the cast.
Interview: BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster Launch Partnership; Meet Marla Ostroff Photo
Interview: BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster Launch Partnership; Meet Marla Ostroff
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 12, 2025

BroadwayWorld and Ticketmaster have partnered, giving theater fans to discover and purchase tickets to shows on Broadway, London's West End and numerous venues across the United States and around the globe. Read all about it here!
Lea Michele to Launch Spring Tour Featuring GLEE Songs, Broadway Classics and More Photo
Lea Michele to Launch Spring Tour Featuring GLEE Songs, Broadway Classics and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 11, 2025

Lea Michele is hitting the road on a national tour this May. Following a sold-out engagement at Carnegie Hall, Michele is set to perform a series of intimate concerts. Learn more about the concert dates!
Review: Claybourne Elder Makes Charming OC Cabaret Debut at Segerstrom Arts Photo
Review: Claybourne Elder Makes Charming OC Cabaret Debut at Segerstrom Arts
by Michael Quintos - Mar 10, 2025

For his debut OC cabaret engagement, Broadway actor Claybourne Elder—who recently played Andy in the Tony Award-winning 2021 revival of Stephen Sondheim's (mostly) gender-bent COMPANY—brought his witty charm and sublime musicality to Segerstrom Center for the Arts' Samueli Theater for three performances on February 20-23, 2025. Filled with personal stories spanning from his early Mormon roots to his work in musical theater, the actor charmed the audience with a cheeky stand-up set sprinkled with wonderfully-performed songs that came off surprisingly wholesome.
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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?

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 Shad, 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 Achivement 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 and 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 won numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. These include: - 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 in a 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 in a 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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