Audra McDonald
Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald
Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY
Latest News on Audra McDonald:
GYPSY Cancels Christmas Day Performance Due to Illness in the Company (Dec 25, 2024)
Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 12/22/24 - WICKED Grosses Over $3 Million (Dec 24, 2024)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 24, 2024 (Dec 24, 2024)
GYPSY Cancels Christmas Day Performance Due to Illness in the Company (Dec 25, 2024)
Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 12/22/24 - WICKED Grosses Over $3 Million (Dec 24, 2024)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 24, 2024 (Dec 24, 2024)
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
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STAGE CREDITS
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theater Festival Production, 2020
Blanche DuBois
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Lottie Gee
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
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
Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 15, 2024
Video: Joy Woods Talks GYPSY and Offers Advice for Young Performers on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 9, 2024
Video: Broadway Stars Share What They're Grateful For This Thanksgiving
by Joey Mervis - Nov 28, 2024
Video: Sean Stack Talks WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Survival Jobs Podcast
by Survival Jobs - Oct 17, 2024
Video: Watch Aaron Tveit Perform 'Mein Herr' From CABARET at MCC MISCAST22
by Michael Major - Sep 30, 2024
Video: SUFFS Hosts Roll Call With Representatives from the 36 States that Ratified 19th Amendment
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 25, 2024
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT
by Stephi Wild - Aug 16, 2024
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - May 29, 2024
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - May 13, 2024
VIDEO: Watch Stephen Cole, Ward Roberts, and Peter Filichia Discuss 'Cole Porter as a Gay Icon'
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 13, 2024
Video: Watch Audra McDonald in Ava DuVernay's ORIGIN Trailer With Myles Frost & More
by Michael Major - Dec 15, 2023
Video: Watch the Trailer for MOMENT TO MOMENT: THE MAKING OF THE VIOLET HOUR STUDIO CAST RECORDING
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 15, 2023
News
GYPSY Cancels Christmas Day Performance Due to Illness in the Company
After canceling the production's December 23rd performance, Gypsy on Broadway has announced that tonight's (December 25 at 7pm) performance of Gypsy on Broadway starring Audra McDonald and more has been canceled again due to illness in the company.
After canceling the production's December 23rd performance, Gypsy on Broadway has announced that tonight's (December 25 at 7pm) performance of Gypsy on Broadway starring Audra McDonald and more has been canceled again due to illness in the company.
Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 12/22/24 - WICKED Grosses Over $3 Million
Grosses for all the Broadway shows for the week ending 12/22/2024.
Grosses for all the Broadway shows for the week ending 12/22/2024.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 24, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 24, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 24, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Twelve Days of Christmas: Will Swenson
The holidays are upon us and BroadwayWorld is continuing our favorite annual tradition of celebrating the holiday season with a Twelve Days of Christmas countdown. Day 12 features Will Swenson.
The holidays are upon us and BroadwayWorld is continuing our favorite annual tradition of celebrating the holiday season with a Twelve Days of Christmas countdown. Day 12 features Will Swenson.
GYPSY Cancels Tonight's Performance Due to Illness in the Company
Tonight's performance of Gypsy on Broadway starring Audra McDonald and more has been cancelled. Learn more about upcoming performances and see how to purchase tickets.
Tonight's performance of Gypsy on Broadway starring Audra McDonald and more has been cancelled. Learn more about upcoming performances and see how to purchase tickets.
Audra McDonald Calls For Grace From Audiences Amid Sickness 'Racing Through Broadway'
Audra McDonald – who recently received rave reviews for her powerhouse performance in Gypsy – took to Instagram to reveal that she has caught the cold that has been 'racing through the Broadway community.'
Audra McDonald – who recently received rave reviews for her powerhouse performance in Gypsy – took to Instagram to reveal that she has caught the cold that has been 'racing through the Broadway community.'
Broadway Buying Guide: December 23, 2024- HAMILTON Is Back on Top
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, December 23, 2024.
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, December 23, 2024.
Photos: Inside GYPSY on Broadway's Opening Night Afterparty
GYPSY, starring six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald as 'Mama' Rose Hovick, is officailly open at the newly renovated Majestic Theatre. BroadwayWorld has your inside look into the opening night afterparty!
GYPSY, starring six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald as 'Mama' Rose Hovick, is officailly open at the newly renovated Majestic Theatre. BroadwayWorld has your inside look into the opening night afterparty!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 23, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 23, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 23, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Videos You Missed This Week: CULT OF LOVE, EUREKA DAY, and More
It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! As the year comes to a close, so does the fist half of the 2024-25 Broadway season. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending December 20, 2024 with videos from Cult of Love, Eureka Day, and more!
It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! As the year comes to a close, so does the fist half of the 2024-25 Broadway season. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending December 20, 2024 with videos from Cult of Love, Eureka Day, and more!
Photos: Inside GYPSY's Opening Night Curtain Call on Broadway
Check out BroadwayWorld's photos of the opening night curtain call for Gypsy on Broadway, starring Audra McDonald and more! Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Check out BroadwayWorld's photos of the opening night curtain call for Gypsy on Broadway, starring Audra McDonald and more! Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Review Roundup: GYPSY On Broadway Starring Audra McDonald
Curtain up! Light the lights! Six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald takes on the role of a lifetime, playing 'Mama' Rose Hovick in the classic musical, Gypsy, is now running on Broadway at the newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Read the reviews!
Curtain up! Light the lights! Six-time Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald takes on the role of a lifetime, playing 'Mama' Rose Hovick in the classic musical, Gypsy, is now running on Broadway at the newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Read the reviews!
Waterbury's Palace Theater and The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra To Celebrate Broadway Scores
On Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm join the Palace Theater and the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for an exciting night of beautiful music and fond memories, celebrating 20 years of Broadway musicals at the Palace Theater!
On Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm join the Palace Theater and the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for an exciting night of beautiful music and fond memories, celebrating 20 years of Broadway musicals at the Palace Theater!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 20, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 20, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 20, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Editor Gil Kaan Passes Away at Age 72
BroadwayWorld is deeply saddened to report the passing of our longtime contributor and current Los Angeles Senior Editor Gil Kaan.
BroadwayWorld is deeply saddened to report the passing of our longtime contributor and current Los Angeles Senior Editor Gil Kaan.
Interview: GYPSY's Jade Smith & Marley Lianne Gomes are the December 2024 Debuts of the Month
BroadwayWorld spoke with Gypsy on Broadway's Jade Smith and Marley Lianne Gomes about making their Broadway debuts! Learn more about the young actors in this interview!
BroadwayWorld spoke with Gypsy on Broadway's Jade Smith and Marley Lianne Gomes about making their Broadway debuts! Learn more about the young actors in this interview!
Video: First Look at Audra McDonald in GYPSY
The new Broadway revival of GYPSY, starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald as Rose, opens tonight at the Majestic Theatre. Check out all new video footage from the production here!
The new Broadway revival of GYPSY, starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald as Rose, opens tonight at the Majestic Theatre. Check out all new video footage from the production here!
Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 12/15/24 - WICKED Continues to Top the List
Grosses for all the Broadway shows for the week ending 12/15/2024.
Grosses for all the Broadway shows for the week ending 12/15/2024.
Adrienne Warren to Perform at The Hobby Center in February
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts will welcome musical theater triple threat Adrienne Warren Live in Concert as part of its Beyond Broadway series. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts will welcome musical theater triple threat Adrienne Warren Live in Concert as part of its Beyond Broadway series. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Audra McDonald, Joy Woods & More in GYPSY on Broadway
Additional photos have been released of the Broadway revival of GYPSY starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald. See photos of the production and learn how to purchase tickets.
Additional photos have been released of the Broadway revival of GYPSY starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald. See photos of the production and learn how to purchase tickets.
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 received numerous awards throughout her career. She won Best Leading Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. She also received the Outstanding Actress in a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards, as well as the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, both for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. Additionally, she won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for the same production. For her performance in Porgy and Bess, she received Best Leading Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards. McDonald also gained recognition with the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards and the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards, both for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. She won the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards, again for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. Her performance in 110 in the Shade earned her the Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) award at the Drama Desk Awards. She was recognized with Best Featured Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for A Raisin in the Sun, in addition to winning Outstanding Featured Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same show. McDonald also won Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for A Raisin in the Sun. Moreover, she was honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award at the Drama League Awards. Her performance in Marie Christine garnered her the Outstanding Actress - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards. Notably, she received the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Ragtime, as well as Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Master Class.
Videos