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Blythe Danner

Birth Place: Philadelphia, PA, USA

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BIO

Blythe Katherine Danner (born February 3, 1943) is an American actress. Accolades she has received include two Primetime Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Izzy Huffstodt on Huff (2004–2006), and a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress for her performance in Butterflies Are Free on Broadway (1969–1972). Danner was twice nominated for the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for portraying Marilyn Truman on Will & Grace (2001–06; 2018–20), and the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for her roles in We Were the Mulvaneys (2002) and Back When We Were Grownups (2004). For the latter, she also received a Golden Globe Award nomination.



Danner played Dina Byrnes in Meet the Parents (2000) and its sequels Meet the Fockers (2004) and Little Fockers (2010). She has collaborated on several occasions with Woody Allen, appearing in three of his films: Another Woman (1988), Alice (1990), and Husbands and Wives (1992). Her other notable film credits include 1776 (1972), Hearts of the West (1975), The Great Santini (1979), Mr. & Mrs. Bridge (1990), The Prince of Tides (1991), To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), The Myth of Fingerprints (1997), The X-Files (1998), Forces of Nature (1999), The Love Letter (1999), The Last Kiss (2006), Paul (2011), Hello I Must Be Going (2012), I'll See You in My Dreams (2015), and What They Had (2018).

Danner is the sister of Harry Danner and the widow of Bruce Paltrow. She is the mother of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and director Jake Paltrow.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Country House The Country House
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 2014
Anna Patterson
The Commons of Pensacola The Commons of Pensacola
[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2013
Judith
Nice Work If You Can Get It Nice Work If You Can Get It
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2012
Millicent Winter [Replacement]
Carousel
[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2002
Mrs. Mullin
Follies
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2001
Phyllis Rogers Stone
The Deep Blue Sea
[Broadway]
1998
Hester Collyer
A Streetcar Named Desire
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1988
Blanche Du Bois
Blithe Spirit
[Broadway]
1987
Elvira
The Philadelphia Story
[Broadway]
1980
Tracy Samatha Lord
Betrayal
[Broadway]
1980
Emma
Twelfth Night
[Broadway]
1972
Viola
Butterflies Are Free
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1969
Jill Tanner
The Miser
[Broadway]
1969
Elise
Cyrano de Bergerac
[Broadway]
1968
Sister Marthe
Mata Hari
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1967
Performer

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Blythe Danner, Suddenly Last Summer

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

Blythe Danner , Follies

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Blythe Danner , A Streetcar Named Desire

Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Blythe Danner, Betrayal

Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Blythe Danner , Betrayal

Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Blythe DannerThe New York Idea


winner
Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Blythe Danner , Butterflies Are Free


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1969 - Performance

Blythe Danner, The Miser

Videos

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News


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GWYNETH GOES SKIING Will Come to New York and Los Angeles in 2025

Gwyneth Paltrow ski trial-inspired musical, Gwyneth Goes Skiing, will embark on a world tour from January 2025, with stops in New York City, Los Angeles, and more. Learn more about when and where to catch the show here!
Photos: Robert Downey Jr. and Cast of MCNEAL Celebrate Opening Night Photo
Photos: Robert Downey Jr. and Cast of MCNEAL Celebrate Opening Night

Last night, Ayad Akhtar’s new play McNEAL opened at the Vivian Beaumont Theater. Check out photos from inside the big night here!
Interview: Gregory Harrison's Ready to Relax After TESLA: A RADIO PLAY FOR THE STAGE Photo
Interview: Gregory Harrison's Ready to Relax After TESLA: A RADIO PLAY FOR THE STAGE

Dan Duling’s Tesla: A Radio Play for the Stage opens October 4, 2024, for five performances only as part of the Getty-led PST ART: Art & Science Collide Festival. Michael Arabian directs the stellar cast of: Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Charles Shaughnessy, French Stewart and Vanessa Claire Stewart at the Ramo Auditorium on the Caltech campus.
Review: BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS WITH GLENN ROSENBLUM Part 2 at CVRep Photo
Review: BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS WITH GLENN ROSENBLUM Part 2 at CVRep

The anticipation is high as the audience fills up to near capacity while the Palm Springs weather outside hits double-digits and record-breaking temperatures. CVRep is a great way to get away from the heat and enjoy a cool evening of entertainment.
Review: BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS WITH GLENN ROSENBLUM Part 1 at CVRep Photo
Review: BROADWAY SHOWSTOPPERS WITH GLENN ROSENBLUM Part 1 at CVRep

When you can hear a room audibly smile, then you know you are in the presence of Glenn Rosenblum. He’s charming, clever, witty, playfully spills the Tea, shows off his encyclopedic knowledge regarding all things Broadway, and displays his utmost respect for this genre of entertainment. 
GWYNETH GOES SKIING Will Embark on UK and Ireland Tour Photo
GWYNETH GOES SKIING Will Embark on UK and Ireland Tour

Awkward Productions are taking their viral sensation Gwyneth Goes Skiing on a UK & Ireland tour this autumn.
Tribeca to Feature 'DeNiro Con' With Guests Martin Scorsese, Whoopi Goldberg, & More Photo
Tribeca to Feature 'DeNiro Con' With Guests Martin Scorsese, Whoopi Goldberg, & More

De Niro Con​, a celebration of 80 years of Robert De Niro, has unveiled its programming lineup. Coinciding with the 2024 Tribeca Festival, this three-day tribute takes place at Spring Studios in New York City from June 14-16. De Niro Con is powered by Webex Events, allowing fans to download an exclusive app to make the most of their Con experience. See the full lineup here!
The Green Room 42 Presents A Cabaret Celebration Of CINDERELLAS OF WEST 53RD STREET Photo
The Green Room 42 Presents A Cabaret Celebration Of CINDERELLAS OF WEST 53RD STREET

In celebration of the 2023 release of Bear Manor Media's title, Cinderellas of West 53rd Street:  Stories from the Legendary Rehearsal Club, and this year's release with Blythe Danner and each writer reading their own story for the audiobook, published by Blackstone and available on Audible.com, The Green Room 42 will present “Circle of Cinderella Friends,” in cabaret, May 7, 2024, 7:00pm.  
Darren Criss and Cat Cohen Will Lend Voices to GWYNETH GOES SKIING in Edinburgh and U Photo
Darren Criss and Cat Cohen Will Lend Voices to GWYNETH GOES SKIING in Edinburgh and Utah

Gwyneth Goes Skiing is headed to Edinburgh Fringe this August, and will also make its international premiere in Utah. Darren Criss will provide the singing voice of Terry Sanderson alongisde Edinburgh Comedy Award Winning comedian, actress and singer Cat Cohen, who will lend her voice  as Gwyneth Paltrow.
Morgan Fairchild Headlines Judson Theatre Company's BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE in March Photo
Morgan Fairchild Headlines Judson Theatre Company's BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE in March

Judson Theatre Company continues its eleventh season with a new production of Leonard Gershe's classic Broadway comedy, 'Butterflies are Free”, starring Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominee Morgan Fairchild.
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Get all the details on the star-studded 2024 WTF Gala, featuring Laura Benanti, Charlie Day, Kathryn Hahn, and more. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable event showcasing an incredible lineup of talent.
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The Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater recently made a landmark $2 million gift to Roundabout Theatre Company, fulfilling a pledge made by its founder, Laura Pels, during a special campaign to mark the company’s 50th Anniversary.
Photos: The Rehearsal Club Celebrates 110th Birthday With Gala Hosted By Blythe Danne Photo
Photos: The Rehearsal Club Celebrates 110th Birthday With Gala Hosted By Blythe Danner

The Rehearsal Club (TRC), the legendary rooming house for aspiring actresses, celebrated its 110th birthday on October 20 with a Gala hosted by Emmy and Tony Award winner Blythe Danner. Check out photos from the event here
The Rehearsal Club's Wardrobe Sale Returns This Weekend Photo
The Rehearsal Club's Wardrobe Sale Returns This Weekend

The Rehearsal Club (TRC), the legendary rooming house for aspiring actresses, celebrates its 110th Birthday with the return of its much beloved Wardrobe Sale on Saturday, October 21 from 2:00-5:00p.m. at Metro Baptist Church (410 W. 40th St.).
The Rehearsal Club to Celebrate Its 110th Birthday With Gala Hosted By Blythe Danner Photo
The Rehearsal Club to Celebrate Its 110th Birthday With Gala Hosted By Blythe Danner

Emmy and Tony Award winner Blythe Danner hosts The Rehearsal Club's 110th birthday celebration at The Players. Don't miss this star-studded Gala honoring the legendary rooming house for aspiring actresses. Get your tickets now!
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Happiness For Beginners, starring Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes, is now streaming on Netflix. Join Helen as she embarks on an adventure of self-discovery while hiking the Appalachian Trail with a group of quirky strangers. Based on the beloved novel by Katherine Center, watch the video trailer and start streaming now on Netflix.
Video: Watch Ellie Kemper & Luke Grimes in Netflix's HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS Trailer Photo
Video: Watch Ellie Kemper & Luke Grimes in Netflix's HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS Trailer

Helen (Ellie Kemper) has always lived her life as far from the edge as possible. Finding herself newly divorced and a little lost, Helen decides she needs a reset. The cast also includes Luke Grimes, Nico Santos, Blythe Danner, Ben Cook, Shayvawn Webster, Esteban Benito, Gus Birney, and Julia Shiplett. Watch the new video trailer now!
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Broadway Streaming Guide: July 2023 - Where to Watch HAMILTON SING-ALONG & More

This July, Broadway fans can beat the summer heat with a cool new lineup of television shows and movies to binge. From the new sing-along version of Hamilton to some Broadway favorites starring in new streaming shows, check out what's coming to streaming services this month!
Santino Fontana, Kristine Nielsen, and Arnie Burton Lead Cast in Reading of AGATHA CH Photo
Santino Fontana, Kristine Nielsen, and Arnie Burton Lead Cast in Reading of AGATHA CHRISTIE'S THE MURDER OF ROGER ACKROYD at Westport Country Playhouse

Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” on Monday, June 12, at 7 p.m.  From the novel by Agatha Christie, the cunning tale of murder and deception is a brand new adaptation for the stage by Mark Shanahan, who will also direct. This summer, the Alley Theatre in Houston will stage the play’s world premiere production.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Blythe Danner been in?

Blythe Danner has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

How many West End shows has Blythe Danner been in?

Blythe Danner has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Blythe Danner been nominated for?

Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Suddenly Last Summer, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Follies, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Streetcar Named Desire, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Betrayal, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Betrayal, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The New York Idea, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Butterflies Are Free and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for The Miser.

What awards has Blythe Danner won?

Blythe Danner has won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for her role in Butterflies Are Free. She also won a Theatre World Award for her performance in The Miser.

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