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Kathleen Chalfant

Birth Place: San Francisco, CA, USA

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BIO

Kathleen Chalfant is a highly respected American actress who has made a name for herself both on stage and screen. Born in San Francisco in 1945, Chalfant grew up in a family of artists and intellectuals. She attended Radcliffe College and earned a degree in English before pursuing a career in acting.



Chalfant's Broadway debut came in 1987 when she appeared in the play "M. Butterfly" by David Henry Hwang. She went on to appear in a number of other Broadway productions, including "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches" and "Angels in America: Perestroika." Chalfant's performance as Hannah Pitt in "Angels in America" earned her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination.

In addition to her work on Broadway, Chalfant has also appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions. She has worked with some of the most prestigious theater companies in the country, including the Public Theater, the New York Theatre Workshop, and the Signature Theatre Company.

Chalfant's film and television career has been just as impressive as her stage work. She has appeared in a number of popular television shows, including "Law & Order," "The Guardian," and "The Affair." She has also appeared in several films, including "Kinsey," "Duplicity," and "The Laramie Project."

Despite her success in film and television, Chalfant has remained committed to the theater. She has continued to appear in off-Broadway and regional productions, and has even taken on the role of director. In 2010, she directed the play "Family Week" by Beth Henley at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York.

Chalfant's commitment to the theater has earned her numerous awards and accolades over the years. In addition to her Tony Award nomination, she has also received an Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award, and a Lucille Lortel Award. She was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2018.

Beyond her work as an actress and director, Chalfant has also been an advocate for social justice and human rights. She has been involved with a number of organizations, including the Women's Refugee Commission and the International Rescue Committee. She has also been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and has worked with organizations such as the Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Hetrick-Martin Institute.

Chalfant's dedication to her craft and her commitment to social justice have made her a beloved figure in the theater community and beyond. She continues to inspire audiences with her powerful performances and her tireless advocacy work.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
NYTW Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2024
Judy Cohen & Others

[Off-Broadway]
The Acting Company Off-Broadway World Premiere, 2019
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Rattlestick Playwright's Theater Original Off-Broadway Production, 2019
Elizabeth

[Off-Broadway]
Waterwell Site-Specific World Premiere, 2019
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
All-Female Staged Reading, 2018
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Royal Family Off-Broadway Production, 2018
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Playwrights Horizons Production, 2017
Peter Pan

[Off-Broadway]
Women's Project Theater Original Off-Broadway Production, 2015
Elizabeth

[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2014
Edda Schmidt

[Off-Broadway]
Vineyard Theatre Production, 2013
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2012
Sunny Jacobs [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
New York Theatre Workshop Production, 2012
Rose

[Off-Broadway]
Keen Company Production, 2012
Fanny

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2008
Mrs. Gottlieb

[Off-Broadway]
2007
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Miss Havisham

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Father [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Anna/Vera Cartwright/Frieda/One

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Gareth Peirce

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Anna Semyonova

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Madeleine

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Susan (Bed Among the Lentils)

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2001
Dolly Bloomer

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Vivian Bearing

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Vivian Bearing Ph.D

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1996
Non/Marie

[Off-Broadway]
1996
Mistress Quickly/Queen Isabel

[Broadway]
1995
Heather Espy

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Clov

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Jenny

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Clymenestra

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Council of Principalities

Ethel Rosenberg

Hannah Pitt

Henry

Prelapsarianov

Rabbi Chemelwitz

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Ethel Rosenberg

Hannah Pitt

Henry

Rabbi Chemelwitz

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Women

[Off-Broadway]
1990
Mrs. Ann Putnam

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Mrs. Potentate

[Broadway]
1988
Helga (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Sister Mary Ignatius/ Sarah Siddons [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Performer (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1975
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1974
Performer

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1975]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1974]
Production Coordinator
 
[Off-Broadway, 1974]
Production Coordinator

Awards and Nominations


winner
Obie Awards - 2018 - Lifetime Achievement Award

Kathleen Chalfant

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Kathleen ChalfantRose

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Kathleen ChalfantRose

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Kathleen Chalfant, A Walk in the Woods


winner
- 2012 - Legend of Off Broadway Award

Kathleen Chalfant


winner
The Lortels - 2004 - Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence

Kathleen Chalfant

Drama League Awards - 1999 - Distinguished Performance Award

Kathleen Chalfant, Wit


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Kathleen Chalfant, Wit


winner
The Lortels - 1999 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Kathleen Chalfant, Wit

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Kathleen Chalfan, Angels in America: Perestroika

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Kathleen Chalfant, Angels in America

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Kathleen Chalfant , Angels in America: Millennium Approaches

Videos

News


DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL Comes to The Eisemann Center in 2025

The Eisemann Center will present TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man: The Musical will be presented in January 2025 in the Hill Performance Hall.
CAT KID COMIC CLUB: THE MUSICAL and EL OTRO OZ to Play Kirk Douglas Theatre

Center Theatre Group will present two TheaterWorksUSA's productions at the Kirk Douglas Theatre – Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical from November 22, 2024 to January 5, 2025 and the return of El Otro Oz, a bilingual musical inspired by The Wizard of Oz from March 29 to April 13, 2025.
Interview: Playwright Jenny Lyn Bader and MRS. STERN WANDERS THE PRUSSIAN STATE LIBRARY

Broadwayworld had the opportunity to interview Jenny Lyn Bader about her career and the 'Mrs. Stern Wanders the Prussian State Library' at 59E59 Theaters.
Tyne Daly, Marsha Mason, Amy Irving, and More Will Lead VOICES FROM THE SILENCED Benefit

The cast has been announced for a one-night reading of Voices from the Silenced by Martha Boesing and Victoria Rue directed by Zoya Kachadurian to benefit The Center for Reproductive Rights and The Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine.
Jocelyn Bioh Wins 2024 Horton Foote Prize for JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING

The 2024 Horton Foote Prize has been awarded to Jocelyn Bioh for her play, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL Returns to BroadwaySF

BroadwaySF, an ATG Entertainment company,  will welcome the return of TheaterWorksUSA’s NY Times Critic’s Pick, Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man: The Musical will be presented January 4 & 5, 2025 at San Francisco’s Curran Theatre.
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL is Coming to Southern Theatre

CAPA will present THEATERWORKSUSA’S production of Dog Man: The Musical, based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Jonathan Silverstein Will Depart Keen Company as Artistic Director Following the 2024-2025 Season

Keen Company's Artistic Director Jonathan Silverstein will step down following the completion of the 2024-25 season.  Jonathan has held the position for the past 12 years starting in 2012.
HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES to Launch International Tour in 2025

Tectonic Theater Project's Here There Are Blueberries will launch an international tour in 2025. Learn more about the play and see how to purchase tickets.
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL is Coming to Popejoy Hall in December

Popejoy Hall will present TheaterWorksUSA’s Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Lillias White to Perform at TDF's Wendy Wasserstein Project Year End Ceremony

TDF will host its annual Wendy Wasserstein Project ceremony at The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College. Learn more and see how to attend.
HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Off-Broadway to Present Second & Final Extension

A second and final two-week extension for Here There Are Blueberries will be presented Off-Broadway. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review Roundup: HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Opens At New York Theatre Workshop

New York Theatre Workshop and Tectonic Theater Project present Here There Are Blueberries, co-written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Tony & Emmy award nominee Moisés Kaufman (The Laramie Project) & Emmy Award nominee Amanda Gronich (The Laramie Project) and conceived & directed by Moisés Kaufman. Read reviews!
Interview: Lee Blessing And Joe Bishara of A WALK IN THE WOODS at Abbey Theatre Of Dublin

“I wish A WALK IN THE WOODS did not feel as timely now as it did when it was originally produced. … This play illuminates the importance for each of us as citizens of the world to understand that there are many layers to foreign politics/relations.” Joe Bishara
HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES Extended for Two Weeks at NYTW

New York Theatre Workshop and Tectonic Theater Project will present a two-week extension for Here There Are Blueberries. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Invisible Theatre's Susan Claassen to Step Down as Managing Artistic Director

The Invisible Theatre Managing Artistic Director Susan Claassen will pass “the torch” of Artistic Leadership to Betsy Kruse Craig, Associate Managing Artistic Director.
Pianist Cyrus Chestnut Commissioned For First Time ¿Headlining Performance at Carnegie Hall in April

Renowned pianist Cyrus Chestnut is set to deliver his first-ever headlining performance at Carnegie Hall on April 19th, featuring a full orchestra.
Kathleen Chalfant, Jonathan Raviv, and More Set for HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES at NYTW

New York Theatre Workshop has announced the full cast & creative team for Here There Are Blueberries, co-written by NYTW Usual Suspect and Tony & Emmy Award nominee Moisés Kaufman & Emmy Award nominee Amanda Gronich, and conceived & directed by Moisés Kaufman.
Kathleen Chalfant, Julie Halston, Ann Harada, Melissa Leo, Mary Testa And More Are Part WOMEN ON FIRE: FAIR IS FOUL

Outer Critics' Circle award-nominated Royal Family Productions, a non-profit theatre company known for its innovative productions and development of new original work, will present a workshop run of a brand new chapter of the WOMEN ON FIRE series, subtitled Fair is Foul.
Photos: Inside The 14th Annual Lilly Awards Ceremony

On Monday November 27, the 14th annual Lilly Awards, a ceremony dedicated to honoring the work of women in the American theater, were held at Playwrights Horizons. The inspirational evening recognized the work of the generation of women who led the push for parity. Check out photos here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Kathleen Chalfant been in?

Kathleen Chalfant has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

How many West End shows has Kathleen Chalfant been in?

Kathleen Chalfant has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Kathleen Chalfant been nominated for?

Lifetime Achievement Award (Obie Awards), Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Rose, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Rose, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Walk in the Woods, Legend of Off Broadway Award (), Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence (The Lortels), Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Wit, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wit , Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Wit, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Angels in America: Perestroika, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Angels in America and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America: Millennium Approaches.

What awards has Kathleen Chalfant won?

Kathleen Chalfant has received several prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Obie Awards, the Legend of Off Broadway Award, the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence from The Lortels, and the Outstanding Actress in a Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance in Wit. Additionally, she won the Outstanding Lead Actress award from The Lortels for her role in Wit.

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