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Len Cariou

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BIO

Len Cariou is a Canadian stage actor, singer and stage director. He gained prominence for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim's musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979) alongside Angela Lansbury for which he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He also received Tony nominations for his roles in the Betty Comden and Adolph Green musical Applause (1970), and the Sondheim musical A Little Night Music (1973).



He is also known for his film roles in A Little Night Music (1977), The Four Seasons (1981), Thirteen Days (2000), About Schmidt (2002), Flags of Our Fathers (2006), Prisoners (2013), and Spotlight (2015). He portrayed Franklin D. Roosevelt in the HBO film Into the Storm (2009) for which he received a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. He also is known for his recurring television roles in Murder, She Wrote (1985-1992), Brotherhood (2005-2006), and Damages (2010). Since 2010, he has starred as the patriarch Henry Reagan, NYPD Police Commissioner (retired), in the multi-generational CBS series Blue Bloods.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Harry Townsend's Last Stand Harry Townsend's Last Stand
[Off-Broadway]
New York City Center Off-Broadway Premiere, 2019
Harry Townsend
Broadway and the Bard Broadway and the Bard
[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Production, 2016
Performer
Kismet
[Regional (US)]
Reprise! Concert, 2004
Other Roles
The Persians
[Off-Broadway]
2003
Darius
No Strings
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2003
Performer
Funny Girl
[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.
Proof
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2000
Robert [Replacement]
The Dinner Party
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2000
Andre Bouville
Sweeney Todd
[London Fringe]
London Concert, 2000
Sweeney Todd
Paramour
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 1998
Gen. St. Pe
Angela Lansbury - A Celebration
[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer
Papa
[Off-Broadway]
1996
Ernest Hemingway
The Speed of Darkness
[Broadway]
1991
Joe
Mountain
[Off-Broadway]
1990
William O. Douglass
Measure for Measure
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Vincentio
Teddy & Alice
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt
Master Class
[Off-Broadway]
1986
Stalin
Up from Paradise
[Off-Broadway]
1983
Performer
Dance a Little Closer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Harry Aikens
Sweeney Todd
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Sweeney Todd
Cold Storage
[Broadway]
1977
Richard Landau
A Sorrow Beyond Dreams
[Off-Broadway]
1977
The Writer
Sondheim: A Musical Tribute
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer
A Little Night Music
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1973
Frederik Egerman
Night Watch
[Broadway]
1972
John Wheeler
Applause
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1970
Bill Sampson
King Henry V
[Broadway]
1969
King Henry V
Up From Paradise
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1983
God
Up From Paradise
[New York]
New York Concert, 1981
God

Productions

Don't Call Back
 
[Broadway, 1975]
Director

Writing


Movies

A Little Night Music
[ 1977 ] Frederick Egerman
Drying Up the Streets
[ 1978 ] Larry
The Four Seasons
[ 1981 ] Nick Callan
Lady in White
[ 1988 ] Phil Terragrossa
Getting In
[ 1994 ] Dr. Lionel Higgs, Dr. Ezekial Higgs
Never Talk to Strangers
[ 1995 ] Henry Taylor
Executive Decision
[ 1996 ] Secretary of Defense Charles White
Thirteen Days
[ 2000 ] Dean Acheson
About Schmidt
[ 2002 ] Ray Nichols
Secret Window
[ 2004 ] Sheriff Dave Newsome
Boynton Beach Club
[ 2005 ] Jack
The Greatest Game Ever Played
[ 2005 ] Stedman Comstock
Flags of Our Fathers
[ 2006 ] Mr. Beech
1408
[ 2007 ] Mike's Father
The Onion Movie
[ 2008 ] Norm Archer
Prisoners
[ 2013 ] Father Patrick Dunn
Spotlight
[ 2015 ] Cardinal Law
Death Wish
[ 2018 ] Ben
Bumblebee
[ 2018 ] Uncle Hank

TV Shows

Blue Bloods
Henry Reagan
Brotherhood
Judd Fitzgerald
Law & Order
Edgar Beezley, Mac Geller, Captain Allard Bunker
Murder, She Wrote
Michael Hagarty, Monsignore O'Shaugnessy
The Outer Limits
Doc Wells, Father Anton Jonascu
Blue Bloods
[ 2010-2024 ] Henry Reagan

Awards and Nominations


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2024 - John Willis Awards for Lifetime Achievement

Len Cariou

Drama League Awards - 2020 - Distinguished Performance Award

Len Cariou, Harry Townsend's Last Stand

Helen Hayes Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

Len CariouCopenhagen

Helen Hayes Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production

Len CariouDinner Party

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Actor - Play

Len Cariou , Speed of Darkness


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Len Cariou, Sweeney Todd

Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Len Cariou, Sweeney Todd

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Len Cariou , A Little Night Music


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1970 - Performance

Len CariouHenry V


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1970 - Performance

Len Cariou, Applause

Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Len Cariou, Applause

Videos

More Videos

News


Nichelle Lewis and More to Perform at 54 Below Next Week Photo
Nichelle Lewis and More to Perform at 54 Below Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including The Wiz's Nichelle Lewis, and many more. See the full lineup! 
Adam Lambert, Jordan Fisher, Kelli O’Hara and More to Join BROADWAY BACKWARDS Photo
Adam Lambert, Jordan Fisher, Kelli O’Hara and More to Join BROADWAY BACKWARDS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2025

Broadway Backwards is set to return on Monday, March 10, 2025. The first slate of special guest performers includes Adam Lambert, Jordan Fisher, Kelli O’Hara and more. See how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Charles Kirsch Celebrates Iconic Broadway Flops at 54 Below Photo
Interview: Charles Kirsch Celebrates Iconic Broadway Flops at 54 Below
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 5, 2025

The star-studded 2/19 show (also being live-streamed) shines a spotlight on gems from that musicals that never made it, introduced and sung by members of the original casts of the shows they came from.
Davis Gaines Brings LOVE IS IN THE AIR to the Green Room 42 Photo
Davis Gaines Brings LOVE IS IN THE AIR to the Green Room 42
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

Davis Gaines in a rare New York appearance, will perform a special show for Valentine's Day, “Love is in the Air” a romantic evening of love songs! Learn more about the upcoming show here!
See Joaquina Kalukango, Kerry Ellis & More in February at 54 Below Photo
See Joaquina Kalukango, Kerry Ellis & More in February at 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 31, 2025

Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. See the full lineup featuring stars including Joaquina Kalukango, Kerry Ellis and more. Learn more.
THE WAITING ROOM Comes to Hamilton Stage Photo
THE WAITING ROOM Comes to Hamilton Stage
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

 American Theater Group will present the premiere reading of Paul Marsh’s new comedy The Waiting Room as part of its free Monday Night Play Reading Series in February.
Backstage Babble: Beyond the Walls of Joe Allen Restaurant Comes to 54 Below Photo
Backstage Babble: Beyond the Walls of Joe Allen Restaurant Comes to 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Jan 14, 2025

54 Below will present a special edition of Backstage Babble Live celebrating under-appreciated musicals, including those on the iconic “flop wall” at Joe Allen Restaurant.
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Delaware Awards; LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Smyrna Opera House Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Delaware Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Delaware Awards; Smyrna Opera House Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Delaware Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Video: Broadway at the Kennedy Center Honors Photo
Video: Broadway at the Kennedy Center Honors
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 22, 2024

The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors are coming up and we are celebrating the special occasion with some of our favorite videos of past Broadway performances. Check out the full list!
Vote For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Delaware Awards; LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Smyrna Opera House Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 16, 2024

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Delaware Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Delaware Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 9, 2024

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Delaware Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
10 Facts The Only WICKED Super-Fans Know Photo
10 Facts The Only WICKED Super-Fans Know
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 22, 2024

With everyone hyped for the premiere of the movie Wicked this month, I have been receiving a bunch of Wicked questions. I thought it might be fun to share a few fun facts about former stars of Wicked!
New Musical CALL ME FROM THE GRAVE Will Receive Developmental Readings Photo
New Musical CALL ME FROM THE GRAVE Will Receive Developmental Readings
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2024

Amas Musical Theatre will present developmental readings of Call Me From the Grave, a new musical with music and lyrics by Charlie Romano, and book by Harold Hodge, Jr. at Ripley-Grier Studios.
Ann Kittredge Returns To Chelsea Table + Stage For Encore Performance Of ROMANTIC NOT Photo
Ann Kittredge Returns To Chelsea Table + Stage For Encore Performance Of ROMANTIC NOTIONS
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 6, 2024

Ann Kittredge will perform an encore of 'Romantic Notions' at Chelsea Table + Stage on November 14 at 7 PM.
Final Season of BLUE BLOODS Coming to DVD in December Photo
Final Season of BLUE BLOODS Coming to DVD in December
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2024

Tom Selleck returns as New York Police Commissioner Frank Reagan when BLUE BLOODS: THE FINAL SEASON arrives on DVD December 17 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Learn all the special features and how to order the new DVD set.
79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony Set for June 2025 Photo
79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony Set for June 2025
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2024

The 79th Annual Theatre World Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday evening, June 2, 2025 beginning at 7:00PM. The awards are the oldest awards given for Outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway Debut Performances.
Theatre Aspen to Present Six New Works at SOLO FLIGHTS FESTIVAL Photo
Theatre Aspen to Present Six New Works at SOLO FLIGHTS FESTIVAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2024

Theatre Aspen revealed the six newworks selected for the fifth annual Solo Flights Festival. Learn how to purchase tickets.
NOTES FROM A NARCISSISTIC NEGRO AND OTHER N WORDS to Play United Solo Festival Photo
NOTES FROM A NARCISSISTIC NEGRO AND OTHER N WORDS to Play United Solo Festival
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 7, 2024

Theatre Beyond Broadway has announced the world premiere production of Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words as part of the United Solo Fesitival Fall 2024 at Theatre Row.
RENEE KATZ SINGS IRVING BERLIN - LOST IN HIS ARMS is Coming to Don't Tell Mama Photo
RENEE KATZ SINGS IRVING BERLIN - LOST IN HIS ARMS is Coming to Don't Tell Mama
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 29, 2024

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.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Len Cariou been in?

Len Cariou has appeared on Broadway in 14 shows.

How many West End shows has Len Cariou been in?

Len Cariou has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Len Cariou been nominated for?

John Willis Awards for Lifetime Achievement (Theatre World Awards) for , Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Harry Townsend's Last Stand, Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Copenhagen , Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Dinner Party, Best Actor - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Speed of Darkness, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sweeney Todd, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Little Night Music, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Henry V, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Applause and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Applause.

What awards has Len Cariou won?

Len Cariou has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Theatre World Awards. He also won the Outstanding Actor in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for his performance in Sweeney Todd. Additionally, he received awards for Performance at the Theatre World Awards for his roles in Henry Vand and Applause.

How many shows has Len Cariou written?

Len Cariou has written 1 shows including Broadway and the Bard (Conceived by).

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