News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Leslie Uggams Headshot

Leslie Uggams

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

read more news

Get Leslie Uggams Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Leslie Uggams is a Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer whose career has brought her from Harlem to Broadway, the big screen to television. Perhaps best known for her stirring portrayal of Kizzy in the landmark TV mini-series Alex Haley's Roots, Ms. Uggams has performed to critical and popular acclaim ever since her first professional appearances at the age of nine at the famed Apollo Theater in New York City. There she opened for such musical legends as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. Now, after six decades on stage and screen, she is a legend in her own right. She is on the Board of Directors of the Apollo Theater; was recently awarded an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut; and is also the recipient of an American Artist Award from Arena Stage in Washington, DC.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Jelly's Last Jam Jelly's Last Jam
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert Revival Production, 2024
Gran Mimi
Gypsy Gypsy
[Regional (US)]
Connecticut Rep Production, 2014
Rose
The First Breeze of Summer
[Off-Broadway]
2008
Gremmar
On Golden Pond On Golden Pond
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Ethel Thayer
Stormy Weather
[New York]
Workshop, 2004
Lena Horne
Hallelujah, Baby!
[New York]
Workshop, 2004
Momma
Blue
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2003
Peggy Clark
Thunder Knocking on the Door
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2002
Good Sister Dupree
Good Sister Dupree
Thoroughly Modern Millie Thoroughly Modern Millie
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Muzzy Van Hossmere [Replacement]
King Hedley II
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Ruby
The Old Settler
[Off-Broadway]
1998
Elizabeth Borny
Call Me Madam
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1996
Performer
Anything Goes
[US Tour]
National Tour, 1988
Reno Sweeney
Anything Goes
[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1987
Reno Sweeney [Replacement]
Jerry's Girls
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Performer
Jerry's Girls
[US Tour]
National Tour, 1985
Performer
Blues in the Night
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1982
Woman #1
Her First Roman
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1968
Cleopatra
Hallelujah, Baby!
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1967
Georgina

Awards and Nominations

Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Leslie UggamsOn Golden Pond

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Leslie Uggams, King Hedley II

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

Leslie Uggams , King Hedley II


winner
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Leslie Uggams , Hallelujah, Baby!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best New Personalities

Leslie Uggams, Hallelujah, Baby!


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1967 - Performance

Leslie Uggams, Hallelujah, Baby!

Videos

More Video

News


Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadet Photo
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Kate Baldwin, Dylan Baker & More Join THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Photo
Kate Baldwin, Dylan Baker & More Join THE GILDED AGE Season 3

The third season of The Gilded Age has added six more stars to its supporting lineup, including several Broadway alums. ate Baldwin, Dylan Baker, Michael Cumpsty, John Ellison Conlee, Bobby Steggert, and Hannah Shealy will all appear in the show's upcoming season.
Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre To Celebrate 100th Anniversary This Month Photo
Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre To Celebrate 100th Anniversary This Month

Broadway's Al Hirschfeld Theatre will turn 100 on Monday, November 11, 2024. In honor of the milestone, ATG Entertainment has commissioned a special piece from  Broadway caricaturist Justin 'Squigs' Robertson.
Josh Groban, Brian Stokes Mitchell And More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE: VOTE-A-THON Photo
Josh Groban, Brian Stokes Mitchell And More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE: VOTE-A-THON

Stars in the House has announced Josh Groban, Neil Patrick Harris, Brian Stokes Mitchell and more for the second annual Election Day Vote-A-Thon.
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Martin Short, Shoshana Bean, and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE Vot Photo
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Martin Short, Shoshana Bean, and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE Vote-A-Thon

“Stars in the House” will return for its second Election Day Vote-A-Thon with a star-studded lineup joining hosts Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson to talk about their voting experiences and deliver LIVE musical performances.
Michael Urie to Host The York Theatre Company Gala; Andrew Rannells & More Join Photo
Michael Urie to Host The York Theatre Company Gala; Andrew Rannells & More Join

The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Margaret Curry Stars In THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN At The Green Room 42 Photo
Margaret Curry Stars In THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN At The Green Room 42

Margaret Curry returns to The Green Room 42 with her show THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN on November 21 at 7 PM.
Leslie Uggams to be Honored by Encompass New Opera Theatre Photo
Leslie Uggams to be Honored by Encompass New Opera Theatre

Encompass New Opera Theatre will honor Tony Award winner Leslie Uggams with a musical tribute on October 27, 2024. Learn more about Uggams and about the event.
Sarah Boone Brings MOM BEFORE DAD: A Young Woman Of The Greatest Generation to the Tr Photo
Sarah Boone Brings MOM BEFORE DAD: A Young Woman Of The Greatest Generation to the Triad Theater

Cabaret artist Sarah Boone will return to the Triad Theater with an encore performance of Mom Before Dad: A Young Woman of the Greatest Generation following celebrated performances in Florida, Los Angeles and Colorado.
Photos: A Fantastic Night For Black Theatre United at Ziegfeld Ballroom Photo
Photos: A Fantastic Night For Black Theatre United at Ziegfeld Ballroom

There are galas and there are galas and, then, there was what Black Theatre United pulled off last night, September 30th, celebrating GENERATIONS OF EXCELLENCE at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. From the moment you walked in to the moment you left, the love, respect, admiration and warmth throughout the evening was palpable.
Photos: Inside Black Theatre United's 2024 Gala Photo
Photos: Inside Black Theatre United's 2024 Gala

Earlier this week, Black Theatre United celebrated its 2024 Gala, “Generations of Excellence.' Check out photos from the star-studded red carpet!
Island City Stage Kicks Off Its 13th Season With THE FANTASTICKS Photo
Island City Stage Kicks Off Its 13th Season With THE FANTASTICKS

Off-Broadway's longest-running and most beloved musical, The Fantasticks, will kick off Island City Stage’s 13th South Florida Season beginning October 17.
The Broadway Tenors to Perform at The Wick Theatre in October Photo
The Broadway Tenors to Perform at The Wick Theatre in October

The Wick Theatre will welcome Broadway’s leading men for a breathtaking evening of show tunes as The Wick Theatre presents The Broadway Tenors: Ultimate Broadway. Learn more about the upcoming performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Alicia Keys & More to be Honored at Black Theatre United 2024 Gala Photo
Alicia Keys & More to be Honored at Black Theatre United 2024 Gala

Black Theatre United has unveiled details for the auction at the 2024 Gala, 'Generations of Excellence'. Learn more!
HOLLYWOOD OR BUST Comes to Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael Photo
HOLLYWOOD OR BUST Comes to Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael

On Saturday, September 21, Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael will welcome the award-winning performer and Indianapolis native Adam B. Shapiro as he performs his brand new show -  HOLLYWOOD OR BUST: Songs of the Silver Screen.  
Darryl Reuben Hall Returns To The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series Next Photo
Darryl Reuben Hall Returns To The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series Next Month

Darryl Reuben Hall, a celebrated Broadway artist, will perform a solo cabaret show at The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series on September 25 and 26, 2024. Don't miss this special event.
Leslie Uggams, Andrea Martin, & More Join THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Photo
Leslie Uggams, Andrea Martin, & More Join THE GILDED AGE Season 3

A slew of new names have joined the third season of HBO's hit drama The Gilded Age. Bill Camp (Broadway's The Crucible), Merritt Wever, Leslie Uggams, and Lisagay Hamilton will all play key roles in Season 3's ensemble. Additionally, Tony Award winner Andrea Martin is set to portray a medium named Madame Dashkova. 
Full Cast Set for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE National Tour Photo
Full Cast Set for A BEAUTIFUL NOISE National Tour

Producers Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio have announced full casting for the multi-year North American Tour of A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL.
Whoopi Goldberg, Ariana DeBose, Patti LuPone, & More Named Honorary Co-Chairs For the Photo
Whoopi Goldberg, Ariana DeBose, Patti LuPone, & More Named Honorary Co-Chairs For the Black Theatre United 2024 Gala

Black Theatre United has announced a star-studded lineup of Honorary Co-Chairs for its second annual Gala on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Learn more here!
Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon to be Honored at York Theatre Company Gala Photo
Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon to be Honored at York Theatre Company Gala

The York Theatre Company will honor Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon at their Gala Evening. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Leslie Uggams been in?

Leslie Uggams has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Leslie Uggams been in?

Leslie Uggams has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Leslie Uggams been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for On Golden Pond , Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for King Hedley II , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for King Hedley II, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hallelujah, Baby!, Best New Personalities (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hallelujah, Baby! and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Hallelujah, Baby!.

What awards has Leslie Uggams won?

Leslie Uggams has won the following awards: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hallelujah, Baby!, Best New Personalities (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hallelujah, Baby!, and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Hallelujah, Baby!.

Get Leslie Uggams Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos