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Linda Lavin

Birth Place: Portland, ME, USA

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BIO

Linda Lavin (born October 15, 1937) is an American actress and singer. She is known for playing the title character in the sitcom Alice and for her stage performances, both on and off-Broadway.



After acting as a child, Lavin joined the Compass Players in the late 1950s. She began appearing on Broadway in the 1960s, earning notice in It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman in 1966 and receiving her first Tony Award nomination for Last of the Red Hot Lovers in 1970. She moved to Hollywood in 1973 and began to work on television, making recurring appearances on the sitcom Barney Miller before landing the title role on the hit comedy Alice, which ran from 1976 to 1985. She appeared in many telefilms and later she appeared in other TV works. She has also played roles in several feature films.

In 1987, she returned to Broadway, starring in Broadway Bound (winning a Tony Award), Gypsy (1990), The Sisters Rosensweig (1993), The Diary of Anne Frank (1997–1998) and The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (2000–2001), among others. In 2010, she appeared as Ruth Steiner in Collected Stories, garnering her fifth Tony nomination. She starred in NBC's short-lived sitcom Sean Saves the World as Lorna and the CBS sitcom 9JKL. She also starred in the CBS sitcom B Positive.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

You Will Get Sick You Will Get Sick
[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Off-Broadway Production, 2022
Performer
Candide Candide
[Off-Broadway]
New York City Opera Production, 2017
Old Lady
Our Mother's Brief Affair Our Mother's Brief Affair
[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Broadway Production, 2015
Abby
Too Much Sun Too Much Sun
[Off-Broadway]
Vineyard Theatre Production, 2014
Audrey Langham
The Lyons The Lyons
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2012
Performer
The Lyons The Lyons
[Off-Broadway]
Vineyard Theatre Production, 2011
Rita Lyons
Follies Follies
[Washington, DC (Regional)]
Kennedy Center Revival, 2011
Hattie Walker
Other Desert Cities Other Desert Cities
[Off-Broadway]
Lincoln Center Theater Production, 2011
Silda Gravman
Collected Stories Collected Stories
[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2010
Ruth Steiner
The New Century
[Off-Broadway]
2008
Helene Nadler
Hollywood Arms
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Nanny
The Tale Of The Allergist's Wife
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2000
Marjorie
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife
[Off-Broadway]
2000
Marjorie
The Diary of Anne Frank
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1997
Mrs. Van Daan
Cakewalk
[Off-Broadway]
1996
Performer
Death Defying Acts
[Off-Broadway]
1995
Dorothy/Carol
The Sisters Rosensweig
[Broadway]
1993
Gorgeous Teitelbaum [Replacement]
Gypsy
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1989
Rose [Replacement]
Broadway Bound
[Broadway]
1986
Kate
The Comedy of Errors
[Off-Broadway]
1975
Courtesan
The Enemy Is Dead
[Broadway]
1973
Leah
Paul Sills' Story Theatre
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1970
Venus [Replacement]
Robber [Replacement]
Rich Peasant [Replacement]
Old Woman [Replacement]
Mother [Replacement]
Countess [Replacement]
Henny Penny [Replacement]
Farmer's Wife [Replacement]
Eldest Daughter [Replacement]
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
[Broadway]
1969
Elaine Navazio
Little Murders
[Off-Broadway]
1969
Patsy Newquist
Something Different
[Broadway]
1967
Beth Nemerov
It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Sydney
The Mad Show
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1966
Performer
Performer
Hotel Passionato
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Victoire/ Street Performer
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Daisy Gamble/Melinda [Replacement]
Melinda [Replacement]
Daisy Gamble [Replacement]
The Game is Up
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Performer [Replacement]
Wet Paint
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1965
Performer
Wet Paint
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Performer
Kiss Mama
[Off-Broadway]
1964
Evelyn [Replacement]
The Riot Act
[Broadway]
1963
Barbara
A Family Affair
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Quiet Girl
Wilma
Singer
Fifi of Paris
Crying Daughter
Babs Sanditz (Understudy)
Babs (Understudy) [Replacement]
Oh, Kay!
[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1960
Performer

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Distinguished Performance Award

Linda Lavin, You Will Get Sick


winner
- 2016 - Legend of Off Broadway Honoree

Linda Lavin


winner
- 2015 - Legend of off-Broadway Honoree

Linda Lavin

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Linda Lavin, The Lyons


winner
Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance

Linda Lavin, The Lyons


winner
Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, Other Desert Cities

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, Other Desert Cities

The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress

Linda Lavin, Other Desert Citites

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, Collected Stories


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, The New Century

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

Linda Lavin, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, The Diary of Anne Frank

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Featured Actress - Play

Linda Lavin , The Diary of Anne Frank

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Diary of Anne Frank

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, The Diary of Anne Frank

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, Death Defying Acts


winner
Obie Awards - 1995 - Performance

Linda Lavin, Death Defying Acts


winner
The Lortels - 1995 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Linda Lavin, Death Defying Acts


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Linda LavinBroadway Bound


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Actress

Linda Lavin, Broadway Bound


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin , Broadway Bound

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

Linda Lavin, Last of the Red Hot Lovers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Performance

Linda Lavin, Little Murders


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1969 - Best Performance

Linda LavinCop-Out


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1969 - Best Performance

Linda Lavin, Little Murders


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1965 - Performance

Linda Lavin, Wet Paint

Videos

More Videos

News


Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer and More to Join Upcoming 92NY Programming Photo
Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer and More to Join Upcoming 92NY Programming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

92NY has revealed upcoming programming featuring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, Nathan Lee Graham, Max Mutchnick & David Kohan. See full details about the upcoming events here! 
Video: Nathan Lane Previews MID-CENTURY MODERN on THE LATE SHOW Photo
Video: Nathan Lane Previews MID-CENTURY MODERN on THE LATE SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025

On Tuesday, Tony-winner Nathan Lane visited The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss his new show, Mid-Century Modern, or, as it has been called, 'The Gay Golden Girls,' a description which 'sounds redundant,' Lane joked on the show. Watch the interview!
Video: Annaleigh Ashford Talks Finally Letting Her Son See SWEENEY TODD Photo
Video: Annaleigh Ashford Talks Finally Letting Her Son See SWEENEY TODD
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

Annaleigh Ashford recently appeared on Late Night with Seth Myers, where she talked about finally letting her son, Jack, see her in Sweeney Todd, after originally not allowing him to.
Video: Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, & More Star in MID-CENTURY MODERN Trailer Photo
Video: Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, & More Star in MID-CENTURY MODERN Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 6, 2025

Mid-Century Modern, the new sicom featuring Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham, has just released its first trailer. All ten episodes of the show drop March 28 on Hulu. Watch the trailer now!
Broadhurst Theatre to Dim Lights in Honor of Linda Lavin Photo
Broadhurst Theatre to Dim Lights in Honor of Linda Lavin
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2025

Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre, where Linda Lavin played in Broadway Bound, will dim its lights in March in her honor. Learn more about the life and career of Linda Lavin.
March 2025 Broadway Streaming Guide: How to Watch WICKED, SING SING, & Other Must-See Photo
March 2025 Broadway Streaming Guide: How to Watch WICKED, SING SING, & Other Must-See Hits
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 28, 2025

For Broadway fans looking for something to stream, March is a packed month! As Spring officially begins, several theater titles make their streaming debuts, including WICKED's blockbuster adaptation and SING SING. Discover where to watch your favorite musicals and new releases.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Richard Kind, & More Confirmed as MID-CENTURY MODERN Guest Star Photo
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Richard Kind, & More Confirmed as MID-CENTURY MODERN Guest Stars
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 24, 2025

Ahead of its streaming debut next month, Hulu has confirmed several guest stars who are set to appear in the sitcom Mid-Century Modern including Broadway alums Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Richard Kind, and Judd Hirsch.
Comprehensive Guide to Broadway Actors in CBS's Hit Series ELSBETH Photo
Comprehensive Guide to Broadway Actors in CBS's Hit Series ELSBETH
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 24, 2025

With more than twenty episodes having aired so far across its two seasons, BroadwayWorld has put together an exhaustive list of all the Broadway stars we could find who have appeared in CBS' Elsbeth.
Hulu's MID-CENTURY MODERN Sets Release Date Photo
Hulu's MID-CENTURY MODERN Sets Release Date
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 18, 2025

Co-creator Max Mutchnick took to Instagram to share a moment from a rehearsal of Mid-Century Modern, also revealing that all ten episodes of the show are set to drop on Hulu on March 28.
Paying Tribute to Linda Lavin Photo
Paying Tribute to Linda Lavin
by Cara Joy David - Feb 3, 2025

I was raised on television. So, it is no surprise that my first exposure to Linda Lavin was Alice, the reruns of which ran on a local New York channel when I was little. But when I grew older, I realized that as good as Lavin was on television, she was really a creature of the stage. I have trouble believing Broadway has not yet dimmed the lights for this Tony-winning Theater Hall of Fame member.
Klea Blackhurst to Return for Second Season of THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage Photo
Klea Blackhurst to Return for Second Season of THE BOX SET at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2025

CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present the return of Klea Blackhurst in “The Box Set,” the second annual edition of her fantastic season-long retrospective of the celebrated theater and concert artist’s shows. Learn more.
Linda Lavin to Be Written Out of MID-CENTURY MODERN with Farewell Episode Photo
Linda Lavin to Be Written Out of MID-CENTURY MODERN with Farewell Episode
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2025

Max Mutchnick, co-creator of Mid-Century Modern, took to Instagram on Friday to share how the late Linda Lavin will be written out of the new Hulu sitcom. 
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 31, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 31, 2024
by - Dec 31, 2024

Happy New Year, BroadwayWorld! It is December 31, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Stage and Screen Star Linda Lavin Dies at 87 Photo
Stage and Screen Star Linda Lavin Dies at 87
by Stephi Wild - Dec 30, 2024

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Broadway veteran Linda Lavin has died at age 87, following complications from lung cancer. Read Linda Lavin's obituary here.
A History of GYPSY's Mama Rose and the Women Who Have Played Her Photo
A History of GYPSY's Mama Rose and the Women Who Have Played Her
by Stephi Wild - Dec 29, 2024

Gypsy is back on Broadway, starring Audra McDonald in the iconic role of Mama Rose. BroadwayWorld is looking back on some of the performers who have taken on the musical's lead role, from Ethel Merman to Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, and more.
See Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch in A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS Photo
See Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch in A SWINGING BIRDLAND CHRISTMAS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2024

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the 15th Annual “A Swinging Birdland Christmas” – starring vocalists Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Josh Groban, Brian Stokes Mitchell  and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE: VOTE-A-THO Photo
Josh Groban, Brian Stokes Mitchell  and More Join STARS IN THE HOUSE: VOTE-A-THON
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 4, 2024

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.
HOLIDAY REGARDS: A REVUE TO CELEBRATE Set for Winter Rhythms 2024 Series at Urban Sta Photo
HOLIDAY REGARDS: A REVUE TO CELEBRATE Set for Winter Rhythms 2024 Series at Urban Stages
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 1, 2024

Winter Rhythms will present Holiday Regards: A Revue to Celebrate! as part of its “2024 Winter Rhythms” series, the award-winning music festival at Urban Stages Theater, on Saturday, December 7 at 3:00pm and Sunday, December 8 at 7:00pm.
Annaleigh Ashford & Joe Tapper Welcome Baby Girl Photo
Annaleigh Ashford & Joe Tapper Welcome Baby Girl
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 31, 2024

Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford and husband Joe Tapper have welcomed their second child, a baby girl! Learn more about the happy news!
Video: Sarah Paulson Shares Personal Significance of Tony Award Win Photo
Video: Sarah Paulson Shares Personal Significance of Tony Award Win
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 9, 2024

Sarah Paulson recently visited The Kelly Clarkson Show and, on the show, shared the personal significance of winning the Tony Award earlier this year for her performance in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Appropriate. 
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Linda Lavin been in?

Linda Lavin has appeared on Broadway in 17 shows.

How many West End shows has Linda Lavin been in?

Linda Lavin has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Linda Lavin been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for You Will Get Sick, Legend of Off Broadway Honoree (), Legend of off-Broadway Honoree () for , Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lyons, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Lyons, Performance (Obie Awards) for The Lyons, Performance (Obie Awards) for The Lyons, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lyons, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Lyons, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Other Desert Cities, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Other Desert Cities , Outstanding Featured Actress (The Lortels) for Other Desert Citites, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Collected Stories, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The New Century, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank, Best Featured Actress - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Death Defying Acts, Performance (Obie Awards) for Death Defying Acts, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Death Defying Acts, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Broadway Bound, Best Actress (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Broadway Bound, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Broadway Bound, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Little Murders, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cop-Out, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Little Murders and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Wet Paint.

What awards has Linda Lavin won?

Linda Lavin has received numerous awards, including: - Legend of Off Broadway Honoree - Performance (Obie Awards) for The Lyons - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The New Century - Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank - Performance (Obie Awards) for Death Defying Acts - Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Death Defying Acts - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Broadway Bound - Best Actress (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Broadway Bound - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Broadway Bound - Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Little Murders - Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Little Murders - Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cop-Out - Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Wet Paint.

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