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Madeline Kahn Headshot

Madeline Kahn

Date of Death: December 03, 1999 (57)

Birth Place: Boston, MA

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BIO

She is known for comedic roles in films directed by Peter Bogdanovich and Mel Brooks, including What's Up, Doc? (1972), Blazing Saddles (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974), High Anxiety (1977), History of the World, Part I (1981), and her Academy Award–nominated role in Paper Moon (1973).



Kahn made her Broadway debut in Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1968, and received Tony Award nominations for the play In the Boom Boom Room in 1974 and for the original production of the musical On the Twentieth Century in 1978. She starred as Madeline Wayne on the short-lived sitcom Oh Madeline (1983–84) and won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1987 for an ABC Afterschool Special. She received a third Tony Award nomination for the revival of the play Born Yesterday in 1989, before winning the 1993 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for the comedy The Sisters Rosensweig. Her other film appearances included The Cheap Detective (1978), City Heat (1984), Clue (1985), and Nixon (1995).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Constance

[Broadway]
1993
Gorgeous Teitelbaum

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Gorgeous Teitelbaum

[Broadway]
1989
Billie Dawn

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Shirley

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Lily Garland

Mildred Plotka/Lily Garland

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Diana McBride

[Broadway]
1973
Chrissy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1970
Goldie

[Off-Broadway]
1969
Servant

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 1968
Cunegonde

[Broadway]
1968
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1967
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1966
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1966
Performer

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1966
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1966
Performer

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1965
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1965
Singer

[Off-Broadway]
Concert [Off-Broadway], 1977
Amalia Balash


Movies

What's Up, Doc?
[ 1972 ] Eunice Burns
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
[ 1973 ] Schoolteacher
Paper Moon
[ 1973 ] Trixie Delight
Young Frankenstein
[ 1974 ] Elizabeth
Blazing Saddles
[ 1974 ] Lili Von Shtüpp
The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother
[ 1975 ] Jenny Hill
At Long Last Love
[ 1975 ] Kitty O Kelly
Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood
[ 1976 ] Estie Del Ruth
High Anxiety
[ 1977 ] Victoria Brisbane
The Cheap Detective
[ 1978 ] Mrs. Montenegro
The Muppet Movie
[ 1979 ] El Sleezo Patron
Happy Birthday, Gemini
[ 1980 ] Bunny Weinberger
Simon
[ 1980 ] Dr. Cynthia Mallory
First Family
[ 1980 ] Mrs. Constance Link
Wholly Moses!
[ 1980 ] Sorceress
History of the World: Part I
[ 1981 ] Empress Nympho
Slapstick of Another Kind
[ 1982 ] Eliza Swain, Lutetia Swain
Yellowbeard
[ 1983 ] Betty
Scrambled Feet
[ 1983 ] Madeline
City Heat
[ 1984 ] Caroline Howley
Clue
[ 1985 ] Mrs. White
My Little Pony: The Movie
[ 1986 ] Draggle
An American Tail
[ 1986 ] Gussie Mausheimer
Betsy's Wedding
[ 1990 ] Lola Hopper
Mixed Nuts
[ 1994 ] Mrs. Munchnik
Nixon
[ 1995 ] Martha Mitchell
A Bug's Life
[ 1998 ] Gypsy Moth
Judy Berlin
[ 1999 ] Alice Gold

TV Shows

Cosby
Pauline Fox
Mr. President
Lois Gullickson
Oh Madeline
Madeline Wayne

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Madeline Kahn, The Sisters Rosensweig


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Actress - Play

Madeline Kahn, The Sisters Rosensweig


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

Madeline Kahn, The Sisters Rosensweig

Helen Hayes Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Madeline KahnBorn Yesterday

Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Madeline Kahn , Born Yesterday

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Madeline Kahn , On the Twentieth Century


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Performance

Madeline Kahn, In the Boom Boom Room

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Madeline Kahn, Boom Boom Room

News


Registration Open For NEXT STOP BROADWAY 2025 Summer Theatre Intensive Program

The FSCJ Artist Series will present NEXT STOP BROADWAY. This week-long musical theatre program will take place June 9-13, 2025 at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts.
Interview: Theatre Life with Judy Kaye

Judy Kaye has been living her theatre life for over half a century. The Tony Award winning performer has been seen on Broadway, on tour, in regional theatres and has been heard on many recordings. Currently Ms. Kaye can be seen onstage at Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) in Babbitt where she plays a plethora of roles. The show runs through November 3rd at Harman Hall.
Review: CLUE at John W. Engeman Theater At Northport

What did our critic think of CLUE at John W. Engeman Theater At Northport?
Photos: Highlights from Eden Casteel's KAHN ARTIST at Don't Tell Mama

On Monday 9/9, Eden Casteel was back at DTM with an encore of “Kahn Artist: Madeline And Me.” With iconic songs, compelling stories, and hilarious anecdotes, “Kahn Artist: Madeline And Me” is an intimate look at the trials and triumphs of both Madeline Kahn and Casteel. She returns to DTM 10/16. Check out photos from the special night here.
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " Sept. 9 to Sept. 15 2024

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including phonograph-era music and Santino Fontana's all audience requests show.
KAHN ARTIST: MADELINE AND ME Returns To Don't Tell Mama

Kahn you believe it? KAHN ARTIST: Madeline And Me returns to Don't Tell Mama beginning Wednesday July 31 for an encore run of shows: July 31, August 8, September 9, and October 16, all at 7pm.
The Drama Book Shop Unveils Summer Reading Events In July And August

The Drama Book Shop will host a series of live events featuring Broadway and Off-Broadway guests. Learn more and see how to attend!
25 Theater Books for Your Summer 2024 Reading List

From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Summer 2024 reading list.
Interview: Tari Kelly, Mrs. White in CLUE at Dr. Phillips Center

​​​​​​​Was it Mr. Green in the Library with the Revolver? Miss Scarlet with the Candlestick in the Dining Room? Professor Plum with the Wrench in the Kitchen? These suggestions should sound familiar to any fan of the classic Hasbro board game, Clue, or of the 1985 cult classic comedy film of the same name. But June 4th – 9th in Orlando you might just be accusing Mrs. White of slaying the audience with hilarious comedy in the Walt Disney Theatre (at the Dr. Phillips Center) as CLUE, a new production based on the classic board game and film, takes the stage. Embodying the mysterious (and hilarious) perpetual widow, Mrs. White, will be Tari Kelly who sat down with me to share about her theatrical origins, her experience bringing this classic role to life (and adding her own interpretation to it), and what audiences can expect when they come to see CLUE in Orlando.
Review: CLUE at the Aronoff Center

Though the script is very similar to the 1985 movie of the same name and features many of the same iconic lines and story elements, this adaptation of Clue is successful in its own right. Between a talented cast, surprising design elements, and direction that knew how to transport the story to the stage, Clue is a solid comedy play.
FROM THE BACK OF THE HOUSE Memoir Of A Broadway Theatre Manager, To Be Published In June

Dan Landon was a Broadway theatre manager for nearly 40 years, working on more than 9000 performances of 50 shows. He has written his memoir, From the Back of the House, which will be published by Ibis Books on June 13, 2024.
CLUE to Be Adapted for Film/TV in New Deal with Sony

According to new reports, Sony and Hasbro have closed on a deal which would allow the studio to once again adapt the fan-favorite board game. A film inspired by the murder mystery game was previously released in 1985 with an ensemble cast that included Tim Curry, Madeline Kahn, and Lesley Ann Warren, among others.
Video: Watch a Preview for CLUE, Coming to State Theatre New Jersey Next Weekend

State Theatre New Jersey will present CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy, for four performances on Saturday, April 27 at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday, April 28 at 1pm and 6:30pm. Watch a preview for the production in the video here!
Interview: Elisabeth Yancey of CLUE at Ohio Theatre

When Elisabeth Yancey grew up playing the Hasbro game Clue, she didn’t realize she was preparing for her career. Yancey plays the role of Yvette the Maid in the national tour of CLUE, which will have an extended stay from April 9-14 at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State Street in downtown Columbus).
State Theatre New Jersey Will Present CLUE This Month

State Theatre New Jersey will present CLUE, the hilarious murder mystery comedy, for four performances on Saturday, April 27 at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday, April 28 at 1pm and 6:30pm. Tickets range from $40-$105.
Review: CLUE: A NEW COMEDY Arrives at Kentucky Performing Arts

What did our critic think of CLUE at Whitney Hall? Clue first and foremost is a classic Parker Brothers board game that has been a family favorite since its publication in 1949.
Interview: RICHARD SKIPPER Celebrates HELLO DOLLY at Laurie Beechman Theatre

Richard Skipper, HELLO, DOLLY! historian and friend of the late great Carol Channing, is celebrating the beloved show on its 60th anniversary, with one more performance in Manhattan on March 29th at 7 pm featuring former Dolly alum Lorna Dallas. We spoke about the first sold out show and the enduring legacy of Dolly.
KAHN ARTIST: MADELINE AND ME Returns to Don't Tell Mama This Month

KAHN ARTIST: Madeline And Me returns to Don't Tell Mama, 343 W. 46th St. NYC, on February 21 and March 3, both at 7pm. Learn more about the show here!
Review: Eden Casteel Reveals Her Big Voice And Heart In KAHN ARTIST: MADELINE AND ME

Eden Casteel has a big voice and a big heart, and both were on display at Don’t Tell Mama on Tuesday night for “Kahn Artist: Madeline and Me.” Having premiered the show at The Arctic Playhouse and Cabaret in Rhode Island in July of 2022, Casteel presented the third of four NYC performances to a small but very appreciative crowd.
Review: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Keystone Theatrics At The Playhouse At Allenberry

This performance of Young Frankenstein by the cast and crew of Keystone Theatrics is one you won’t want to miss. It is hilarious and heart-warming.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Madeline Kahn been in?

Madeline Kahn has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.

How many West End shows has Madeline Kahn been in?

Madeline Kahn has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Madeline Kahn been nominated for?

Madeline Kahn has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in "The Sisters Rosensweig." She was also nominated for Best Actress - Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for the same production. Kahn received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for her performance in "Born Yesterday." She was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for the same play. In the musical category, Kahn received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her role in "On the Twentieth Century." Additionally, she received a nomination for Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for her work in "In the Boom Boom Room." Finally, she was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Boom Boom Room."

What awards has Madeline Kahn won?

Madeline Kahn has won several awards throughout her career. She received the Best Actress - Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance in "The Sisters Rosensweig." Additionally, she won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for the same production. Kahn also received the Outstanding Performance award from the Drama Desk Awards for her work in "In the Boom Boom Room."

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