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Audra McDonald Headshot

Audra McDonald

Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald

Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY

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BIO

Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actor. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and an Emmy, in 2015 she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people and received a National Medal of Arts—America’s highest honor for achievement in the field—from President Barack Obama. In addition to her Tony-winning performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill—the role that also served as the vehicle for her Olivier Award-nominated 2017 debut in London’s West End—she has appeared on Broadway in The Secret Garden; Marie Christine (Tony nomination); Henry IV; 110 in the Shade (Tony nomination); Shuffle Along, or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed; and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Tony nomination).



A Juilliard-trained soprano, her opera credits include La voix humaine and Send at Houston Grand Opera, and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at Los Angeles Opera, where the resulting recording earned her two Grammy Awards.

On television, she was seen by millions as the Mother Abbess in NBC’s The Sound of Music Live! and played Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC’s Private Practice. She won an Emmy Award for her role as host of PBS’s Live From Lincoln Center and has received nominations for Wit, A Raisin in the Sun and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Having first appeared as Liz Lawrence on CBS’s The Good Wife, she stars in The Good Fight on Paramount+ as well as in Spectrum’s pandemic-themed drama, The Bite.

On film, she has appeared in Seven Servants, The Object of My Affection, Cradle Will Rock, It Runs in the Family, The Best Thief in the World, She Got Problems, Rampart, Ricki and the Flash, Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast, the movie-musical Hello Again, and MGM’s Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect.

Her upcoming film projects comprise Higher Ground’s Rustin and FilmNation’s Down Low. McDonald has issued five solo albums on the Nonesuch label as well as Sing Happy with the New York Philharmonic on Decca Gold. She also maintains a major career as a concert artist, regularly appearing on the great stages of the world and with leading international orchestras. A founding member of Black Theatre United, board member of Covenant House International, and prominent advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights, her favorite roles are those performed offstage, as an activist, wife to actor Will Swenson, and mother.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Gypsy Gypsy
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2024
Mama Rose
Ohio State Murders Ohio State Murders
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Performer
A Streetcar Named Desire A Streetcar Named Desire
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theater Festival Production, 2020
Blanche DuBois
Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Frankie
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
[West End]
West End Production, 2017
Billie Holiday
Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Lottie Gee
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Lady Day
The Sound of Music Live! The Sound of Music Live!
[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2013
Mother Abbess
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Bess
Twelfth Night
[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2009
Olivia
110 in the Shade 110 in the Shade
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
Lizzie Curry
Anyone Can Whistle
[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2005
Fay Apple
Children And Art
[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer
Passion
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 2005
Clara
Escape: 6 Ways to Get Away (2)
[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 2005
Performer
Sunday in the Park with George
[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2004
Dot
R Shomon
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Performer
A Raisin in the Sun A Raisin in the Sun
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Ruth Younger
Ruth Younger
Ruth Younger
Henry IV Henry IV
[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 2003
Lady Percy
Passion
[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2003
Clara
Carousel
[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2002
Julie Jordan
Dreamgirls
[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Deena Jones
Sweeney Todd
[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2000
Beggar Woman
Marie Christine
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Marie Christine L'Adrese
The Vagina Monologues
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
Dear World
[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Nina
Ragtime
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Sarah
Master Class
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Sharon
Something Wonderful
[Broadway]
Broadway Concert, 1995
"Something Wonderful" Performer
Performer
Carousel
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1994
Carrie Pipperidge
The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Opera Revival, 2007
Jenny

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best Actress

Audra McDonald, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Leading Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2012 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess


winner
Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess


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

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie)

Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shad

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2004 - Best Featured Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, A Raisin In The Sun


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald , A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Drama League Awards - 2000 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre

Audra McDonald

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Marie Christine


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Audra McDonald, Marie Christine

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

Audra McDonaldRagtime


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

Audra McDonald, Ragtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Master Class

Videos

More Video

News


Cast Set For SHE LOVES ME at Long Wharf Theatre Photo
Cast Set For SHE LOVES ME at Long Wharf Theatre

Long Wharf Theatre nnounced the cast and creative team for its fall production of She Loves Me, written by Jerry Bock (music), Joe Masteroff (book), and Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), which will take place at The Lab at ConnCORP in Hamden.
Bucks County Playhouse To Present Performances From Darius de Haas and Edmund Bagnell Photo
Bucks County Playhouse To Present Performances From Darius de Haas and Edmund Bagnell

Experience holiday magic with two cabaret performances at the Playhouse Barn, featuring Broadway's Teri Dale Hansen and pianist Joseph Thalken. Enjoy festive classics and new favorites this season.
Broadway Buying Guide: November 11, 2024- Audra McDonald returns in GYPSY Photo
Broadway Buying Guide: November 11, 2024- Audra McDonald returns in GYPSY

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, November 11, 2024.
Norm Lewis and Nona Hendryx Will Headline Theater Resources Unlimited's 2024 TRU Love Photo
Norm Lewis and Nona Hendryx Will Headline Theater Resources Unlimited's 2024 TRU Love Benefit

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) will present their first live gala since 2019, the 2024 TRU Love Benefit: Passion...Pass It On! this month. Learn more about the benefit and how to get tickets here!
Videos You Missed This Week: RAGTIME, WICKED, and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: RAGTIME, WICKED, and More

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! Fall 2024 is here at last, which means that a whole new bunch of Broadway and off-Broadway shows are opening soon. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending November 8, 2024 with videos from Ragtime, Wicked, Suffs, and more!
Lottery Announced For THE MERRILY CHAPTERS NYC Presentation Photo
Lottery Announced For THE MERRILY CHAPTERS NYC Presentation

The Stage Door Foundation and Pam Pariseau have announced a special lottery for live studio audience tickets to a special industry presentation showing how Stephen Sondheim created MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG through the eyes of original Broadway cast member, David Loud.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 7, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 7, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 7, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Audra McDonald Sings in New GYPSY Promo Photo
Video: Audra McDonald Sings in New GYPSY Promo

Directed by six-time Tony Award-winning Director George C. Wolfe, GYPSY is coming back to Broadway later this month. Watch all four stars and listen to a small clip from 'Everything's Coming Up Roses' in this brand new promo video.  
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.
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.
Broadway Buying Guide: November 4, 2024- SWEPT AWAY Arrives on Broadway Photo
Broadway Buying Guide: November 4, 2024- SWEPT AWAY Arrives on Broadway

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, November 4, 2024.
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.
Videos You Missed This Week: TEETH, SWEPT AWAY, and More Photo
Videos You Missed This Week: TEETH, SWEPT AWAY, and More

It's been a busy week on (and off) Broadway! Fall 2024 is here at last, which means that a whole new bunch of Broadway and off-Broadway shows are opening soon. Catch up on all the latest from the week ending November 1, 2024 with videos from Teeth, Swept Away, and more!
Video: Audra McDonald & Company Are Getting Ready for GYPSY Photo
Video: Audra McDonald & Company Are Getting Ready for GYPSY

Audra McDonald is about to take on one mother of a role. Next month at the Majestic Theater, she will lead the much-anticipated revival of Gypsy as Mama Rose. Watch in this video as the cast chats more about what audiences can expect. 
Westport Country Playhouse Offers Guided Tours Photo
Westport Country Playhouse Offers Guided Tours

Westport Country Playhouse has announced “From the Page to the Stage” guided tours are available to the public by reservation on upcoming Friday and Saturday mornings, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, November 15 and 16, December 13 and 14, January 17 and 18, and February 7 and 8. Each tour is limited to 25 people.  
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 30, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 30, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 30, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Betty Buckley’s 'Grizabella' Joins Broadway Legends Ornament Collection Photo
Betty Buckley’s 'Grizabella' Joins Broadway Legends Ornament Collection

This holiday season, “let the memory live again” of Betty Buckley’s Tony Award-winning performance in Cats as her Grizabella joins Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ limited edition Broadway Legends ornament series.
Photos: Audra McDonald and the Cast of GYPSY Meet the Press Photo
Photos: Audra McDonald and the Cast of GYPSY Meet the Press

On Monday, October 28th, the cast and creative team of GYPSY participated in press interviews at New 42 Studios where the upcoming revival is in its fourth week of rehearsals. See photos of the company here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 29, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 29, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 29, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Audra McDonald Shares Her Take on Mama Rose in GYPSY Photo
Video: Audra McDonald Shares Her Take on Mama Rose in GYPSY

Audra McDonald is sharing some insights into how she thinks of the character of Mama Rose. The Tony-winning performer will be taking on the iconic role in Gypsy beginning in November and McDonald visited Good Morning America to talk about the show and give audiences an idea of what they can expect.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Audra McDonald been in?

Audra McDonald has appeared on Broadway in 18 shows.

How many West End shows has Audra McDonald been in?

Audra McDonald has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Audra McDonald's first West End show?

Audra McDonald's first West End show was Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill which opened in 2017

What awards has Audra McDonald been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Porgy and Bess, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess , Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess , Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Porgy and Bess , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shad, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin In The Sun, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Marie Christine, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine, Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.

What awards has Audra McDonald won?

Audra McDonald has won numerous awards, including: - Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shade - Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin In The Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.

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