News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Audra McDonald Headshot

Audra McDonald

Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald

Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY

read more news

Get Audra McDonald Email Alerts

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

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 Videos

News


Review: LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL Makes Impressive Return to Merrimack Repe Photo
Review: LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL Makes Impressive Return to Merrimack Repertory Theatre
by R. Scott Reedy - Feb 17, 2025

What did our critic think of LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL at Merrimack Repertory Theatre?
Alwyn Morrison’s 'Lenox Hill' Ballad Captures Love in New York City Photo
Alwyn Morrison’s 'Lenox Hill' Ballad Captures Love in New York City
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 14, 2025

New York City’s kinetic energy finds its sonic match in Alwyn Morrison’s latest release, “Lenox Hill”, a synth-pop ballad that traces the arc of a relationship with vivid imagery and raw emotion. Listen to the song now.
Signature Theatre to Honor Mandy Patinkin with 2025 Stephen Sondheim Award Photo
Signature Theatre to Honor Mandy Patinkin with 2025 Stephen Sondheim Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

Virginia’s Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Mandy Patinkin with the company’s fourteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. Learn more!
Tryphena Wade to go on as 'Rose' in GYPSY for Select Upcoming Performances Photo
Tryphena Wade to go on as 'Rose' in GYPSY for Select Upcoming Performances
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 13, 2025

Tryphena Wade will go on as 'Rose' in Gypsy on Broadway, for select upcoming performances while Audra McDonald is out. Learn more about the performances and see how to purchase tickets.
2025 Lenya Competition Unveils Twenty Singer-Actor Semifinalists Photo
2025 Lenya Competition Unveils Twenty Singer-Actor Semifinalists
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2025

Kim H. Kowalke, President of the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music and founder of the Lenya Competition, has revealed the twenty rising singer-actors who have advanced to the Competition's semifinal round. Learn more.
Adrienne Warren and More to be Honored at WP Gala Hosted by Betsy Wolfe Photo
Adrienne Warren and More to be Honored at WP Gala Hosted by Betsy Wolfe
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2025

WP Theater has revealed the honorees of its 2025 Annual Gala, celebrating extraordinary achievement by Women+ artists and industry leaders, including Adrienne Warren and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Interview: Gerard Alessandrini talks spoofing Sondheim and more in FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Photo
Interview: Gerard Alessandrini talks spoofing Sondheim and more in FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: MERRILY WE STOLE A SONG
by R. Scott Reedy - Feb 5, 2025

Writer and director Gerard Alessandrini, the comedy mastermind behind “Forbidden Broadway,” has long taken his own Broadway fandom one step further, though, creating iconic parodies of stars like Ethel Merman, Mary Martin, Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, Yul Brynner, Patti LuPone, Chita Rivera, Mandy Patinkin, and Bernadette Peters and shows including “Hello, Dolly!” “The King & I,”  “Annie,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Lion King,” and “Wicked.”
Joshua Henry To Headline Marcus Performing Arts Center's 20th Annual BASH Photo
Joshua Henry To Headline Marcus Performing Arts Center's 20th Annual BASH
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2025

The Marcus Performing Arts Center will present a special performance with Broadway star Joshua Henry, part of the 20th Annual BASH. Learn more about the event and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: Audra McDonald Talks the 'Tornado' of Mama Rose and How Gavin Creel Inspired H Photo
Video: Audra McDonald Talks the 'Tornado' of Mama Rose and How Gavin Creel Inspired Her to Play the Role
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 4, 2025

With the hit Broadway revival of Gypsy now performing through the summer, show star Audra McDonald visited The Late Show to discuss the production. Watch the interview now!
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Audra McDonald Stop By THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT Toni Photo
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Audra McDonald Stop By THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT Tonight
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 4, 2025

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will welcome two Broadway icons to its stage tonight as Lin-Manuel Miranda and Audra McDonald stop by the show!
GYPSY Tickets Now Available Through August 2025 Photo
GYPSY Tickets Now Available Through August 2025
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2025

George C. Wolfe's new production of GYPSY starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald has released a new block of tickets, on sale now through August 2025.
GYPSY Cast Will Take Over Broadway Sessions This February Photo
GYPSY Cast Will Take Over Broadway Sessions This February
by Stephi Wild - Feb 3, 2025

Ben Cameron's long running, award winning, Broadway Sessions returns for 2025 with the cast of the acclaimed Broadway revival of Gypsy. Learn more about the performance here!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 1, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 1, 2025
by - Feb 3, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 3, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed pver the weekend.
New York City Center Names Jenny Gersten VP & Artistic Director Photo
New York City Center Names Jenny Gersten VP & Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 30, 2025

Jenny Gersten has been promoted from VP & Producer to the new position of VP & Artistic Director, Musical Theater at New York City Center. Learn more about Gersten and about the position.
Zach Schiffman And Reid Pope Present COMEDIANS EARNESTLY SINGING MUSICAL THEATER At J Photo
Zach Schiffman And Reid Pope Present COMEDIANS EARNESTLY SINGING MUSICAL THEATER At Joe's Pub
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2025

Joe's Pub, a program of the Public Theatre, Zach Schiffman, and Reid Pope will present Comedians Earnestly Singing Musical Theater, a one-night-only showcase of comedians' secret musical theater talents, on February 7th, 2025.
Smoke Jazz Club Reveals March Line-Up Featuring Terri Lyn Carrington, Fred Hersch, an Photo
Smoke Jazz Club Reveals March Line-Up Featuring Terri Lyn Carrington, Fred Hersch, and More
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2025

SMOKE Jazz Club will kick off this month with the NEA Jazz Master Terri Lyne Carrington paying tribute to Max Roach's Centennial with the debut of her “We Insist! 2025” ensemble. Leanr more about the lineup here!
Video: Audra McDonald Shares Advice For Young Actors on Making Characters 'Likable' Photo
Video: Audra McDonald Shares Advice For Young Actors on Making Characters 'Likable'
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2025

Audra McDonald recently took to Instagram to post a video of herself backstage at Gypsy to share some advice for young actors. Find out what she had to say here!
Interview: Adrienne Warren of the BEYOND BROADWAY SERIES at The Hobby Center! Photo
Interview: Adrienne Warren of the BEYOND BROADWAY SERIES at The Hobby Center!
by Brett Cullum - Jan 23, 2025

The luminous Broadway star, Adrienne Warren, comes to the Hobby Center on February 1st. You may know Adrienne from her Tony Award-winning turn as Tina Turner in the West End and on Broadway productions of TINA: THE MUSICAL or her role opposite Audra Mcdonald in SHUFFLE ALONG. She will have a “one night only” cabaret show that is part of the Beyond Broadway series.
J. Harrison Ghee & More to Perform at Legacy Theatre in February Photo
J. Harrison Ghee & More to Perform at Legacy Theatre in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2025

Give your Valentine the gift of Broadway with tickets to Legacy Theatre's Valentine's Day Weekend Sunday Broadway Concert featuring J. Harrison Ghee. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Broadway and West End Powerhouse Ramin Karimloo to Perform in Utah for the First Time Photo
Broadway and West End Powerhouse Ramin Karimloo to Perform in Utah for the First Time
by Tyler Hinton - Jan 17, 2025

The BRAVO! Professional Performing Arts Series at Brigham Young University is hosting Ramin Karimloo in his first ever performance in Utah. Joined by The Broadgrass Band, the Olivier and Tony Award nominee is bringing Broadway and bluegrass to BYU’s Music Building Concert Hall for two shows on Friday and Saturday, January 24 and 25, 2025.
More News

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 prestigious awards throughout her career, 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.

Get Audra McDonald Email Alerts

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

Videos