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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

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Photos: Audra McDonald, Joy Woods & More in GYPSY on Broadway Photo
Photos: Audra McDonald, Joy Woods & More in GYPSY on Broadway

Additional photos have been released of the Broadway revival of GYPSY starring six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald. See photos of the production and learn how to purchase tickets.
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Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning

CBS Sunday Morning spoke with Audra McDonald and director George C. Wolfe about their production of Gypsy, currently running on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre, and the task of taking on a character like Mama Rose. Watch the video here!
Audra McDonald Says She Discussed Starring in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY with Son Photo
Audra McDonald Says She Discussed Starring in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY with Sondheim

While discussing how Gypsy came about with The New Yorker, Audra McDonald revealed that another iconic Sondheim role might be on the horizon in the future.
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Video: Joy Woods Talks GYPSY and Offers Advice for Young Performers on GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Gypsy star Joy Woods visited Good Morning America to discuss her role in the new production of the acclaimed musical. During the interview, she talked about the revival, working with her co-stars, and offered advice for young performers. Watch it now!
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Branford's Legacy Theatre has announced a star-studden lineup for the 2025 Sunday Broadway Concert Series lineup for the historic theatre's 5th anniversary season.
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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, December 2, 2024.
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Shop GYPSY on Broadway Merch

Shop the entire merch collection for the new Broadway production of Gypsy starring Audra McDonald - now available in BroadwayWorld's shop! Get shirts, hoodies, tote bags, hats, magnets, ornaments, pins, fans, and more.
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Video: Broadway Stars Share What They're Grateful For This Thanksgiving

Watch in this video as we hear from Audra McDonald, Danny Burstein, Jordan Fisher, Shaina Taub, Zachary Quinto, Caissie Levy, Matthew Morrison, Joshua Henry, and more.
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Photos: First Look At Audra McDonald In GYPSY On Broadway

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GYPSY to Offer $49 and $39 Tickets Through Rush & Standing Room Policies

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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 received numerous awards throughout her career. She won Best Leading Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. She also received the Outstanding Actress in a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards, as well as the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, both for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. Additionally, she won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for the same production. For her performance in Porgy and Bess, she received Best Leading Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards. McDonald also gained recognition with the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards and the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards, both for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. She won the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards, again for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess. Her performance in 110 in the Shade earned her the Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) award at the Drama Desk Awards. She was recognized with Best Featured Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for A Raisin in the Sun, in addition to winning Outstanding Featured Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same show. McDonald also won Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for A Raisin in the Sun. Moreover, she was honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award at the Drama League Awards. Her performance in Marie Christine garnered her the Outstanding Actress - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards. Notably, she received the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Ragtime, as well as Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Master Class.

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