Audra McDonald
Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald
Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY
Latest News on Audra McDonald:
J. Harrison Ghee & More to Perform at Legacy Theatre in February (Jan 17, 2025)
Broadway and West End Powerhouse Ramin Karimloo to Perform in Utah for the First Time (Jan 17, 2025)
Capital Arts Theater Guild To Present WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND (Jan 15, 2025)
J. Harrison Ghee & More to Perform at Legacy Theatre in February (Jan 17, 2025)
Broadway and West End Powerhouse Ramin Karimloo to Perform in Utah for the First Time (Jan 17, 2025)
Capital Arts Theater Guild To Present WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND (Jan 15, 2025)
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
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STAGE CREDITS
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theater Festival Production, 2020
Blanche DuBois
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Lottie Gee
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
Performer [Replacement]
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
Video: Watch Joy Woods Sing 'I Could Have Danced All Night' at MCC MISCAST
by Michael Major - 01/13/2025
Video: Audra McDonald, George C. Wolfe, & More Talk GYPSY on CBS Sunday Morning
by Blair Ingenthron - 12/15/2024
Video: Joy Woods Talks GYPSY and Offers Advice for Young Performers on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Josh Sharpe - 12/09/2024
Video: Watch Aaron Tveit Perform 'Mein Herr' From CABARET at MCC MISCAST22
by Michael Major - 09/30/2024
Video: SUFFS Hosts Roll Call With Representatives from the 36 States that Ratified 19th Amendment
by Blair Ingenthron - 08/25/2024
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT
by Stephi Wild - 08/16/2024
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - 05/29/2024
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 05/13/2024
VIDEO: Watch Stephen Cole, Ward Roberts, and Peter Filichia Discuss 'Cole Porter as a Gay Icon'
by Blair Ingenthron - 01/13/2024
Video: Watch Audra McDonald in Ava DuVernay's ORIGIN Trailer With Myles Frost & More
by Michael Major - 12/15/2023
News
J. Harrison Ghee & More to Perform at Legacy Theatre in February
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.
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
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.
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.
Capital Arts Theater Guild To Present WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND
Capital Arts Theater Guild will present its inaugural installment of their new national musical development program, the National Music Theater Foundry. Taking place on January 24 & 25, 2025, at the Theatre Raleigh Arts Center's TR STUDIO.
Capital Arts Theater Guild will present its inaugural installment of their new national musical development program, the National Music Theater Foundry. Taking place on January 24 & 25, 2025, at the Theatre Raleigh Arts Center's TR STUDIO.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 16, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 16, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 16, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Sun Valley Music Festival Unveils 41st Summer Season
The Sun Valley Music Festival has revealed its landmark 41st season, from July 28 to August 21, at the Sun Valley Pavilion. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
The Sun Valley Music Festival has revealed its landmark 41st season, from July 28 to August 21, at the Sun Valley Pavilion. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Joy Woods Discusses Playing Louise in Broadway's GYPSY
Gypsy is now open on Broadway and the show, led by Audra McDonald, is receiving rave reviews. Joy Woods plays Louise in the production, and the star recently joined The View to discuss her character and the casting choices on display in the revival. Watch the interview!
Gypsy is now open on Broadway and the show, led by Audra McDonald, is receiving rave reviews. Joy Woods plays Louise in the production, and the star recently joined The View to discuss her character and the casting choices on display in the revival. Watch the interview!
Karen Ziemba to Star in MASTER CLASS at Riverside Theatre
Riverside Theatre has revealed the first production of the 2024-2025 Waxlax Stage season, Terrence McNally’s Master Class starring Tony Award-winning actress Karen Ziemba. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Riverside Theatre has revealed the first production of the 2024-2025 Waxlax Stage season, Terrence McNally’s Master Class starring Tony Award-winning actress Karen Ziemba. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Watch Joy Woods Sing 'I Could Have Danced All Night' at MCC MISCAST
Watch Joy Woods sing 'I Could Have Danced All Night' from My Fair Lady at MCC Theater's MISCAST in 2023. See a video of the Gypsy star perform the classic musical theatre song now!
Watch Joy Woods sing 'I Could Have Danced All Night' from My Fair Lady at MCC Theater's MISCAST in 2023. See a video of the Gypsy star perform the classic musical theatre song now!
Review: Hannah Jane's LADY LEGENDS OF BROADWAY Is a Fantastic Showcase at Green Room 42
Hannah Jane shines in 'Lady Legends of Broadway' at Green Room 42. She had the audience captivated from the moment she stepped on stage. With her talent, charisma, and deep understanding of Broadway’s rich history, she’s certainly one to watch.
Hannah Jane shines in 'Lady Legends of Broadway' at Green Room 42. She had the audience captivated from the moment she stepped on stage. With her talent, charisma, and deep understanding of Broadway’s rich history, she’s certainly one to watch.
Camille A. Brown & Dancers Returns To The Joyce Theater in I AM
The Joyce Theater Foundation will welcome the return of prolific director and choreographer Camille A. Brown with the New York premiere of I AM. Learn more here!
The Joyce Theater Foundation will welcome the return of prolific director and choreographer Camille A. Brown with the New York premiere of I AM. Learn more here!
What Is the Best Broadway Overture Ever?
Which Broadway overtures stand out as ovation-worthy? The opinion might be a little bit biased at the Majestic Theatre, but when BroadwayWorld asked the question just last month, the resounding response from the theatre community was the same- Gypsy.
Which Broadway overtures stand out as ovation-worthy? The opinion might be a little bit biased at the Majestic Theatre, but when BroadwayWorld asked the question just last month, the resounding response from the theatre community was the same- Gypsy.
Broadway Grosses: Week Ending 12/29/24 - WICKED Grosses Over $5 Million
Grosses for all the Broadway shows for the week ending 12/29/2024.
Grosses for all the Broadway shows for the week ending 12/29/2024.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 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.
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.
Recap the Broadway Debuts of 2024
BroadwayWorld is rounding up all of our 2024 Debut of the Month features in one place, celebrating the artists who brought energy, artistry, and passion to the stage this year.
BroadwayWorld is rounding up all of our 2024 Debut of the Month features in one place, celebrating the artists who brought energy, artistry, and passion to the stage this year.
The Best Reviewed Broadway Shows of 2024
44 Broadway shows opened in 2024, and while not all of them were loved by the critics, there were plenty of standouts all year long. We're breaking down the best Broadway shows of 2024 by month.
44 Broadway shows opened in 2024, and while not all of them were loved by the critics, there were plenty of standouts all year long. We're breaking down the best Broadway shows of 2024 by month.
Broadway Buying Guide: December 30, 2024- It's GYPSY's Turn on Top
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 30, 2024.
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 30, 2024.
Top 10 Viral Broadway Moments of 2024: WICKED, Bloody Nicole Scherzinger & More
From the long-awaited Wicked movie to a blood-soaked Nicole Scherzinger to Trisha Paytas, here are the viral moments that captured the attention of Broadway fans this year. See videos and photos now!
From the long-awaited Wicked movie to a blood-soaked Nicole Scherzinger to Trisha Paytas, here are the viral moments that captured the attention of Broadway fans this year. See videos and photos now!
Both Performances of GYPSY Today Have Been Canceled
Both performances of Gypsy have been canceled today, according to a story on their official Instagram account. Performances are scheduled to resume tomorrow, Sunday, December 28.
Both performances of Gypsy have been canceled today, according to a story on their official Instagram account. Performances are scheduled to resume tomorrow, Sunday, December 28.
GYPSY on Broadway Cancels December 27 Evening Performance
Due to continued illness within the company, tonight’s (December 27) performance of Gypsy on Broadway is cancelled. Learn more about Gypsy and see how to purchase tickets.
Due to continued illness within the company, tonight’s (December 27) performance of Gypsy on Broadway is cancelled. Learn more about Gypsy and see how to purchase tickets.
GYPSY Cancels December 26th Evening Performance
Gypsy on Broadway has canceled this evening's (December 26 at 8pm) performance of Gypsy on Broadway starring Audra McDonald due to illness in the company.
Gypsy on Broadway has canceled this evening's (December 26 at 8pm) performance of Gypsy on Broadway starring Audra McDonald due to illness in the company.
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 prestigious 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.
Videos