Audra McDonald
Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald
Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY
Latest News on Audra McDonald:
Bucks County Playhouse To Present Performances From Darius de Haas and Edmund Bagnell (Nov 12, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: November 11, 2024- Audra McDonald returns in GYPSY (Nov 11, 2024)
Norm Lewis and Nona Hendryx Will Headline Theater Resources Unlimited's 2024 TRU Love Benefit (Nov 9, 2024)
Bucks County Playhouse To Present Performances From Darius de Haas and Edmund Bagnell (Nov 12, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: November 11, 2024- Audra McDonald returns in GYPSY (Nov 11, 2024)
Norm Lewis and Nona Hendryx Will Headline Theater Resources Unlimited's 2024 TRU Love Benefit (Nov 9, 2024)
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: Sean Stack Talks WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Survival Jobs Podcast
by Survival Jobs - Oct 17, 2024
Video: Watch Aaron Tveit Perform 'Mein Herr' From CABARET at MCC MISCAST22
by Michael Major - Sep 30, 2024
Video: SUFFS Hosts Roll Call With Representatives from the 36 States that Ratified 19th Amendment
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 25, 2024
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT
by Stephi Wild - Aug 16, 2024
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - May 29, 2024
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - May 13, 2024
VIDEO: Watch Stephen Cole, Ward Roberts, and Peter Filichia Discuss 'Cole Porter as a Gay Icon'
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 13, 2024
Video: Watch Audra McDonald in Ava DuVernay's ORIGIN Trailer With Myles Frost & More
by Michael Major - Dec 15, 2023
Video: Watch the Trailer for MOMENT TO MOMENT: THE MAKING OF THE VIOLET HOUR STUDIO CAST RECORDING
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 15, 2023
Exclusive: Listen to Audra McDonald Perform Scene from Alice Childress' TROUBLE IN MIND
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 6, 2023
Video: Watch the RUSTIN Trailer Starring Colman Domingo, Audra McDonald & More
by Michael Major - Oct 19, 2023
Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season Two Trailer With Christine Baranski, Audra McDonald & More
by Michael Major - Oct 10, 2023
Video: Watch Colman Domingo, Audra McDonald & More in Netflix's RUSTIN Movie Teaser Trailer
by Michael Major - Aug 28, 2023
News
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.
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
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.
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 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!
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
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
“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
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Interview: Kelli O'Hara Promises Some Surprises in Concert at Groton Hill Music Center
Kelli O’Hara says there’ll be some surprises in store when she plays Groton Hill Music Center on November 2. 'My music director and pianist, Dan Lipton, and I won’t finalize the set list until we get there. We like to arrive at a venue, get a feel for the space, and then set the list. I always include my favorite pieces, but I might change the order or make additions or subtractions based on the feeling I get.'
Kelli O’Hara says there’ll be some surprises in store when she plays Groton Hill Music Center on November 2. 'My music director and pianist, Dan Lipton, and I won’t finalize the set list until we get there. We like to arrive at a venue, get a feel for the space, and then set the list. I always include my favorite pieces, but I might change the order or make additions or subtractions based on the feeling I get.'
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.
Videos