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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 Videos

News


Variety's 'Actors on Actors' Series to Debut Broadway Edition with Audra McDonald, Pa Photo
Variety's 'Actors on Actors' Series to Debut Broadway Edition with Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 21, 2025

Variety's Actors on Actors is returning, but now with a theatrical twist. For the first time ever, the entertainment trade is launching a Broadway edition of their popular Actors on Actors series.
Review: GYPSY at the Philharmonie de Paris Photo
Review: GYPSY at the Philharmonie de Paris
by Patrick Honoré - Apr 19, 2025

The Broadway masterpiece, a crowning achievement of musical theater, finally makes its way to Paris, brought to new life by a stellar cast and crew under the visionary direction of Laurent Pelly.
Video: Lea Michele Sings Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga in Tour Rehearsal Photo
Video: Lea Michele Sings Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga in Tour Rehearsal
by Michael Major - Apr 17, 2025

Lea Michele is previewing her renditions of 'Pink Pony Club' by Chappell Roan, 'Make You Feel My Love' by Bob Dylan, 'Fight Song' by Rachel Platten, 'Vampire' by Olivia Rodrigo, and 'Edge of Glory' by Lady Gaga in a new tour rehearsal video.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 17, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 17, 2025
by - Apr 17, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 17, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
THE GILDED AGE to Return in June; See New First-Look Photos Feat. Audra McDonald, Car Photo
THE GILDED AGE to Return in June; See New First-Look Photos Feat. Audra McDonald, Carrie Coon, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

The Gilded Age will return for its eight-episode third season this June on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Take a look at first-look photos of the new season, featuring Broadway alums Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, and more.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 14, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 14, 2025
by - Apr 14, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 14, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Nathan Gunn Joins The South Bend Symphony In Performance This May Photo
Nathan Gunn Joins The South Bend Symphony In Performance This May
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 11, 2025

The 2024-25 Indiana Trust Pops Series features Nathan Gunn Sings Broadway at the Morris Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m., South Bend's own Nathan Gunn, the world-renowned baritone, takes the stage alongside the South Bend Symphony Orchestra for a show-stopping evening of unforgettable music.
Photos: Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle Visits GYPSY on Broadway Photo
Photos: Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle Visits GYPSY on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2025

On Thursday, April 10, the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle made her way to the Majestic Theatre on Broadway to take in the revival of GYPSY, starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald. See photos here! 
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 11, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 11, 2025
by - Apr 11, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 11, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
A Month After Her Norma Desmond Debut, Rashidra Scott Is Still Grateful Photo
A Month After Her Norma Desmond Debut, Rashidra Scott Is Still Grateful
by Caitlin Hornik - Apr 10, 2025

In the same season that Audra McDonald is tackling the behemoth of Rose in “Gypsy;” that Adrienne Warren is Broadway’s first-ever Cathy in “The Last Five Years;” that Lencia Kebede is the first Black woman to play Elphaba full-time in “Wicked” — Rashidra Scott is making history of her own.
GYPSY Cast Recording Will Get April Release Photo
GYPSY Cast Recording Will Get April Release
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 10, 2025

The 2024 Broadway revival, led by six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald, has recorded a cast album which is set to be released digitally on April 25. The first single, 'Together, Wherever We Go,' will be available to stream on April 11. 
Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli & More Look Back on Their Iconic Broadway Roles Photo
Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli & More Look Back on Their Iconic Broadway Roles
by Michael Major - Apr 7, 2025

29 Broadway legends – including Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, André De Shields, and more – are looking back on their most iconic roles in the latest issue of New York Magazine. See photos!
Jacob Ming-Trent's HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE is Coming to Red Bull Theater Photo
Jacob Ming-Trent's HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE is Coming to Red Bull Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 7, 2025

Red Bull Theater has revealed details for the rolling World Premiere of How Shakespeare Saved My Life, an epic poem told by Jacob Ming-Trent with verse rhyme and song. Learn more
Initial Cast Set For Concert Of New Zombie Rock Musical ROMERO & JULIET Photo
Initial Cast Set For Concert Of New Zombie Rock Musical ROMERO & JULIET
by Stephi Wild - Apr 7, 2025

Initial casting has been announced for a concert presentation of the new rock musical, ROMERO & JULIET. Headlining the show are Shea Curran as Romero and Véronique Chayer as Juliet.
Mask For Pleasure: COVID-impacted Artists Raise Awareness at George Clooney's Broadwa Photo
Mask For Pleasure: COVID-impacted Artists Raise Awareness at George Clooney's Broadway Opening
by Emmy Rice - Apr 6, 2025

On the opening weekend of the Broadway debut of George Clooney's Good Night and Good Luck, a small group of COVID-impacted NY artists offered a gesture of collective care in Manhattan's theatre district.
Playlist: The Best of Jason Robert Brown Photo
Playlist: The Best of Jason Robert Brown
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 5, 2025

The Last Five Years will officially open on Broadway for the first time since the beloved musical premiered  in 2001. The man behind the music is none other than Jason Robert Brown. We are celebrating with a playlist of 50 of our favorite Jason Robert Brown songs.
Audra McDonald Live Free AARP Performance I AM WHAT I AM To Broadcast In April Photo
Audra McDonald Live Free AARP Performance I AM WHAT I AM To Broadcast In April
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 5, 2025

​AARP Theater is set to present a special live broadcast featuring the acclaimed Audra McDonald in 'Audra McDonald: I Am What I Am' on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). ​
Interview: Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton Talks Boston Lyric Opera's Production of CAROUS Photo
Interview: Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton Talks Boston Lyric Opera's Production of CAROUSEL
by R. Scott Reedy - Apr 4, 2025

The legend of Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre stems in part from the many pre-Broadway tryouts that have and continue to take place there, including not one but two now-iconic Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musicals, 1943’s “Oklahoma!” – when it was still being called “Away We Go!” – and 1945’s “Carousel.”
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on Kamala Harris' Visit to GYPSY on THE VIEW Photo
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on Kamala Harris' Visit to GYPSY on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 3, 2025

With the new production of Gypsy now settling into its Broadway run, Audra McDonald visited The View on Thursday to discuss the acclaimed production. During the interview, she recalled the visit of former Vice President Kamala Harris this past January. Watch it now!
Tickets Now on Sale for the 78th Annual Tony Awards Hosted by Cynthia Erivo Photo
Tickets Now on Sale for the 78th Annual Tony Awards Hosted by Cynthia Erivo
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2025

A limited number of tickets for The 78th Annual Tony Awards are now on sale to the general public. Learn more about the awards ceremony and see how to purchase tickets here.
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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 prestigious awards throughout her career. These include: - 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 in a 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 in a 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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