News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Idina Menzel Headshot

Idina Menzel

Get Idina Menzel Email Alerts

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

BIO

Menzel is an American actress and singer. Particularly known for her work in musicals on Broadway, she has been nicknamed the "Queen of Broadway" for her commanding stage presence, powerful mezzo-soprano, and reputation as one of the most influential stage actors of her generation. Having achieved mainstream success across stage, screen, and music, her accolades include an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, a Daytime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for three Drama League Awards, and four Drama Desk Awards. In 2019, Menzel received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was named a Disney Legend in 2022. She was the 2022 recipient of the National Medal of Arts. Menzel received a honorary doctorate from University of Pennsylvania in 2023.



Menzel rose to prominence as a stage actress in 1996, making her Broadway debut as Maureen Johnson in the rock musical Rent, which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. In 2003, she originated the role of Elphaba in the musical Wicked on Broadway, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. The popularity of the show and her signature song "Defying Gravity" earned her a devoted musical theatre following. After leaving the show in 2005, she reprised the role in the musical's original West End production in 2006, becoming the highest-paid actress in West End theatre history. In 2014, Menzel returned to Broadway as Elizabeth Vaughan in the musical If/Then, for which she received a third Tony Award nomination.

Menzel began transitioning into film and television in the early 2000s. After reprising her Rent role in the musical's 2005 film adaptation, she was cast as Nancy Tremaine in Disney's musical fantasy film Enchanted (2007), eventually returning to the role in its 2022 sequel. She played recurring character Shelby Corcoran on the musical television series Glee from 2010 to 2013. Since 2013, Menzel has voiced Elsa in Disney's Frozen franchise, which includes two of the highest-grossing animated films of all-time. "Let It Go", a song she recorded for the first film, peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first Tony Award-winning actor to earn a top-10 song on the chart, and cementing her status as a crossover musical artist. Menzel has since pursued supporting roles in larger film projects, including Uncut Gems (2019), Cinderella (2021), and You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023).

As a recording artist and songwriter, Menzel has released seven studio albums, including I Stand (2008) and Holiday Wishes (2014); the latter peaked at number six on the Billboard 200, becoming her highest-charting studio album to-date.

She will return to Broadway in Redwood in 2025.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2025
Jesse

[West End]
Original London Production, 2021
Elphaba

[Los Angeles]
Geffen Playhouse West Coast Premiere, 2019
Jodi Isaac

[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Off-Broadway Premiere, 2018
Jodi Isaac

[US Tour]
First National Tour, 2015
Beth/Elizabeth

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Elizabeth

[West End]
2012
Performer

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 2006
Maureen Johnson

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2005
An Actress

The Wife

Kesa

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Elphaba

[San Francisco (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2003
Elphaba

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Fanny Brice

[New York]
Workshop, 2002
Elphaba

[New York]
Reading, 2001
Elphaba

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2001
Sheila

[Chester, CT (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2000
Dorothy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2000
Amneris [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2000
Kate

Kate

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1996
Maureen Johnson

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1996
Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson

Writing

Additional Contributions
Conceived by

Movies

Kissing Jessica Stein
[ 2001 ] Bridesmaid
Water
[ 2004 ] Jessy Turner
The Tollbooth
[ 2004 ] Raquel Cohen-Flaxman
Rent
[ 2005 ] Maureen Johnson
Ask the Dust
[ 2006 ] Vera Rivkin
Enchanted
[ 2007 ] Nancy Tremaine
Frozen
[ 2013 ] Elsa
Ralph Breaks the Internet
[ 2018 ] Elsa
Uncut Gems
[ 2019 ] Dinah Ratner
Frozen II
[ 2019 ] Elsa
Josh Groban Bridges Live from Madison Square Garden
[ 2019 ] Self
Cinderella
[ 2021 ] Vivian
American Murderer
[ 2022 ] Melanie
Disenchanted
[ 2022 ] Nancy Tremaine

TV Shows

Hercules
Circe
Rescue Me
Carol
Kevin Hill
Francine Prescott
Private Practice
Lisa King
Wonder Pets!
The Queen of Hearts
Glee
[ 2010-2013 ] Shelby Corcoran
Lego Frozen Northern Lights
Elsa
Beaches
CC Bloom
Rent: Live
The Original Broadway Cast

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama League Awards - 2018 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Idina Menzel


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Idina Menzel, If/Then

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Idina Menzel, If/Then

Drama League Awards - 2014 - Distinguished Performance Award

Idina Menzel, If/Then

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Idina Menzel, If/Then


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2004 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Idina Menzel, Wicked

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Idina Menzel , Wicked


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Idina Menzel, Wicked


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Idina Menzel, Wicked

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Idina Menzel, Rent

Videos

News


Who Cameos in Part One of the WICKED Movie?

Now that Wicked is finally in theaters, eagle-eyed viewers have been excitedly spotting the many thrillifying cameos that grace the screen in the new film. Take a look at our guide to find out which Wicked alums appear! Major spoilers abound!
Original WICKED Cast Album Streams Increase Ahead of Movie Soundtrack

With the Wicked movie and accompanying soundtrack finally arriving tomorrow, Broadway fans are returning to a tried-and-true classic. This past week, listeners are increasingly tuning into the Wicked Original Broadway cast album on Spotify.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 22, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 22, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
De’Adre Aziza, Michael Park, Zachary Noah Piser, and Khaila Wilcoxon Join Idina Menzel-Led REDWOOD

The full company has been announced for the new musical Redwood, coming to Broadway in 2025, led by Idina Menzel. Learn more about the cast and the production here!
Feature: WICKED THE MOVIE at Harkins 101

Written from the point of view of a theatre fan, guest contributor David Appleford provides a piece full of details and insights regarding the new film, WICKED, and how it compares to the stage musical.
Broadway on Bluesky: A Guide to the Growing Social Media Platform

As social media users flock to Bluesky for a Twitter/X alternative, find out more about how you can create a perfectly Broadway-themed algorithm. Find out how to create an account, which Broadway stars to follow on Bluesky, and more!
10 Facts The Only WICKED Super-Fans Know

With everyone hyped for the premiere of the movie Wicked this month, I have been receiving a bunch of Wicked questions. I thought it might be fun to share a few fun facts about former stars of Wicked!
Video: Guess the Answers to These 'Broadway Musicals by Song' JEOPARDY! Questions

Last night, one of the popular Jeopardy! categories was 'Broadway Musicals by Songs'  Several clues were given to the contestants to test their knowledge of Broadway musicals, with song titles as their hints. Watch the clip here to see if you answer each clue correctly!
Broadway Buying Guide: November 18, 2024- MAYBE HAPPY ENDING 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 18, 2024.
Interview: Piper Sobon of WHITE CHRISTMAS AND FROZEN, JR at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre

Piper Sobon shares her experience acting in White Christmas and Disney's Frozen, Jr. at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
Video: Jonathan Bailey Talks Reuniting with BRIDGERTON Horse for WICKED

As part of the promotional trail for Wicked, Jonathan Bailey stopped by Late Night with Seth Meyers on Wednesday to discuss the new film. The performer plays the character of Fiyero in the film, which hits theaters next week. Watch the interview!
Idina Menzel Will Sing from REDWOOD at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Idina Mezel will return to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year to perform from the BronxZoo’s “Wondrous World of Wildlife” float. Menzel will sing “Great Escape” from her next Broadway project- Redwood. 
Video: Kristin Chenoweth Praises WICKED Movie on THE TODAY SHOW

Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth visited the Today Show on Monday morning to discuss several new projects, including her holiday film Our Little Secret and the new Wicked movie. During the interview, Chenoweth praised the film and shared her thoughts about how it might have an effect on future theatergoers. Watch it now!
Video: WICKED Premieres in Los Angeles

Watch footage from the Los Angeles red carpet premiere of Wicked, featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and more in the video here!
Jane Lynch's A SWINGIN' LITTLE CHRISTMAS Adds Performance At Steppenwolf Theatre

Jane Lynch's A SWINGIN' LITTLE CHRISTMAS adds a new performance at Steppenwolf Theatre.
WICKED Legend to Make Surprise Cameo in New Movie

In their dedicated Wicked issue, People Magazine has revealed an important cameo from a key Wicked veteran who will appear in the new film. According to the issue, this is only one of the movie's 'many cameos.' Find out more here!
How to Watch the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - A Complete Guide

Let's have a parade! The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the nation's most cherished holiday traditions, is getting ready to hit the streets of New York City. We have your complete guide on what to tune in for and how to watch!
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.
Interview: Teal Wicks Talks & JULIET and More Ahead of Boston Engagement

Teal Wicks first performed “Shakespeare Meant for Kids” when she was in the fifth grade, and later, while in college at U.C. Irvine, the actor and singer did a production of “Romeo & Juliet” set to a Motown soundtrack.
THE OUTSIDERS, DEATH BECOMES HER, and More Will Perform on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

The iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is returning to kick off the holiday season! The parade will air live on NYC from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. ET/PT on Thursday, Nov. 28. Among the performers this year will be the Broadway casts of “Death Becomes Her,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The Outsiders”.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Idina Menzel been in?

Idina Menzel has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.

How many West End shows has Idina Menzel been in?

Idina Menzel has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was Idina Menzel's first West End show?

Idina Menzel's first West End show was Idina Menzel Live in Concert which opened in 2012

What awards has Idina Menzel been nominated for?

Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for If/Then, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for If/Then, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for If/Then, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for If/Then, Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wicked , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Wicked, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Wicked and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rent.

What awards has Idina Menzel won?

Idina Menzel has won several prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. She received the Best Leading Actress in a Musical award from the BroadwayWorld Awards for both If/Then and Wicked. Additionally, she won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her role in Wicked. Menzel also earned the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for her performance in Wicked.

How many shows has Idina Menzel written?

Idina Menzel has written 1 shows including Redwood (Additional Contributions).

Get Idina Menzel Email Alerts

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

Videos