Audra McDonald
Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald
Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY
Latest News on Audra McDonald:
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Hear Her Sing in New Trailer (May 29, 2024)
PROUD OUT LOUD Comes to Theatre West in June (May 29, 2024)
In The Spotlight: Nashville School of the Arts' Ella Claybrooks (May 24, 2024)
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Hear Her Sing in New Trailer (May 29, 2024)
PROUD OUT LOUD Comes to Theatre West in June (May 29, 2024)
In The Spotlight: Nashville School of the Arts' Ella Claybrooks (May 24, 2024)
Audra McDonald 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.
Audra McDonald Photos
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Arin Arbus, Terrence McNally, Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon during the Opening Night Curtain Call for "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" at the Broadhurst Theatre on May 29, 2019 in New York City.
Date:
12/28/2019
From: Photo Coverage: A Look Back on the Most Memorable Performances of 2019
Audra McDonald, Terrence McNally, Arin Arubs and Michael Shannon during the "Frankie And Johnny In The Clair De Lune" Company Meet The Press at the the New 42nd Street Studios on April 18, 2019 in New York City.
Date:
04/18/2019
From: FREEZE FRAME: Meet the Company of FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE
Date:
11/12/2018
From: Photo Flash: Bernadette Peters, Kristin Chenoweth, and More Honor Craig Zadan and Neil Meron
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 02: Actress Audra McDonald arrives for the world premiere of Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast" at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood as the cast and filmmakers continue their worldwide publicity tour on March 2, 2017 in
Date:
03/03/2017
From: Photo Flash: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Cast Hit Red Carpet for World Premiere
Amber Iman, Brandon Victor Dixon, Joshua Henry, Savion Glover, George C. Wolfe, Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Daryl Waters during the Broadway Opening Night Curtain Call for 'Shuffle Along' at The Music Box Theatre on April 28, 2016 in New York C
Date:
04/29/2016
From: Photo Coverage: The SHUFFLE ALONG Cast Takes Opening Night Bows!
Audra McDonald 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]
Audra McDonald 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
Audra McDonald Videos
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
Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season Two Teaser Ahead of October Premiere With Donna Murphy, Denée Benton & More
by Michael Major - Aug 23, 2023
Photos & Video: First Look at PERSONALITY: THE LLOYD PRICE MUSICAL in Chicago
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 28, 2023
Video: Alex Newell, Caroline Innerbichler, and More Explain What SHUCKED is All About
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 2, 2023
Video: Watch Ben Platt & Micaela Diamond Perform 'This Is Not Over Yet' From PARADE on the TODAY SHOW
by Michael Major - Mar 23, 2023
Video: Brian Stokes Mitchell Talks RAGTIME Reunion Concert Decades In the Making
by Michael Major - Mar 22, 2023
Video: Audra McDonald & Brian Stokes Mitchell Perform 'Wheels of a Dream' From RAGTIME on THE TODAY SHOW
by Michael Major - Mar 22, 2023
AN EVENING WITH AUDRA MCDONALD, CHAMPION & More Set for Lyric Opera of Chicago 2023/24 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2023
Audra McDonald News
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Hear Her Sing in New Trailer
It's official! six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald will return to Broadway this fall, taking on what is widely regarded as the greatest role in musical theatre, “Rose” in GYPSY. We have all of the details!
It's official! six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald will return to Broadway this fall, taking on what is widely regarded as the greatest role in musical theatre, “Rose” in GYPSY. We have all of the details!
PROUD OUT LOUD Comes to Theatre West in June
For its Third Annual Proud Out Loud celebration, Theatre West will present a weekend of programming honoring the achievements of five-time Tony Award winning playwright and librettist Terrence McNally (1938-2020).
For its Third Annual Proud Out Loud celebration, Theatre West will present a weekend of programming honoring the achievements of five-time Tony Award winning playwright and librettist Terrence McNally (1938-2020).
In The Spotlight: Nashville School of the Arts' Ella Claybrooks
Today our spotlight shines on Ella Claybrooks, a senior at Nashville School of the Arts, who won her Spotlight Award nomination for her performance as Alice in Bright Star. Ella will be attending The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) this fall, in pursuit of a BFA in Musical Theater.
Today our spotlight shines on Ella Claybrooks, a senior at Nashville School of the Arts, who won her Spotlight Award nomination for her performance as Alice in Bright Star. Ella will be attending The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) this fall, in pursuit of a BFA in Musical Theater.
Video: Watch Patrick Wilson Sing 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' from Rodgers & Hammerstein Concert
In December of 2023, Broadway luminaries gathered together to celebrate the historic partnership and songs of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, 80 years after the premiere of their first musical, Oklahoma! Ahead of the PBS premiere on May 31, check out a clip from the concert of Patrick Wilson performing the classic Oklahoma! opening number Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin.'
In December of 2023, Broadway luminaries gathered together to celebrate the historic partnership and songs of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, 80 years after the premiere of their first musical, Oklahoma! Ahead of the PBS premiere on May 31, check out a clip from the concert of Patrick Wilson performing the classic Oklahoma! opening number Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin.'
MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Will Air on Sky Arts in the UK
The star-studded My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert will be broadcast on Sky Arts on Sunday, 26 May 2024 at 6 p.m.
The star-studded My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert will be broadcast on Sky Arts on Sunday, 26 May 2024 at 6 p.m.
Photos: Inside Matt DeAngelis' THE JANICE JAM: BROADWAY FOR BREAST CANCER
On Monday night, Broadway’s Matt DeAngelis (Waitress), who lost his mother, Janice, in 2022 to metastatic breast cancer, gathered his dearest Broadway friends and industry colleagues together for THE JANICE JAM: BROADWAY FOR BREAST CANCER and raised over $52,000 for Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Check out photos here!
On Monday night, Broadway’s Matt DeAngelis (Waitress), who lost his mother, Janice, in 2022 to metastatic breast cancer, gathered his dearest Broadway friends and industry colleagues together for THE JANICE JAM: BROADWAY FOR BREAST CANCER and raised over $52,000 for Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). Check out photos here!
The Tank Unveils Programming For PRIDEFEST 2024 Featuring Workshops, Performances & More
The Tank revealed the programming for PRIDEFEST 2024, featuring performances, workshops, and events celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices and stories. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Tank revealed the programming for PRIDEFEST 2024, featuring performances, workshops, and events celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices and stories. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Jeremy O. Harris Will Be Creative Director of Williamstown Theatre Festival's Creative Collective
It was announced today Jeremy O. Harris will be the inaugural Creative Director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival’s Creative Collective, a new artistic leadership model that will ensure boundary-breaking and diverse programming, create new opportunities for emerging artists, and foster shared ownership of the creative vision for the Festival.
It was announced today Jeremy O. Harris will be the inaugural Creative Director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival’s Creative Collective, a new artistic leadership model that will ensure boundary-breaking and diverse programming, create new opportunities for emerging artists, and foster shared ownership of the creative vision for the Festival.
Joshua Henry, Caissie Levy, Kara Lindsay & More to Join 2024 WP Theater Gala
WP Theater has revealed the presenters and performers for its 2024 Annual Gala. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
WP Theater has revealed the presenters and performers for its 2024 Annual Gala. See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.
Cast Members From THE WIZ, STEREOPHONIC, and More Honored With 2024 Theatre World Awards
The 2024 Honorees have been announced for the Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. Learn more about the honorees here!
The 2024 Honorees have been announced for the Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. Learn more about the honorees here!
Seth Rudetsky To Host 4th Annual Tony Awards Watch Party At The Triad NYC
Seth Rudetsky is returning to The Triad NYC (158 W 72nd St.) with his Tony Awards Watch Party on June 16.
Seth Rudetsky is returning to The Triad NYC (158 W 72nd St.) with his Tony Awards Watch Party on June 16.
See Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan, & More in Poster for THE SUPREMES AT EARL'S ALL YOU CAN EAT
A new poster for Searchlight's The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat, which features several Broadway and theatre alums, has been released. The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat follows a trio of best friends (Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan) known as “The Supremes” who, for decades, have weathered life’s storms together through marriage and children, happiness and blues. Now, as heartbreak and illness stir up the past and threaten to destroy their friendship, Odette, Barbara Jean and Clarice see their bond put to the test as they go through their most challenging times yet.
A new poster for Searchlight's The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat, which features several Broadway and theatre alums, has been released. The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat follows a trio of best friends (Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan) known as “The Supremes” who, for decades, have weathered life’s storms together through marriage and children, happiness and blues. Now, as heartbreak and illness stir up the past and threaten to destroy their friendship, Odette, Barbara Jean and Clarice see their bond put to the test as they go through their most challenging times yet.
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
On April 29, 2024, Virginia’s Signature Theatre honored star of stage and screen Nathan Lane with the company’s thirteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. Watch an excerpt from Lane's acceptance speech in this all-new video.
On April 29, 2024, Virginia’s Signature Theatre honored star of stage and screen Nathan Lane with the company’s thirteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. Watch an excerpt from Lane's acceptance speech in this all-new video.
DOWNTON ABBEY 3 Officially in the Works with Paul Giamatti, Dominic West, & More
Following Imelda Staunton's recent statements about a third Downton Abbey film, it has been confirmed that another installment in the franchise is indeed happening. Simon Curtis is returning to direct after helming 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era, and much of the original cast is returning, along with some new additions.
Following Imelda Staunton's recent statements about a third Downton Abbey film, it has been confirmed that another installment in the franchise is indeed happening. Simon Curtis is returning to direct after helming 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era, and much of the original cast is returning, along with some new additions.
Tim Meadows & More Round Out Cast of Upcoming Musical Film From Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry
According to reports, Tim Meadows, Jaboukie Young-White, Jamilah Rosemond and Jayson Lee are rounding out the cast for the upcoming musical film from Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry. They join the previously announced Janelle Monáe, Missy Elliott, Brian Tyree Henry, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, and recent Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
According to reports, Tim Meadows, Jaboukie Young-White, Jamilah Rosemond and Jayson Lee are rounding out the cast for the upcoming musical film from Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry. They join the previously announced Janelle Monáe, Missy Elliott, Brian Tyree Henry, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, and recent Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
Photos: Inside An Evening With Jason Robert Brown at 92NY
The 92NY Lyrics & Lyricists presented An Evening with Jason Robert Brown last night. Check out photos here!
The 92NY Lyrics & Lyricists presented An Evening with Jason Robert Brown last night. Check out photos here!
Exclusive: Watch the Cast of RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY Sing 'Edelweiss'
In December of 2023, Broadway luminaries gathered together to celebrate the historic partnership and songs of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Ahead of the PBS premiere on May 31, check out an exclusive clip from the concert, featuring Aaron Tveit, Michael Ball, Daniel Dae Kim, Maria Friedman, Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, and more singing Edelweiss from The Sound of Music. Watch the video here!
In December of 2023, Broadway luminaries gathered together to celebrate the historic partnership and songs of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Ahead of the PBS premiere on May 31, check out an exclusive clip from the concert, featuring Aaron Tveit, Michael Ball, Daniel Dae Kim, Maria Friedman, Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, and more singing Edelweiss from The Sound of Music. Watch the video here!
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup �" May 6 to May 12, 2024
Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including Melissa Errico's new Sondheim album release party.
Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including Melissa Errico's new Sondheim album release party.
Listen: GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! Cast Album is Now Available Digitally
The Original Broadway Cast Album of Gutenberg! The Musical! featuring GRAMMY® Award winners and Tony Award® nominees Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells has been released digitally on Friday, May 3. Listen to the album here!
The Original Broadway Cast Album of Gutenberg! The Musical! featuring GRAMMY® Award winners and Tony Award® nominees Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells has been released digitally on Friday, May 3. Listen to the album here!
Broadway Podcast Network Debuts THE QUIET PART OUTLOUD Podcast
Join Bobby Steggert as he hosts THE QUIET PART OUT LOUD, the latest podcast from Broadway Podcast Network. Dive into deep conversations about the arts, humanity, and personal growth.
Join Bobby Steggert as he hosts THE QUIET PART OUT LOUD, the latest podcast from Broadway Podcast Network. Dive into deep conversations about the arts, humanity, and personal growth.
Audra McDonald FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Audra McDonald been in?
Audra McDonald has appeared on Broadway in 17 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?
Audra McDonald has been nominated for various awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Ohio State Murders," Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for the same production, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune." She also received nominations for her roles in "Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill," "Porgy and Bess," "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," "110 in the Shade," "A Raisin In The Sun," "Marie Christine," "Ragtime," and "Master Class." Additionally, McDonald was recognized with nominations from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Olivier Awards, BroadwayWorld Awards, and the Drama League Awards for her outstanding performances in various Broadway productions.
What awards has Audra McDonald won?
Audra McDonald has won numerous awards for her performances on Broadway. Some of her notable awards include Best Leading Actress in a Play for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill," Outstanding Actress in a Musical for "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess," and Best Featured Actress in a Play for "A Raisin in the Sun." She has also received accolades such as the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for "Master Class."
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