Audra McDonald
Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald
Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY
Latest News on Audra McDonald:
Rob Houchen, Lucie Jones, Oliver Tompsett, and More to Join Scott Alan Live at Cadogan Hall (Sep 7, 2024)
Williamstown Theatre Festival Wants To Be The Coachella of Theatre (Sep 6, 2024)
Audra McDonald, Sara Bareilles, Alan Cumming and More Set For 2024 New Yorker Festival (Sep 5, 2024)
Rob Houchen, Lucie Jones, Oliver Tompsett, and More to Join Scott Alan Live at Cadogan Hall (Sep 7, 2024)
Williamstown Theatre Festival Wants To Be The Coachella of Theatre (Sep 6, 2024)
Audra McDonald, Sara Bareilles, Alan Cumming and More Set For 2024 New Yorker Festival (Sep 5, 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: 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
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
News
Rob Houchen, Lucie Jones, Oliver Tompsett, and More to Join Scott Alan Live at Cadogan Hall
Special guest vocalists Rob Houchen, Christine Alladoo, Amy di Bartolemeo, Oliver Tompsett, Lucie Jones, and Stuart Matthew Price will join internationally acclaimed songwriter SCOTT ALAN live at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 10 November 2024 at 6.30PM.
Special guest vocalists Rob Houchen, Christine Alladoo, Amy di Bartolemeo, Oliver Tompsett, Lucie Jones, and Stuart Matthew Price will join internationally acclaimed songwriter SCOTT ALAN live at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 10 November 2024 at 6.30PM.
Williamstown Theatre Festival Wants To Be The Coachella of Theatre
Raphael Picciarelli (Managing Director of Strategy and Transformation) shared that they want to 'create something similar to a music festival.'
Raphael Picciarelli (Managing Director of Strategy and Transformation) shared that they want to 'create something similar to a music festival.'
Audra McDonald, Sara Bareilles, Alan Cumming and More Set For 2024 New Yorker Festival
This year's New Yorker festival is set to take place next month, and includes a host of Broadway names on its slate. The lineup will include talks with Alan Cumming, Audra McDonald, Ayad Akhtar, Sara Bareilles, and more. Additionally, a screening of the new film adapation of The Piano Lesson will be held.
This year's New Yorker festival is set to take place next month, and includes a host of Broadway names on its slate. The lineup will include talks with Alan Cumming, Audra McDonald, Ayad Akhtar, Sara Bareilles, and more. Additionally, a screening of the new film adapation of The Piano Lesson will be held.
Which Celebs Are Coming to Broadway in Fall 2024
Do you know which Hollywoods stars will perform on Broadway this season? Check outa. full list of household names the will arrive for the Fall/Winter 2024 season here!
Do you know which Hollywoods stars will perform on Broadway this season? Check outa. full list of household names the will arrive for the Fall/Winter 2024 season here!
Photos & Video: SUFFS Honors 104th Anniversary of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment
See photos and video from Suffs' celebration honoring the 104th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment!
See photos and video from Suffs' celebration honoring the 104th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment!
Shaina Taub Will Host Broadway for Harris Community Launch
Shaina Taub, creator and star of Broadway’s Tony-winning Suffs, will host the Broadway for Harris Community Launch Call tonight, Monday, August 26 from 6:00-7:00pm ET. The call will take place over Zoom and is open to the public.
Shaina Taub, creator and star of Broadway’s Tony-winning Suffs, will host the Broadway for Harris Community Launch Call tonight, Monday, August 26 from 6:00-7:00pm ET. The call will take place over Zoom and is open to the public.
Video: SUFFS Hosts Roll Call With Representatives from the 36 States that Ratified 19th Amendment
On Saturday, August 24th, Suffs hosted a special performance in partnership with the League of Women Voters that featured a roll call including representatives from all 36 states that ratified the 19th Amendment. Watch the full roll call in the video here!
On Saturday, August 24th, Suffs hosted a special performance in partnership with the League of Women Voters that featured a roll call including representatives from all 36 states that ratified the 19th Amendment. Watch the full roll call in the video here!
MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Begins Streaming Today
The star-studded My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert is now streaming digitally on-demand in the US, UK and Canada.
The star-studded My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert is now streaming digitally on-demand in the US, UK and Canada.
Cast and Creative Team Set for THE LEHMAN TRILOGY at Guthrie Theater
The Guthrie Theater will stage the Tony Award-winning play THE LEHMAN TRILOGY. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
The Guthrie Theater will stage the Tony Award-winning play THE LEHMAN TRILOGY. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
70+ Broadway Stars Unite in Support of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
New York’s theater community is organizing to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election. Broadway for Harris is a volunteer coalition of industry professionals and theater enthusiasts united to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and down ballot Democratic candidates this November.
New York’s theater community is organizing to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election. Broadway for Harris is a volunteer coalition of industry professionals and theater enthusiasts united to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and down ballot Democratic candidates this November.
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT
During her concert at New York City's Beacon Theatre last night, August 15, Idina Menzel called onstage a special guest, much to the surprise of her fans in attendance. Adrienne Warren took the stage alongside Menzel to perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' from Rent. Check out the video here!
During her concert at New York City's Beacon Theatre last night, August 15, Idina Menzel called onstage a special guest, much to the surprise of her fans in attendance. Adrienne Warren took the stage alongside Menzel to perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' from Rent. Check out the video here!
Leslie Uggams, Andrea Martin, & More Join THE GILDED AGE Season 3
A slew of new names have joined the third season of HBO's hit drama The Gilded Age. Bill Camp (Broadway's The Crucible), Merritt Wever, Leslie Uggams, and Lisagay Hamilton will all play key roles in Season 3's ensemble. Additionally, Tony Award winner Andrea Martin is set to portray a medium named Madame Dashkova.
A slew of new names have joined the third season of HBO's hit drama The Gilded Age. Bill Camp (Broadway's The Crucible), Merritt Wever, Leslie Uggams, and Lisagay Hamilton will all play key roles in Season 3's ensemble. Additionally, Tony Award winner Andrea Martin is set to portray a medium named Madame Dashkova.
Amy Sherman-Palladino Recalls GYPSY Film Talks with Stephen Sondheim- 'The Best 15 Hours of My Life'
Amy Sherman-Palladino makes her Broadway writing debut this season with her adapted book for Once Upon a Mattress, which opens on Monday, August 12. Mattress isn't her first try at rewriting a musical, however. She was called on to pen a new script for a new film adaptation of Gypsy and she recalls the experience in a recent interview.
Amy Sherman-Palladino makes her Broadway writing debut this season with her adapted book for Once Upon a Mattress, which opens on Monday, August 12. Mattress isn't her first try at rewriting a musical, however. She was called on to pen a new script for a new film adaptation of Gypsy and she recalls the experience in a recent interview.
Whoopi Goldberg, Ariana DeBose, Patti LuPone, & More Named Honorary Co-Chairs For the Black Theatre United 2024 Gala
Black Theatre United has announced a star-studded lineup of Honorary Co-Chairs for its second annual Gala on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Learn more here!
Black Theatre United has announced a star-studded lineup of Honorary Co-Chairs for its second annual Gala on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. Learn more here!
Photos: The Broadway Marquees of Fall 2024
The 2024/25 Broadway season is here at last, with many new productions set to arrive before the end of the year. If you don't live in New York City or frequent the Theater District, odds are you haven't seen Broadway's newest marquees! Check out what's up so far here!
The 2024/25 Broadway season is here at last, with many new productions set to arrive before the end of the year. If you don't live in New York City or frequent the Theater District, odds are you haven't seen Broadway's newest marquees! Check out what's up so far here!
Feature: Monthly Musical 'Birthday' Salute: TAKE THE QUIZ!
Have a little fun, take a little bit of a lucky guess, and learn a little more about famous music folks all born in August. Our Broadway World cabaret birthday hunter couldn't decide on just one person to salute in the usual 'born this month' feature, so instead there's a trivia quiz that name-drops a whole bunch of them. Drop by BWW and give it a try.
Have a little fun, take a little bit of a lucky guess, and learn a little more about famous music folks all born in August. Our Broadway World cabaret birthday hunter couldn't decide on just one person to salute in the usual 'born this month' feature, so instead there's a trivia quiz that name-drops a whole bunch of them. Drop by BWW and give it a try.
Meet Audra McDonald With Two Tickets to GYPSY Through Charity Buzz Auction
Bid for a chance to meet six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald in an exclusive auction event. Proceeds will support arts education programs. Learn how to bid!
Bid for a chance to meet six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald in an exclusive auction event. Proceeds will support arts education programs. Learn how to bid!
Joe Iconis & Family, Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp, and More to Play 54 Below
Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. Check out the full lineup here!
Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. Check out the full lineup here!
Peter Dinklage, Lupita Nyong'o, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sandra Oh To Lead TWELFTH NIGHT At Shakespeare in the Park
Peter Dinklage (Malvolio), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Andrew Aguecheek), Lupita Nyong’o (Viola), and Sandra Oh (Olivia) will lead Shakespeare in the Park's TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by The Public’s Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali, which will reopen the revitalized Delacorte Theater in August 2025.
Peter Dinklage (Malvolio), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Andrew Aguecheek), Lupita Nyong’o (Viola), and Sandra Oh (Olivia) will lead Shakespeare in the Park's TWELFTH NIGHT, directed by The Public’s Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali, which will reopen the revitalized Delacorte Theater in August 2025.
See Costumes Worn by Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington & More at The Public Theater's Costume Exhibit
Explore the Public Theater's free costume exhibit starting this Sunday at Astor Place, running through August 30. Discover iconic costumes and celebrate theater history during the Black Party event.
Explore the Public Theater's free costume exhibit starting this Sunday at Astor Place, running through August 30. Discover iconic costumes and celebrate theater history during the Black Party event.
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?
Audra McDonald has received numerous nominations for her outstanding performances. These include: - 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 Shade - 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 Achievement 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 - 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 - 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