Audra McDonald Headshot

Audra McDonald

Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald

Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY

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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

Audra McDonald STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Performer

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theater Festival Production, 2020
Blanche DuBois

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Frankie

[West End]
West End Production, 2017
Billie Holiday

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Lottie Gee

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Lady Day

[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2013
Mother Abbess

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Bess

[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2009
Olivia

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
Lizzie Curry

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2005
Fay Apple

[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 2005
Clara

[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 2005
Performer

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2004
Dot

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Ruth Younger

Ruth Younger

Ruth Younger

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 2003
Lady Percy

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2003
Clara

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2002
Julie Jordan

[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Deena Jones

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2000
Beggar Woman

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Marie Christine L'Adrese

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

Performer [Replacement]

[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Nina

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Sarah

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Sharon

[Broadway]
Broadway Concert, 1995
"Something Wonderful" Performer

Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1994
Carrie Pipperidge

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Opera Revival, 2007
Jenny


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

Audra McDonald News


GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL! Original Broadway Cast Album to be Released in May


The Original Broadway Cast Album of Gutenberg! The Musical! featuring GRAMMY Award winners and Tony Award nominees Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells will be released in May.

Jason Alexander to Star in Lonny Price-Helmed FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at La Mirada


Jason Alexander and more will be starring in Fiddler on the Roof at La Mirada Theatre. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Concert Performances of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and THE JUNGLE BOOK Will Be Performed at New Wimbledon Theatre


The Novello Orchestra will present two classic Disney films in concert this summer, Beauty and the Beast and The Jungle Book will be performed live to film as part of Wimbledon Childrens Festival. Beauty and the Beast will take place on 10th August, with showings at 3pm and 7pm and The Jungle Book the following day on the 11th August, with showings at 10am and 3pm.

Review: MASTER CLASS at Theatre Memphis


For opera lovers around the world, Maria Callas was a gigantic figure well known for her unusual and daring performances. She was a singer who ruled the classical musical world for a large part of the 20th century and left an indelible mark with her talent and her larger-than-life personality.

MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Album Will Be Released Next Month


The 42-track live recording of My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert will be released on double CD and digital platforms worldwide on Friday, May 31 from Concord Theatricals Recordings.

FAMILY MATTERS: Deborah Zecher & Joshua Zecher-Ross a Delight At Don't Tell Mama


Zecher is a much-loved member of New York’s cabaret community, and the community came out in droves to show their support for her latest cabaret – this time sharing the stage with her handsome musical director son, Joshua!

Audra McDonald to Return To Provincetown With Seth Rudetsky in May


Six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald will return to Provincetown with SiriusXM Radio star Seth Rudetsky as music director and host, this Memorial Day Weekend. Learn how to purchase tickets!

An Evening with Jason Robert Brown to be Presented at 92NY in May


The 92nd Street Y, New York will present triple Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown in a one-night-only Lyrics & Lyricists event on Thursday, May 9 at 7:30 pm. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Spotlight: SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET at Chrysler Hall, Norfolk


Don't Miss an Orchestral Version of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street!

Michael Tilson Thomas Appointed Distinguished Professor Of Music At The San Francisco Conservatory Of Music


The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) has named conductor and composer Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) as the institution's Distinguished Professor of Music. To celebrate MTT’s artistic achievements in the year of his 80th birthday, SFCM's allied record label PENTATONE will release a box set collection of 18 MTT compositions in the fall of 2024. 

Playthings Theatre of New York to Present DORIAN'S WILD(E) AFFAIR Readings


Playthings Theatre of New York and executive producer Preston Ridge will present private industry readings (by invitation only) of Dorian’s Wild(e) Affair. Learn more about the show.

Ensemble Theatre Company Presents THE LEHMAN TRILOGY, Beginning This Week


Join Ensemble Theatre Company for the opening night of THE LEHMAN TRILOGY, adapted by Ben Power and directed by Oahn Nguyen, on April 6 at New Vic Theatre, Santa Barbara.

Video: Aaron Tveit Sings 'Younger Than Springtime' at R&H 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT


We feel 'Younger Than Springtime' after seeing Aaron Tveit sing the classic song from Oscar Hammerstein's South Pacific during the star-studded event, My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert, which is now available for on-demand streaming in North America through March 31.

Krysta Rodriguez & More to Perform at Signature Theatre Gala Honoring Nathan Lane


On April 29, 2024, Signature Theatre will honor icon of stage and screen Nathan Lane with the company’s thirteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. Learn more!

Imelda Staunton Confirms Final DOWNTON ABBEY Movie


Imelda Staunton has confirmed that a final Downton Abbey film is in the works. Written by Julian Fellowes – who wrote the book for musicals like Mary Poppins and School of Rock – Downton Abbey has starred Harry Hadden-Paton, Elizabeth McGovern, Brendan Coyle, Dan Stevens, Maggie Smith, Dominic West, and more.

WP Gala Will Honor Sutton Foster, LaChanze, and Anne Quart; Hosted by Eden Espinosa


The honorees have been revealed for the WP Theater 2024 Annual Gala, which include Sutton Foster, LaChanze, and Anne Quart. The event will be hosted by Eden Espinosa  at The Edison Ballroom on Monday, May 20, 2024.

Photos: Go Inside NYTW's 2024 Gala Honoring Liesl Tommy


New York Theatre Workshop hosted its 2024 Gala, honoring theater and film visionary Liesl Tommy. The evening’s program was hosted by Nicole Ari Parker, directed by Kevin Cahoon, and feature musical direction by Rick Hip-Flores.

Meet the Cast of LEMPICKA, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


Performances begin tonight, March 19, at the Longacre Theatre for Lempicka, the new musical celebrating the true story of renowned artist Tamara de Lempicka.  Meet the cast of Lempicka here!

Video: THE GILDED AGE Star Carrie Coon Wants A Musical Of the Hit Drama


Carrie Coon, who has won audiences with her portrayal of Bertha Russell on HBO's The Gilded Age, wants to see the hit drama come to Broadway as a musical! Watch the video.

Donna Lynne Champlin & More to Star in SWEENEY TODD at Virginia Arts Festival


Virginia Arts Festival will present Stephen Sondheim's Tony Award-winning musical Sweeney Todd in an orchestral performance. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Audra McDonald FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Audra McDonald next theatre project?

Audra McDonald's next show will be Ohio State Murders which opens on 12/8/2022 on Broadway.

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," Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production, and Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Ohio State Murders." She has also received nominations for her roles in "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune," "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, she has been recognized with awards like the Olivier Awards for "Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill" and BroadwayWorld Awards for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill," "Porgy and Bess," and "A Raisin In The Sun."

What awards has Audra McDonald won?

Audra McDonald has won numerous awards for her performances on Broadway. Some of her notable wins include Best Leading Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards and Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill." She also won Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for the same production. McDonald's accolades extend to musicals as well, with wins such as Best Leading Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for "Porgy and Bess" and Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess." Her talent has been recognized across various award ceremonies, showcasing her versatility and skill in both plays and musicals on Broadway.

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