Ellen Greene

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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Ellen Greene BIO

Ellen Greene was performing as a nightclub singer in several New York City clubs and treading the boards in New York City theater before her friend and mentor, filmmaker Paul Mazursky cast her in her first motion picture, Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976), she was awarded the part of Sarah, opposite Lenny Baker. Four years after she originated the role of Audrey, the lovably ditzy, golden-hearted, sweetest masochist in musical-comedy history in Howard Ashman's 1982 Off-Broadway play, The Little Shop of Horrors, the actress reprised the role in Frank Oz's film adaptation, Little Shop of Horrors (1986) (in which she starred opposite Rick Moranis and Steve Martin). Up to the present time, this is the actress's most talked-about and celebrated role.
A few years later, Greene starred in the American drama film Talk Radio (1988), she played the part of Ellen, opposite Eric Bogosian and Alec Baldwin. Aside from the actress's work in these two motion pictures, and ABC's fantasy mystery comedy-drama television series, Pushing Daisies (2007), in which she and Swoosie Kurtz play Lily and Vivian Charles, the agoraphobic sisters. Greene has also provided her talent to Law & Order (1990), The X-Files (1993), Heroes (2006), and The Young and the Restless (1973).
In July 2015, Greene brought back Audrey for a two-night revival of Little Shop of Horrors at New York City Center. She starred opposite Jake Gyllenhaal (who replaced Moranis). The revival received rave reviews, and according to The New York Times, when Greene made her entrance on stage, she received the kind of entrance applause you might imagine greeting the resurrection of Maria Callas at the Metropolitan Opera for a beyond-the-grave performance of "Norma."

Ellen Greene Photos

Ellen Greene STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
City Center Encores Off-Center Production, 2015
Audrey

[West End]
Return Engagement [West End], 2011
Princess/Nymph Queen/Enchantress

[Broadway]
1993
Mabel

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1992
P. Burke

Nola

[Off-Broadway]
1992
P. Burke/Nola

[Off-Broadway]
1990
Ellis

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1982
Audrey

Audrey

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1982
Performer

[US Tour]
1st National Tour, 1979
Sonia Wolsk

[Off-Broadway]
1979
United Nations Referee/ Eurydice

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Jenny Towler

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1976
Jenny

[Off-Broadway]
1974
Chrissy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1973
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Suzanne

The Little Rose

Suzanne/Little Rose


Ellen Greene Movies

[1976]Next Stop, Greenwich Village Sarah Roth

[1982]I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can Karen Mulligan

[1986]Little Shop of Horrors Audrey

[1988]Me and Him Annette Uttanzi

[1988]Talk Radio Ellen

[1990]Pump Up the Volume Jan Emerson

[1991]Rock-A-Doodle Goldie

[1991]Stepping Out Maxine

[1992]Fathers & Sons Judy

[1994]Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult Louise

[1994]Léon: The Professional Mathilda's Mother

[1994]Wagons East Belle

[1995]Killer: A Journal of Murder Elizabeth Wyatt

[1996]One Fine Day Elaine Lieberman

[1996]An Occasional Hell Della

[1997]States of Control Carol

[1998]Jaded Louise Smith

[2001]Alex in Wonder Clarice

[2003]The Cooler Doris

[2003]Love Object Typing Supervisor

[2016]Muddy Corman Dawn Denford

[2017]Love's Last Resort Ms. Leigh

[2019]The Untold Story Lydia


Ellen Greene TV Shows

Heroes Virginia Grey

Out of Jimmy's Head Dolly Gopher

Pushing Daisies Vivian Charles

Ellen Greene Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 1983 - Actress of the Year in a Musical

Ellen Greene, Little Shop Of Horrors

Ellen Greene Videos

Ellen Greene News


Original LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Film Reboot in the Works

Little Shop of Horrors, the 1960 horror comedy that inspired the hit musical, is being rebooted for a new film. Little Shop of Halloween Horrors will launch a new franchise, led by Joe Dante and Roger Corman. Following the original film, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's musical adaptation premiered Off-Broadway in 1982, where the revival now runs.

The Avalon Theatre Unveils Programming Celebrating Total Solar Eclipse

Join the Avalon Theatre in Union County for a weekend of family-friendly events celebrating the total solar eclipse on April 8th.

Review Roundup: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is now running at The Westside Theatre. See what the critics are saying!

Photo: Laurence Fishburne and Sam Rockwell Visit LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

An American Buffalo reunion took place at Little Shop of Horrors when Laurence Fishburne and Sam Rockwell came to visit their former co-star Darren Criss! See photos!

Breaking: Jinkx Monsoon Will Play Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Jinkx Monsoon will make a return to the New York City stage, this time taking on the role of Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors! Learn more about the show and find out how to get tickets here!

Updated: Darren Criss and Evan Rachel Wood Will Star in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Beginning in January

According to Darren Criss, he and Evan Rachel Wood will be headed to Skid Row for a short run as Seymour and Audrey, beginning in late January through the end of March.

Video: Constance Wu Performs 'Somewhere That's Green' From LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Little Shop of Horrors has released a stripped-down rendition of 'Somewhere That's Green' sung by the production's current Audrey, Constance Wu. Wu is accompanied by Will Van Dyke and Nate Brown.

Constance Wu and Corbin Bleu Will Depart LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS in January

Constance Wu and Corbin Bleu are set to depart Little Shop of Horrors next month. The duo will perform the roles of Seymour and Audrey through January 28, 2024 only.

Meet the Cast of MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT, Beginning Previews Tonight!

The search for the grail continues, on Broadway this fall! Direct from a sold out run at the Kennedy Center, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical comedy Monty Python’s SPAMALOT returns to Broadway tonight! Meet the cast of SPAMALOT here!

Constance Wu & Corbin Bleu to Perform LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS on GOOD MORNING AMERICA Next Week

Corbin Bleu and Constance Wu are bringing Little Shop of Horrors to Good Morning America on Monday! The new Seymour and Audrey will sit down with the hosts of the ABC morning show before performing a song from the show. They will also appear on GMA 3: What You Need to Know.

Telly Leung & More to Star in HAS ANYONE SEEN MY MIND? Industry Readings

Private industry readings of 'Has Anyone Seen My Mind?' by Bill Russell, are scheduled for October 26 & 27.

Video: Meet the Newest Cast Members of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS - Corbin Bleu & Constance Wu!

Get the latest news about the upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors as Golden Globe nominee Constance Wu and stage star Corbin Bleu join the cast. Find out more about their notable performances and previous work in film, television, and theater. Don't miss out on this exciting new addition to the cast of Little Shop of Horrors!

Constance Wu & Corbin Bleu to Join LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS in September

Get the scoop on the latest casting news for Little Shop of Horrors, as Constance Wu and Corbin Bleu join the cast!

Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Harlequin

Often we describe shows that you must see twice and this one literally screams that. Director Daniel Chasemore has ensured maximum talent and maximum opportunity, by double casting each of the lead roles which ensures no show is the same (as there are multiple actor combinations) and opportunities for many talented actors to share iconic roles and put their own spin on the characters.

Jeremy Jordan Will Return to LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS This Summer

Tony and Grammy Award nominee Jeremy Jordan will return to Skid Row this summer in Little Shop of Horrors and again take on the lead role of Seymour.

Photos: First Look at Joy Woods and Drew Gehling in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Get a first look at photos of Joy Woods and Drew Gehling in Little Shop of Horrors!

Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Arkansas Repertory Theatre

What did our critic think of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Arkansas Repertory Theatre?

Joy Woods To Star as Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS; Watch Her Perform 'Suddenly, Seymour'

Joy Woods will return to Little Shop of Horrors to star as Audrey, beginning May 2, 2023. Watch her perform 'Suddenly, Seymour!'.

World Premiere of FOR THE PEOPLE & More Set for Guthrie Theater 2023-2024 Season

The Guthrie Theater has announced a robust 10-production lineup of cherished classics and insightful new work for its 2023–2024 Season. See the lineup, and how to purchase tickets!

Drew Gehling to Join LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS This Month

Drew Gehling will join the cast of Little Shop of Horrors as Dr. Orin Scrivello D.D.S. beginning March 14. See who else is starring, and how to purchase tickets!

Ellen Greene FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Ellen Greene has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

Ellen Greene has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

Ellen Greene's first West End show was Betwixt! which opened in 2011

Ellen Greene has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout her career. These nominations include Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in "Little Shop of Horrors," Actress of the Year in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for her performance in "Little Shop Of Horrors," and a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her work in "Threepenny Opera."

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