Estelle Parsons
Birth Place: Lynn, MA, USA
Latest News on Estelle Parsons:
Theater For The New City To Host LOVE ’N COURAGE GALA Benefiting Emerging Playwrights Program (Jan 7, 2026)
Jonathan Groff From Stage to Screen: GLEE to MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Dec 9, 2025)
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84 (Nov 15, 2025)
Theater For The New City To Host LOVE ’N COURAGE GALA Benefiting Emerging Playwrights Program (Jan 7, 2026)
Jonathan Groff From Stage to Screen: GLEE to MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Dec 9, 2025)
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84 (Nov 15, 2025)
BIO
Parsons was last seen on Broadway in The Velocity of Autumn for which she received her fifth Tony Award nomination. Although she has spent most of her professional life in the theatre, she is most widely known for her Academy Award-winning performance in Bonnie and Clyde, and her decade-long, recurring role of Beverly, mother of the title character in the hit sitcom Roseanne.
In the theatre, she has appeared in plays by the great writers of our time, including Edward Albee, Tennessee Williams, Dario Fo, and Horton Foote. She appeared in Roberto Athayde's classic Miss Margarida's Way on Broadway, all over the United States and in London, Dublin, Turkey and Australia. She starred in August, Osage County by Tracy Letts on Broadway for a year and on the road for a year. Recently she played in Good People by David Lindsay-Abair and the Gershwin musical, Nice Work if You Can Get It, with Matthew Broderick. Her most recent New York City appearance was at Playwrights Horizons in Michael Friedman's musical Unknown Soldier which was interrupted by the pandemic. As a director, she created the New York Shakespeare Festival Players for Joseph Papp in the 1980s. She is a lifetime member of the Actors Studio and was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2004.
Photos
Dean Emeritus of the Actors Studio Drama School and host of Inside the Actors Studio, James Lipton along with Estelle Parsons of the Actors Studio join the students, faculty and administration of the Actors Studio Drama School at the opening night of
Date:
04/05/2017
From: Photo Flash: The Actors Studio Drama School 2017 Rep Season Opens with ALMOST, MAINE and ADIOS FJORD
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Unknown, 1963
Yvette Pottier (Understudy)
Mother Courage (Understudy)
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1958
Reservation Resident
Glenda Swenson (Understudy)
Mrs. Kellenbach (Understudy)
Productions
Awards and Nominations
winner
- 2017 - Legend of Off-Broadway Honorees
Estelle Parsons
Drama League Awards - 2014 - Distinguished Performance Award
Estelle Parsons, The Velocity of Autumn
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Play
Estelle Parsons, The Velocity of Autumn
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Estelle Parsons, The Velocity of Autumn
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play
Estelle Parsons, Good People
Helen Hayes Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production
Estelle ParsonsAugust: Osage County
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Estelle Parsons, Morning's at Seven
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Solo Performance
Estelle Parsons, Orgasmo Adulto Escapes from the Zoo
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Unique Theatrical Experience
Estelle Parsons, Miss Magarida's Way
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Estelle Parsons , Miss Margarida's Way
Tony Awards - 1971 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Estelle Parsons , And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little
Tony Awards - 1969 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Estelle Parsons, Seven Descents of Myrtle
winner
Obie Awards - 1964 - Performance
Estelle Parsons, Next Time I'll Sing To You
winner
Obie Awards - 1964 - Performance
Estelle ParsonsIn the Summer House
winner
Theatre World Awards - 1963 - Performance
Estelle ParsonsMrs. Dally Has a Lover
Videos
Video: Kelly Clarkson Sings Cover of Stephen Sondheim's 'Sooner or Later' From DICK TRACY
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-10-31 17:54:57
Theater Talk: Estelle Parsons and Patricia Bosworth on The Actors Studio!
by Theater Talk - 2018-04-09 10:26:02
TV: Drama League Honors James Earl Jones- Watch Highlights from Inside the Ceremony!
by Nicole Rosky - 2015-02-04 09:33:57
TV Exclusive: Backstage with Richard Ridge- SAG Foundation Conversations Series with Estelle Parsons!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2014-06-29 09:00:51
TV Flashback: Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella Close THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN Today
by Robert Diamond - 2014-05-04 08:18:11
TV: First Look at Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella Onstage in THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN!
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-04-16 13:35:57
STAGE TUBE: Estelle Parsons Talks VELOCITY OF AUTUMN and More on TODAY
by Stage Tube - 2014-03-26 16:46:45
TV: Stephen Spinella Talks Broadway Return in THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by BroadwayWorld TV - 2014-03-17 16:43:21
STAGE TUBE: Watch Estelle Parsons in New TV Spot for THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-03-10 10:46:15
TV: Chatting with Estelle Parsons and the Company of Broadway's THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by Nicole Rosky - 2014-03-03 16:41:26
TV: Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella in Highlights of THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN
by Christina Mancuso - 2013-09-19 18:00:54
TV: Cast Announced for BROADWAY BACKWARDS 2013- Estelle Parsons, Judy Kaye, Bruce Vilanch, Stephanie J. Block & More!
by Nicole Rosky - 2013-01-30 17:05:41
STAGE TUBE: NICE WORK's Broderick & O'Hara Perform in Macy's Parade!
by Stage Tube - 2012-11-22 11:56:35
STAGE TUBE: Backstage at the Imperial with the Cast of NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT
by Nicole Rosky - 2012-10-23 12:40:08
STAGE TUBE: Backstage with NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT's 'Floyd', Jeff Schecter
by Stage Tube - 2012-08-08 19:31:27
TV: Judy Kaye Talks Returning to Broadway and Being 'Blindsided' By Her Tony Win
by Kelsey Denette - 2012-06-12 13:00:06
TV: Michael McGrath - My Tony is Heavy and Solid and Real...And It's Mine!
by Jessica Lewis - 2012-06-12 15:42:47
News
Theater For The New City To Host LOVE ’N COURAGE GALA Benefiting Emerging Playwrights Program
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 7, 2026
Theater for the New City will host its annual Love ’n Courage gala to benefit the Emerging Playwrights Program. The event will honor Estelle Parsons and feature performances by artists associated with TNC.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 7, 2026
Theater for the New City will host its annual Love ’n Courage gala to benefit the Emerging Playwrights Program. The event will honor Estelle Parsons and feature performances by artists associated with TNC.
Ira Levine's DEATHTRAP to Open at FreeFall Theatre in October
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 9, 2025
freeFall will continue their 25/26 season with Ira Levin's Deathtrap. Deathtrap provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness, and offers hilariously sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be spellbound until the very last moment.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 9, 2025
freeFall will continue their 25/26 season with Ira Levin's Deathtrap. Deathtrap provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness, and offers hilariously sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be spellbound until the very last moment.
Interview: Patrick Cassidy on Studio Tenn's Upcoming Season
by Carolan Trbovich - Oct 8, 2025
Born into one of Hollywood’s most beloved musical dynasties, with mother Shirley Jones, father Jack Cassidy, and brothers David and Shaun, Patrick Cassidy has long stood out as a star in his own right.
by Carolan Trbovich - Oct 8, 2025
Born into one of Hollywood’s most beloved musical dynasties, with mother Shirley Jones, father Jack Cassidy, and brothers David and Shaun, Patrick Cassidy has long stood out as a star in his own right.
Caitlin Frazier Revealed as Abingdon Theatre Company's 33rd Season Artist-in-Residence
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2025
Abingdon Theatre Company (Chad Austin, Producing Artistic Director) is thrilled to announce their 33rd Season Carolyn Halpert Artist-in-Residence will be playwright Caitlin Frazier.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 30, 2025
Abingdon Theatre Company (Chad Austin, Producing Artistic Director) is thrilled to announce their 33rd Season Carolyn Halpert Artist-in-Residence will be playwright Caitlin Frazier.
Cast Set for Production of DEATHTRAP at FreeFall Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2025
FreeFall will continue its 25/26 season with Ira Levin's Deathtrap. Learn more about Deathtrap and see how to purchase tickets to upcoming performances here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2025
FreeFall will continue its 25/26 season with Ira Levin's Deathtrap. Learn more about Deathtrap and see how to purchase tickets to upcoming performances here!
Review: GRACE AND GLORIE at Black Theatre Troupe
by Herbert Paine - Sep 9, 2025
The emotional terrain is fertile, but in Black Theatre Troupe’s 56th-season opener, GRACE AND GLORIE, the production comes close but not quite far enough to capture the fullness and weight that popularized the work.
by Herbert Paine - Sep 9, 2025
The emotional terrain is fertile, but in Black Theatre Troupe’s 56th-season opener, GRACE AND GLORIE, the production comes close but not quite far enough to capture the fullness and weight that popularized the work.
GRACE AND GLORIE to Open Black Theatre Troupe Season in September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 11, 2025
Black Theatre Troupe will open its 2025–2026 season with GRACE & GLORIE a warm and incisive two-character play by Tom Ziegler, directed by Chanel Bragg. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 11, 2025
Black Theatre Troupe will open its 2025–2026 season with GRACE & GLORIE a warm and incisive two-character play by Tom Ziegler, directed by Chanel Bragg. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: THE UNDERSTUDY at Hub Theatre Company of Boston
by R. Scott Reedy - Jul 26, 2025
A Broadway star is not likely to be found running lines with the understudy. Indeed, marquee-name actors seldom even know who’s covering their role. The classic 1950 film melodrama “All About Eve” aside, a real-life Margo Channing probably isn't giving a second thought to any Eve Harringtons lurking backstage.
by R. Scott Reedy - Jul 26, 2025
A Broadway star is not likely to be found running lines with the understudy. Indeed, marquee-name actors seldom even know who’s covering their role. The classic 1950 film melodrama “All About Eve” aside, a real-life Margo Channing probably isn't giving a second thought to any Eve Harringtons lurking backstage.
Abingdon Theatre Company Reveals that Cris Eli Blak Will Write First Play Commission Surrounding The Life Of Bobby Short
by Stephi Wild - Jun 17, 2025
Abingdon Theatre Company has announced the playwright attached to their first-ever full-length new play commission is previous Carolyn Halpert Artist-in-Residence, Cris Eli Blak.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 17, 2025
Abingdon Theatre Company has announced the playwright attached to their first-ever full-length new play commission is previous Carolyn Halpert Artist-in-Residence, Cris Eli Blak.
Paradise Factory To Premiere WORKPLACE INJURIES
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2025
Paradise Factory will present WORKPLACE INJURIES, the World Premiere of three one-act plays by Eric Maierson, Joan Mathieu and Grant James Varjas (HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES).
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2025
Paradise Factory will present WORKPLACE INJURIES, the World Premiere of three one-act plays by Eric Maierson, Joan Mathieu and Grant James Varjas (HERE THERE ARE BLUEBERRIES).
Photos: MAYBE TOMORROW at Abingdon Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2025
Abingdon Theatre Company’s Maybe Tomorrow officially opens Off-Broadway in the Mezzanine Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres today. Check out photos here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2025
Abingdon Theatre Company’s Maybe Tomorrow officially opens Off-Broadway in the Mezzanine Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres today. Check out photos here!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Estelle Parsons been in?
Estelle Parsons has appeared on Broadway in 25 shows.
How many West End shows has Estelle Parsons been in?
Estelle Parsons has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
What was Estelle Parsons's first West End show?
Estelle Parsons's first West End show was Deathtrap which opened in 2010
What awards has Estelle Parsons been nominated for?
Legend of Off-Broadway Honorees (), Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Velocity of Autumn, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Velocity of Autumn, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Velocity of Autumn, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Good People, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for August: Osage County , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Morning's at Seven, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Orgasmo Adulto Escapes from the Zoo, Unique Theatrical Experience (Drama Desk Awards) for Miss Magarida's Way, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Miss Margarida's Way, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Seven Descents of Myrtle, Performance (Obie Awards) for Next Time I'll Sing To You, Performance (Obie Awards) for In the Summer House and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Mrs. Dally Has a Lover.
What awards has Estelle Parsons won?
Estelle Parsons has received several prestigious awards throughout her career. She was honored as a Legend of Off-Broadway Honoree. She won the Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience for Miss Magarida's Way. Parsons received Obie Awards for Performance in both Next Time I'll Sing To You and In the Summer House. Additionally, she earned the Theatre World Award for Performance in Mrs. Dally Has a Lover.
Videos