Madeline Kahn
Birth Place: Boston, MA
Video: John Cameron Mitchell Discusses His Take on Mary Todd Lincoln in OH, MARY! (Mar 5, 2026)
CLUE With Lesley Ann Warren To Screen At Paramount Theatre (Feb 10, 2026)
Theatrikos Launches 2026 Season with CLUE (Jan 17, 2026)
BIO
Kahn was known for her comedic roles in films directed by Peter Bogdanovich and Mel Brooks, including What's Up, Doc? (1972), Young Frankenstein (1974), High Anxiety (1977), History of the World, Part I (1981), and her Academy Award–nominated roles in Paper Moon (1973) and Blazing Saddles (1974).
Kahn made her Broadway debut in Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1968, and received Tony Award nominations for the play In the Boom Boom Room in 1974 and for the original production of the musical On the Twentieth Century in 1978. She starred as Madeline Wayne on the short-lived sitcom Oh Madeline (1983–84) and won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1987 for an ABC Afterschool Special. She received a third Tony Award nomination for the revival of the play Born Yesterday in 1989, before winning the 1993 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for the comedy The Sisters Rosensweig. Her other film appearances included The Cheap Detective (1978), Yellowbeard (1983), City Heat (1984), Clue (1985), and Nixon (1995).
Photos
Hanna Burke's cabaret Why is Everyone Laughing? A Tribute to Madeline Kahn and Benefit for Ovarian Cancer at the Metropolitan Room. Featuring William V. Madisons biography Madeline Kahn: Being the Music, A Life. Photo taken by Micah Joel.
From: Photo Flash: Hanna Burke Pays Tribute to Madeline Kahn
STAGE CREDITS
Movies
[ 1972 ] Eunice Burns
[ 1973 ] Schoolteacher
[ 1973 ] Trixie Delight
[ 1974 ] Elizabeth
[ 1974 ] Lili Von Shtüpp
[ 1975 ] Jenny Hill
[ 1975 ] Kitty O Kelly
[ 1976 ] Estie Del Ruth
[ 1977 ] Victoria Brisbane
[ 1978 ] Mrs. Montenegro
[ 1979 ] El Sleezo Patron
[ 1980 ] Bunny Weinberger
[ 1980 ] Dr. Cynthia Mallory
[ 1980 ] Mrs. Constance Link
[ 1980 ] Sorceress
[ 1981 ] Empress Nympho
[ 1982 ] Eliza Swain, Lutetia Swain
[ 1983 ] Betty
[ 1983 ] Madeline
[ 1984 ] Caroline Howley
[ 1985 ] Mrs. White
[ 1986 ] Draggle
[ 1986 ] Gussie Mausheimer
[ 1990 ] Lola Hopper
[ 1994 ] Mrs. Munchnik
[ 1995 ] Martha Mitchell
[ 1998 ] Gypsy Moth
[ 1999 ] Alice Gold
TV Shows
Pauline Fox
Lois Gullickson
Madeline Wayne
Awards and Nominations
Madeline Kahn, The Sisters Rosensweig
winner
Madeline Kahn, The Sisters Rosensweig
winner
Madeline Kahn, The Sisters Rosensweig
Madeline KahnBorn Yesterday
Madeline Kahn , Born Yesterday
Madeline Kahn , On the Twentieth Century
winner
Madeline Kahn, In the Boom Boom Room
Madeline Kahn, Boom Boom Room
Videos
Video: John Cameron Mitchell Discusses His Take on Mary Todd Lincoln in OH, MARY!
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-05 10:38:01
Video: Watch a Preview for CLUE, Coming to State Theatre New Jersey Next Weekend
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-04-21 14:36:39
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsal for David Rabe's IN THE BOOM BOOM ROOM Off-Broadway
by BWW News Desk - 2017-04-13 13:40:58
VIDEO: THE CAROL BURNETT SHOW Now Available on iTunes; New Trailer!
by TV News Desk - 2016-05-17 16:17:56
VIDEO: Broadway Legend John Cullum Considers Autobiographical One-Man Show
by Michael Dale - 2016-02-01 20:54:24
STAGE TUBE: Blast from the Past- The Original ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY TV Commercial!
by Nicole Rosky - 2012-04-18 18:53:49
News
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 5, 2026
After 11 years away from the Broadway stage, John Cameron Mitchell is back treading the boards. The Tony Award winner recently returned as 'Mary Todd Lincoln' in the hit play Oh, Mary! and visited Late Night with Seth Meyers to talk all about it. Watch the interview now.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2026
Lesley Ann Warren will host a special screening of the cult comedy Clue at the Paramount Theatre in Denver on February 19, 2026. The event includes a screening of the 1985 film and an optional meet-and-greet with the original Miss Scarlet.
by Gillian Blum - Jan 17, 2026
Theatrikos Theatre Company launches its 2026 season with the fast-paced, laugh-out-loud murder mystery Clue, running February 19 to March 15 at Theatrikos Theatre Company in downtown Flagstaff.
by Christopher Verleger - Jan 17, 2026
What did our critic think of CLUE LIVE ON STAGE! by the Providence Performing Arts Center, based on the beloved board game which inspired the 1985 movie, Clue, starring Tim Curry and Madeline Kahn.
by Gillian Blum - Nov 30, 2025
After shows in Puerto Vallarta, Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, and many points between, Kahn Artist: Madeline and Me, Eden Casteel's hilarious and heartfelt tribute to the legendary Madeline Kahn, is returning to NYC for one night only.
by James Lindhorst - Nov 21, 2025
Nisi Sturgis’ Baskerville is a wacky whodunit. The madcap mystery is filled with riotous performances from a talented cast breaking boundaries with bold artistry. Alicia Revé and Sean C. Seifert are revelations. Their presence is more than scene stealing because their every moment on the stage is unforgettably funny. The entire acting troupe commits to absurd physical dynamism with athletic intensity to land every joke possible. Baskerville at New Jewish Theatre is a fun, fast, and frenzied good time.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 20, 2025
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of CLUE: The Movie, original film star Lesley Ann Warren (Miss Scarlett) will travel to the Marcus Performing Arts Center for a special screening of the fan favorite film.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2025
Performances are underway for the second North American tour of CLUE, the murder mystery comedy inspired by the board game and adapted from the film. Read the reviews as they come in here!
by Cade Lott - Nov 15, 2025
For an outrageously funny night out, CLUE at the BJCC is a must!
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 15, 2025
In celebration of the 40th Anniversary of CLUE: The Movie, original star Lesley Ann Warren (Miss Scarlett) will travel across the country to select cities to host special screenings of the fan favorite film in Ultra High Definition.
by Andrew Poretz - Oct 9, 2025
Sara Chase brought Madeline Kahn back to life at The Laurie Beechman with a new twist on the cabaret bio show. Her good script, beautiful soprano and top-notch support made for a very entertaining 75 minutes
by Samantha Wu - May 26, 2025
The much beloved childhood Hasbro board game Clue became a big screen hit in 1985 with the film directed by Jonathan Lynn starring Tim Curry and Madeline Kahn. Now, Toronto audiences get to play along with this laugh out loud lightning paced romp as Clue Live on Stage! takes to the Royal Alexandra Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2025
A classic horror parody movie by a legend of the entertainment field will come to life on stage in Avon Players’ Young Frankenstein, which begins performances this month.
by Zac Thriffiley - Feb 24, 2025
While the play may be meager fare compared to other recent professional offerings, CLUE is undeniably a well-polished evening of hijinks and hilarity—if audiences know what they’re getting themselves into.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2025
Get ready for an evening of intrigue, comedy, and classic whodunit suspense as Clue comes to life at BACCA Arts Center. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Joni Lorraine - Jan 16, 2025
Our story begins with a board game originally invented in 1943 by Anthony Pratt, a British musician who envisioned a murder-mystery game to entertain people during air-raid shelter stays in World War II. The game, originally called Cluedo (a mashup of 'clue' and 'ludo,' meaning 'I play' in Latin), was later licensed by Parker Brothers and became the beloved classic we know as Clue.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 3, 2025
GMHC will honor legendary songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman with the 2025 Howard Ashman Award. The award will be presented at GMHC's 10th annual Cabaret & Howard Ashman Award, a fundraising event hosted by Joe's Pub at The Public Theater.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 23, 2024
The FSCJ Artist Series will present NEXT STOP BROADWAY. This week-long musical theatre program will take place June 9-13, 2025 at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts.
by Elliot Lanes - Oct 18, 2024
Judy Kaye has been living her theatre life for over half a century. The Tony Award winning performer has been seen on Broadway, on tour, in regional theatres and has been heard on many recordings. Currently Ms. Kaye can be seen onstage at Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) in Babbitt where she plays a plethora of roles. The show runs through November 3rd at Harman Hall.
by Nicholas Pontolillo - Sep 17, 2024
What did our critic think of CLUE at John W. Engeman Theater At Northport?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Madeline Kahn has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.
Madeline Kahn has not appeared in the West End
Madeline Kahn has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in "The Sisters Rosensweig." She was also nominated for Best Actress - Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for the same production. Kahn received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for her performance in "Born Yesterday." She was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for the same play. In the musical category, Kahn received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for her role in "On the Twentieth Century." Additionally, she received a nomination for Outstanding Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for her work in "In the Boom Boom Room." Finally, she was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Boom Boom Room."
Madeline Kahn has won several awards throughout her career. She received the Best Actress - Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance in "The Sisters Rosensweig." Additionally, she won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for the same production. Kahn also received the Outstanding Performance award from the Drama Desk Awards for her work in "In the Boom Boom Room."
Videos