Madeline Kahn
Birth Place: Boston, MA
Latest News on Madeline Kahn:
Review: KEN LUDWIG’S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at New Jewish Theatre is a Hilarious Whodunit (Nov 21, 2025)
Lesley Ann Warren to Join CLUE Screening at the Marcus Performing Arts Center (Nov 20, 2025)
Review Roundup: CLUE Embarks on Second North American Tour (Nov 19, 2025)
Review: KEN LUDWIG’S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at New Jewish Theatre is a Hilarious Whodunit (Nov 21, 2025)
Lesley Ann Warren to Join CLUE Screening at the Marcus Performing Arts Center (Nov 20, 2025)
Review Roundup: CLUE Embarks on Second North American Tour (Nov 19, 2025)
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.
Date:
09/16/2017
From: Photo Flash: Hanna Burke Pays Tribute to Madeline Kahn
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Mildred Plotka/Lily Garland
Lily Garland
Mildred Plotka/Lily Garland
Lily Garland
Movies
What's Up, Doc?
[ 1972 ] Eunice Burns
[ 1972 ] Eunice Burns
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
[ 1973 ] Schoolteacher
[ 1973 ] Schoolteacher
Paper Moon
[ 1973 ] Trixie Delight
[ 1973 ] Trixie Delight
Young Frankenstein
[ 1974 ] Elizabeth
[ 1974 ] Elizabeth
Blazing Saddles
[ 1974 ] Lili Von Shtüpp
[ 1974 ] Lili Von Shtüpp
The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother
[ 1975 ] Jenny Hill
[ 1975 ] Jenny Hill
At Long Last Love
[ 1975 ] Kitty O Kelly
[ 1975 ] Kitty O Kelly
Won Ton Ton: The Dog Who Saved Hollywood
[ 1976 ] Estie Del Ruth
[ 1976 ] Estie Del Ruth
High Anxiety
[ 1977 ] Victoria Brisbane
[ 1977 ] Victoria Brisbane
The Cheap Detective
[ 1978 ] Mrs. Montenegro
[ 1978 ] Mrs. Montenegro
The Muppet Movie
[ 1979 ] El Sleezo Patron
[ 1979 ] El Sleezo Patron
Happy Birthday, Gemini
[ 1980 ] Bunny Weinberger
[ 1980 ] Bunny Weinberger
Simon
[ 1980 ] Dr. Cynthia Mallory
[ 1980 ] Dr. Cynthia Mallory
First Family
[ 1980 ] Mrs. Constance Link
[ 1980 ] Mrs. Constance Link
Wholly Moses!
[ 1980 ] Sorceress
[ 1980 ] Sorceress
History of the World: Part I
[ 1981 ] Empress Nympho
[ 1981 ] Empress Nympho
Slapstick of Another Kind
[ 1982 ] Eliza Swain, Lutetia Swain
[ 1982 ] Eliza Swain, Lutetia Swain
Yellowbeard
[ 1983 ] Betty
[ 1983 ] Betty
Scrambled Feet
[ 1983 ] Madeline
[ 1983 ] Madeline
City Heat
[ 1984 ] Caroline Howley
[ 1984 ] Caroline Howley
Clue
[ 1985 ] Mrs. White
[ 1985 ] Mrs. White
My Little Pony: The Movie
[ 1986 ] Draggle
[ 1986 ] Draggle
An American Tail
[ 1986 ] Gussie Mausheimer
[ 1986 ] Gussie Mausheimer
Betsy's Wedding
[ 1990 ] Lola Hopper
[ 1990 ] Lola Hopper
Mixed Nuts
[ 1994 ] Mrs. Munchnik
[ 1994 ] Mrs. Munchnik
Nixon
[ 1995 ] Martha Mitchell
[ 1995 ] Martha Mitchell
A Bug's Life
[ 1998 ] Gypsy Moth
[ 1998 ] Gypsy Moth
Judy Berlin
[ 1999 ] Alice Gold
[ 1999 ] Alice Gold
TV Shows
Cosby
Pauline Fox
Pauline Fox
Mr. President
Lois Gullickson
Lois Gullickson
Oh Madeline
Madeline Wayne
Madeline Wayne
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play
Madeline Kahn, The Sisters Rosensweig
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1993 - Best Actress - Play
Madeline Kahn, The Sisters Rosensweig
winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Madeline Kahn, The Sisters Rosensweig
Helen Hayes Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production
Madeline KahnBorn Yesterday
Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Madeline Kahn , Born Yesterday
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Madeline Kahn , On the Twentieth Century
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1974 - Outstanding Performance
Madeline Kahn, In the Boom Boom Room
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Madeline Kahn, Boom Boom Room
Videos
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
Review: KEN LUDWIG’S BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at New Jewish Theatre is a Hilarious Whodunit
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 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.
Lesley Ann Warren to Join CLUE Screening at the Marcus Performing Arts Center
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 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.
Review Roundup: CLUE Embarks on Second North American Tour
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 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!
Review: CLUE at BJCC
by Cade Lott - Nov 15, 2025
For an outrageously funny night out, CLUE at the BJCC is a must!
by Cade Lott - Nov 15, 2025
For an outrageously funny night out, CLUE at the BJCC is a must!
Lesley Ann Warren to Host 40th Anniversary Screenings of CLUE THE MOVIE
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 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.
Review: Sara Chase's KAHN-CEPT Brings Madeline Kahn Back to Life at The Beechman
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 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
Review: CLUE LIVE ON STAGE! at Royal Alexandra Theatre
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 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.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Will Be Performed by Avon Players
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 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.
Review: CLUE: LIVE ON STAGE! Presented By Broadway In Chicago
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 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.
Modern Classics Theatre to Present CLUE at at BACCA Arts Center
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 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.
Review: CLUE LIVE ON STAGE at Bass Concert Hall
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 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.
Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman To Receive GMHC 2025 Howard Ashman Award
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 - 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.
Registration Open For NEXT STOP BROADWAY 2025 Summer Theatre Intensive Program
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 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.
Interview: Theatre Life with Judy Kaye
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 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.
Review: CLUE at John W. Engeman Theater At Northport
by Nicholas Pontolillo - Sep 17, 2024
What did our critic think of CLUE at John W. Engeman Theater At Northport?
by Nicholas Pontolillo - Sep 17, 2024
What did our critic think of CLUE at John W. Engeman Theater At Northport?
Photos: Highlights from Eden Casteel's KAHN ARTIST at Don't Tell Mama
by Rebecca Kaplan - Sep 11, 2024
On Monday 9/9, Eden Casteel was back at DTM with an encore of “Kahn Artist: Madeline And Me.” With iconic songs, compelling stories, and hilarious anecdotes, “Kahn Artist: Madeline And Me” is an intimate look at the trials and triumphs of both Madeline Kahn and Casteel. She returns to DTM 10/16. Check out photos from the special night here.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Sep 11, 2024
On Monday 9/9, Eden Casteel was back at DTM with an encore of “Kahn Artist: Madeline And Me.” With iconic songs, compelling stories, and hilarious anecdotes, “Kahn Artist: Madeline And Me” is an intimate look at the trials and triumphs of both Madeline Kahn and Casteel. She returns to DTM 10/16. Check out photos from the special night here.
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup " Sept. 9 to Sept. 15 2024
by Rebecca Kaplan - Sep 9, 2024
Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including phonograph-era music and Santino Fontana's all audience requests show.
by Rebecca Kaplan - Sep 9, 2024
Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including phonograph-era music and Santino Fontana's all audience requests show.
KAHN ARTIST: MADELINE AND ME Returns To Don't Tell Mama
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 29, 2024
Kahn you believe it? KAHN ARTIST: Madeline And Me returns to Don't Tell Mama beginning Wednesday July 31 for an encore run of shows: July 31, August 8, September 9, and October 16, all at 7pm.
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 29, 2024
Kahn you believe it? KAHN ARTIST: Madeline And Me returns to Don't Tell Mama beginning Wednesday July 31 for an encore run of shows: July 31, August 8, September 9, and October 16, all at 7pm.
25 Theater Books for Your Summer 2024 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 28, 2024
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Summer 2024 reading list.
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 28, 2024
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 25 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Summer 2024 reading list.
The Drama Book Shop Unveils Summer Reading Events In July And August
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 26, 2024
The Drama Book Shop will host a series of live events featuring Broadway and Off-Broadway guests. Learn more and see how to attend!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 26, 2024
The Drama Book Shop will host a series of live events featuring Broadway and Off-Broadway guests. Learn more and see how to attend!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Madeline Kahn been in?
Madeline Kahn has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.
How many West End shows has Madeline Kahn been in?
Madeline Kahn has not appeared in the West End
What awards has Madeline Kahn been nominated for?
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."
What awards has Madeline Kahn won?
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