Tommy Tune
Birth Place: Wichita Falls, TX, USA
Latest News on Tommy Tune:
BIO
Tommy Tune is one of the country's most prolific performer/director/choreographers. He made his Broadway debut as a performer in Baker Street in 1965. He gained national attention in 1969 as a specialty dancer and assistant choreographer for The Dean Martin Show and Dean Martin Presents The Golddiggers. During the 1970s, he also appeared in the films Hello, Dolly! (1969), The Boy Friend (1971), and Mimì Bluette... fiore del mio giardino (1976).
In 1978, Tune received his first Broadway directing and choreography credits for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He later directed and choreographed numerous Broadway productions, including Nine (1982), which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Off-Broadway, he directed The Club and Cloud 9 (1982). He also contributed to the Broadway-bound production Hellzapoppin (1978) during its pre-Broadway run.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Tune continued to perform and direct across stage productions. He toured in Busker Alley (1994–1995) and appeared in the stage adaptation of Dr. Dolittle (2006). He released the album Slow Dancin' in 1997 and starred in the Las Vegas production of EFX in 1999. His stage work also included the revue White Tie and Tails (2002), the cruise ship musical Paparazzi (2003), and Steps in Time: A Broadway Biography in Song and Dance (2008–2009). In 2008, he directed the musical Turn of the Century at Chicago's Goodman Theatre.
Tune's television credits include Welcome to the "World" (1975), Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1988), a credited appearance in The Simpsons episode "A Star Is Burns" (1995), and the role of Argyle Austero in the fourth and fifth seasons of Arrested Development. In 2015, he returned to the New York stage as a featured performer in Encores! Lady, Be Good! at New York City Center.
Throughout his career, Tune won 10 Tony Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. Mr. Tune has been awarded eight Drama Desk Awards, three Astaire Awards and the Society of Directors and Choreographers' George Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement. He is the recipient of The National Medal of Arts, has been honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was designated a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
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STAGE CREDITS
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TV Shows
Argyle Austero
Awards and Nominations
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Videos
Video: Watch Jessica Lee Goldyn Perform 'Music & the Mirror' The York Theatre 2025 Spring Gala
by Michael Major - 2025-03-25 11:43:58
Video: Sam Harris Sings 'You Could Drive A Person Crazy' From COMPANY at 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - 2024-12-04 09:18:47
Video: Jeff Calhoun Opens Up About His Most Personal Project- A COMPLICATED WOMAN
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2024-05-14 15:14:50
Video: Go Inside the Tommy Tune Awards 2024 at Theatre Under the Stars
by Joshua Wright - 2024-04-04 13:36:59
Exclusive: Go Inside Rehearsals for the GRAND HOTEL 35th Anniversary Reunion Concert
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-02-24 16:00:20
Video: Preview the Costumes of 'The Wondrous Willa Kim' at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-02-22 13:52:51
VIDEO: 'Put On Your Sunday Clothes' From HELLO, DOLLY! Featured in New Google Ad
by Stephi Wild - 2021-08-21 17:54:39
VIDEO: Casts of FOSSE and CHICAGO Reunite to Tribute Ann Reinking
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-02-12 13:48:32
VIDEO Special: Broadway Celebrates the Legacy of the Late, Great Ann Reinking
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2021-01-23 16:34:16
BWW Flashback: Ann Reinking Recounts Memories of Her Career as One of Broadway's Most Legendary Dancers
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-12-15 13:31:00
Broadway Rewind: GRAND HOTEL Returns with James Snyder, Brandon Uranowitz and More!
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-11-21 18:01:00
VIDEO: Living Legend Ann Reinking Visits Backstage LIVE with Richard Ridge!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2020-07-28 17:01:00
VIDEO: Watch Susan Egan Sing 'I Won't Say (I'm In Love)' from Home!
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-04-27 17:19:59
VIDEO: Adam Rothenberg Takes Part in Richard Skipper's #StayHome Campaign
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2020-04-02 11:07:57
VIDEO: Susan Egan Sings Cut Song From HERCULES at Broadway Princess Party
by Stephi Wild - 2020-03-14 17:03:36
News
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 20, 2026
Summer is here and there is no better time of year to soak up the sun and dive into a new book. You're in luck, because Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 21 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Summer 2026 reading list.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 11, 2026
Composer/lyricist Maury Yeston – who recently celebrated his landmark 80th birthday – will join author Joshua Rosenblum and theater journalist Peter Filichia at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 11, 2026
The Broadway League Foundation has revealed the 116 nominees who will be traveling to New York City to participate in the 17th annual Jimmy Awards ceremony and compete for top honors and numerous other scholarships.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 5, 2026
You can now watch the acceptance speeches from this year’s Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre recipients André Bishop, Jules Fisher, and James Lapin, and Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award winner Mary-Mitchell Campbell.
by Brett Cullum - Jun 1, 2026
One of the coolest things that Theatre Under the Stars does every year is host an awards program for high school students called The Tommy Tune Awards. The winners in each category move on to consideration for the Jimmy Awards, a national program that will culminate in their awards this year on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Minskoff Theatre in Manhattan.
by Stephi Wild - May 14, 2026
Theatre Communications Group announced Tianyu Lei and Viktoriia Shlenova as the 2026 recipients of the Willa Kim Costume Design Scholarship, honoring the legacy of the legendary costume designer.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026
The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that André Bishop, Jules Fisher, and James Lapine will each receive the 2026 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
by Gavin Glynn - Apr 25, 2026
All Roads Theatre Company (ARTCO) will present the World Premiere of the musical revue, THE MUSIC THAT MAKES ME DANCE: THE SONGS OF JULE STYNE. Created by Scott Thompson and Fred Barton, this production celebrates the legendary work of composer Jule Styne. The show features a cast of Broadway headliners, including Anneliese van der Pol, Nick Adams, Lana Gordon, Angel Reda, Rhett George, and Neil Starkenberg, accompanied by an 11-piece LIVE band! This production will run for five performances only, from May 1–3, 2026, at the iconic El Portal Theatre in old town North Hollywood.
by Patrick Honoré - Apr 20, 2026
Kathleen Marshall’s sumptuous revival of (Top Hat) transforms the Théâtre du Châtelet into a 1930s fantasia of tap brilliance, screwball romance, and Irving Berlin classics. Phillip Attmore and Nicole‑Lily Baisden lead a radiant cast through a whirlwind of mistaken identities, Art Deco glamour, and showstopping choreography. Running until 3 May.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
Stephanie Pope brings LIVIN' IT UP! back to 54 Below for a third time, directed by Tony winner Ben Vereen, featuring songs from CHICAGO, HADESTOWN, and stories of Broadway legends.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 20, 2026
Broadway veteran Stephanie Pope will bring her critically acclaimed show LIVIN' IT UP to Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, directed by Tony winner Ben Vereen, featuring songs from CHICAGO, HADESTOWN, and more.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Apr 19, 2026
From Corinne’s Heart, a new musical performed by Broadway veterans and new talent, will come to 54 Below. This show explores the hope and resilience of Corinne who dreamed of being a figure skater, affected by Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
by Stephi Wild - Apr 16, 2026
The Elliot Norton Awards announced its prize winner and nominations, recognizing outstanding achievements in Boston theater. See the full list of nominees and this year's Norton Prize recipient.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 13, 2026
Eileen Barnett will perform a one-night-only cabaret event, IT'S MY BIRTHDAY AND I'LL SING IF I WANT TO, with details available on BroadwayWorld's regional listings.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 6, 2026
David Gersten, Vice-President of ATPAM, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers (IATSE Local 18032), died on Monday, April 6 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2026
Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) has revealed the finalists for the 2026 Tommy Tune Awards! The 2026 Tommy Tune Awards will be held on May 8 at 7 p.m. at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
by Gillian Blum - Mar 21, 2026
54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club, will present From Corinne’s Heart on May 15, 2026 at 9:30 p.m., and will feature a cast of Broadway veterans and exciting new talent.
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2026
On his 80th birthday, six-time Tony Award–winning producer Kenneth D. Greenblatt has retired as GFour Productions Founder and Chairman. Learn more here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2026
The Broadway League Foundation has revealed the 58 participating Regional Awards Programs for the 17th annual Jimmy Awards which will take place at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2026
Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the most influential figures in musical theatre, will be honored by Goodspeed Musicals at their 2026 Gala & Auction. He will be honored with the Goodspeed Musicals Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tommy Tune has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.
Tommy Tune has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
Tommy Tune's first West End show was Mack & Mabel which opened in 1988
Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards), The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for Tommy Tune: White Tie and Tails, Best Theatre Choreographer (Olivier Awards) for Grand Hotel, Best Choreography (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Will Rogers Follies , Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for The Will Rogers Follies, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Will Rogers Follies, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Grand Hotel, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Grand Hotel, Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for Grand Hotel, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Grand Hotel, Special Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for My One and Only, Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for My One and Only, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for My One and Only, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for My One and Only, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for My One and Only, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nine, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Cloud 9, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Nine, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Nine, Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Best Direction and Choreography (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Day in Hollywod / A Night in the Ukraine, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Club and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Seesaw.
Tommy Tune has received numerous awards throughout his career, including: - Special Tony Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre (Tony Awards) - The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee Mead (Helen Hayes Awards) - Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for Tommy Tune: White Tie and Tails - Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for The Will Rogers Follies - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Will Rogers Follies - Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Grand Hotel - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Grand Hotel - Special Award (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for My One and Only - Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for My One and Only - Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for My One and Only - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for My One and Only - Outstanding Director of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nine - Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Cloud 9 - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Nine - Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine - Best Direction and Choreography (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine - Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Seesaw
