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Laura Benanti Headshot

Laura Benanti

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BIO

Tony Award-winner Laura Benanti can be seen in the Samantha Bee and Jason Jones TBS comedy, The Detour. Additional TV credits include Younger, Supergirl, Nashville, guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone; The Good Wife; and Showtime’s Nurse Jackie.


Most recently, Laura starred as Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway Revival of My Fair Lady. Prior to that, she co-starred alongside Amy Schumer and Keegan Michael Key in Steve Martin’s hit Broadway play, Meteor Shower.
In 2016, Laura completed her Tony nominated role (and 5th nomination) as Amalia Balash in the hit Broadway Musical, She Loves Me. Laura also received Outer Critics Circle, Drama League and Drama Desk Award nominations for this role.
In addition to television work and her critically acclaimed performance as Elsa Schrader in NBC’s The Sound of Music LIVE, Ms. Benanti is a highly celebrated, stage actress who took Broadway by storm at the age of 18.
She received a Drama Desk award, Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award Nomination for her starring role in the Broadway production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown for Lincoln Center where she also starred in the Broadway production of Sarah Ruhl’s In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play. Ms. Benanti earned the 2008 Tony Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, a Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award for her revelatory portrayal of Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy opposite Patti LuPone and directed by Arthur Laurents. Her other Broadway roles include The Wedding Singer, Nine, starring Antonio Banderas, her Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award-nominated performance of Cinderella in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods and her sultry Tony nominated turn in Swing! Ms. Benanti made her Broadway debut as Maria in The Sound of Music opposite Richard Chamberlain.
Other distinguished theater performances include the Public Theater’s production of Christopher Durang’s Why Torture is Wrong and the People Who Love Them, Perdita in The Winter’s Tale at the Williamstown Theatre Festival opposite Kate Burton, Anne in A Little Night Music at the L.A. Opera opposite Victor Garber, Eileen in Wonderful Town opposite Donna Murphy and most recently her portrayal of Rosabella in the Most Happy Fella, both for City Center Encores! Ms. Benanti completed a week-long engagement at the popular New York cabaret club, 54 Below, for which The New York Times hailed her as a “supremely confident” performer whose “bright, full soprano, with its semioperatic heft, can go almost anywhere.” In September 2013, she released her debut album, “In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention: Live at 54 Below” on Broadway Records to ecstatic reviews.
Laura currently performs her concerts in venues around the country and even recently performed for the President and First Lady of the United States at both the Fords Gala and the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC.
In 2014, she joined the cast of ABC’s hit series “Nashville” guest-starring as songbird Sadie Stone. Laura also appeared in recurring roles on CBS’s “The Good Wife” and HBO’s “Nurse Jackie.”
Laura’s past television credits include a starring role in the NBC series “The Playboy Club” and “Go On” opposite Matthew Perry. She also starred in the F/X original series “Starved”. Ms. Benanti recurred on “Law and Order: SVU,” “Royal Pains,” and “Eli Stone.” and had appearances on “The Big C”, and “Elementary”.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Irish Rep Off-Broadway Production, 2023
Melissa


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2018
Eliza Doolittle [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
Laura


[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Broadway Revival, 2016
Amalia


[Off-Broadway]
Radio City Musical Hall Production, 2015
Jenna


[New York]
Manhattan Concert Production at Lincoln Center, 2015
Lucille Frank


[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2014
Performer


[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2013
Elsa Schrader


[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Production, 2010
Candela


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Mrs. Givings


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2008
Louise


[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 2007


[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 2006
Performer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Julia [Replacement]


[Replacement]


[New York]
New York Concert, 2005
Lily


[New York]
Workshop, 2005
Performers


[Regional (US)]
Workshop, 2004
Princess Caraboo


[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Other Roles

Performer

Other Roles

Performer

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2003
The Snake-Led


[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2003
Rosamund Plinth [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Claudia


[Broadway]
Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday Celebration, 2002
"Something Good" Performer

"In My Own Little Corner" Performer


"Something Good" Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2002
Cinderella


[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Revival (Pre-Broadway), 2002
Cinderella/Cinderella's Mother


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2001
Julia


[Off-Broadway]
2001
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2000
Eileen


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Performer


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1998
Maria Rainer [Replacement]

Ensemble

A Postulant

Maria Rainer [Replacement]

Ensemble

A Postulant

Maria Rainer (Understudy)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2018 - Distinguished Performance Award

Laura Benanti, Meteor Shower

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, She Loves Me

Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award

Laura Benanti, She Loves Me

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, She Loves Me

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti, She Loves Me


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2011 - Best Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Laura Benanti, In the Next Room, or the vibrator play


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Gypsy


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Gypsy


winner
Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Gypsy

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Nine

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Laura Benanti, Into the Woods

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti, Into the Woods

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Laura Benanti , Swing!

Videos

News


Brian Stokes Mitchell and Laura Benanti to Headline McCallum Theatre Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025

Broadway icon and Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell will take the stage at the McCallum Theatre for the Annual Gala 2025, joined by Laura Benanti.
Khaila Wilcoxon and Laura Benanti Will Lead Concert Performance of New Musical SPIRAL BOUND
by Stephi Wild - Nov 19, 2025

A free concert presentation of the new musical Spiral Bound will be held at Lincoln Center next month. The evening will feature Miranda Ferriss Jones, Khaila Wilcoxon, Laura Benanti, guest artists from Sands PACE, and a band of Broadway musicians.
Hamish Linklater, Jeff Hiller, & Steve Buscemi Join ELSBETH Season 3 as Guest Stars
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 11, 2025

Broadway alums Hamish Linklater and Jeff Hiller, along with Emmy winner Steve Buscemi, will all appear as guest stars in the ongoing third season of Elsbeth.
Video: Tony Hale Stars in Exclusive Clip From New Episode of ELSBETH Season 3
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 11, 2025

In a new exclusive clip from Episode 6 of the ongoing third season, Elsbeth, Officer Nikki Reynolds, and Lieutenant Steve Connor visit the fancy home of billionaire Craig Hollis, played by guest star Tony Hale. Watch it now.
Exclusive: Oh My Pod U Guys- Girl, I'm Golfing with Billie Aken-Tyers
by Jayke Workman - Nov 9, 2025

I am joined by Billie Aken-Tyers, as she shares her journey from performer to director, discussing her recent appointment to the position of Resident Director for SIX The Musical. We chat about her experience as Associate Director to Tye Blue on the Off-Broadway hit, Titanique, as well as directing Laura Benanti in her own original biographical musical.
Mamie Parris and More to Star in RAGTIME at Arizona Musicfest
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 6, 2025

Arizona Musicfest, a leading arts and cultural destination in the Valley, will present its second musical theater collaboration with the Herberger Theater Center, featuring Ragtime.
Photos: ELSBETH Channels MY FAIR LADY in New Photos from Halloween Episode
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 28, 2025

Photos from the latest Halloween-themed episode of Elsbeth, which sees the fan-favorite detective celebrate the holiday by channeling Eliza Doolittle, the 'loverly' protagonist of Broadway's My Fair Lady.
Video: Laura Benanti Talks MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN Role, Averted Broadway Strike
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 23, 2025

Tony Award winner Laura Benanti recently stopped by TODAY to discuss joining Season Four of the crime series Mayor of Kingstown, also speaking on the recent agreements with the Broadway League, which averted a potential Broadway strike. Watch the interview now.
Photos: Laura Benanti, Edie Falco, & More Attend MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN Red Carpet Event
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 22, 2025

On Tuesday, October 21st, Paramount+ hosted the red carpet and special screening for Mayor of Kingstown Season Four in New York City, featuring Laura Benanti, Edie Falco, and more in attendance. Check out photos from the event below.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 22, 2025- HAMILTON Tops the Grosses and More
by - Oct 22, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 22, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Laura Benanti Returns as First Lady Melania Trump on THE LATE SHOW
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 21, 2025

During Monday's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Laura Benanti reprised her fan-favorite performance as Melania Trump. Watch the clip now!
The 2025 Broadway Dreams Gala to Honor Jerry Mitchell
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 15, 2025

Broadway Dreams’ annual gala will honor Jerry Mitchell and take place this December. Learn more about the event, including who is performing, and see how to attend here.
Watch: Laura Benanti in New JO - THE LITTLE WOMEN MUSICAL Music Video
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 10, 2025

A new music video has been released starring Tony Award winner Laura Benanti from Jo - The Little Women Musical. Learn more about Jo - The Little women musical, and watch the video here!
Video: Lindsay Mendez Stars in ELSBETH Season 3 Clip with Sondheim Reference
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 7, 2025

Ahead of the Season 3 premiere of Elsbeth, CBS has released a sneak peek clip from the first episode, which features Tony Award winner Lindsay Mendez as the new character Officer Grace Hackett. Watch it now!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 3, 2025- In the Rehearsal Room with CHESS and More
by - Oct 3, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 3, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Laura Benanti, Ali Stroker and More to Join TDF's Fall Fundraiser BROADWAY BREAKFAST
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 2, 2025

Laura Benanti will host TDF's annual fall fundraiser Broadway Breakfast. The event will also feature performances by Benanti with musical direction by Billy Stritch and more. Learn how to attend!
Video: ELSBETH Season 3 Official Trailer Teases New Guest Stars Stephen Colbert, Annaleigh Ashford, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 26, 2025

Our favorite detective is back! Ahead of the Season 3 premiere of Elsbeth, CBS has released an official trailer for the upcoming season, which is full of new guest stars, including a few Broadway faces. Check out the preview now.
Dianne Wiest and Lois Smith Join ELSBETH as Season 3 Guest Stars
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 17, 2025

Broadway veterans Dianne Wiest and Lois Smith, along with Tony Hale, have joined the guest star lineup for Season 3 of Elsbeth. The CBS detective series, led by Carrie Preston, will return for its third season on October 12, 2025.
Broadway's Laura Benanti and Norm Lewis Will Perform At NJPAC's Annual Spotlight Gala
by Stephi Wild - Sep 16, 2025

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced that musical theater superstars, Tony Award winner Laura Benanti and Tony Award nominee Norm Lewis, will perform at the Arts Center's annual fundraiser, the Women@NJPAC Spotlight Gala.
Laura Benanti and Eleanor Grant to Celebrate JO " THE LITTLE WOMEN MUSICAL With Online Event
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 15, 2025

The American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers will celebrate the recent cast album Jo – The Little Women Musical – a new musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s iconic coming-of-age novel Little Women – with the special online event.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Laura Benanti been in?

Laura Benanti has appeared on Broadway in 14 shows.

How many West End shows has Laura Benanti been in?

Laura Benanti has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Laura Benanti been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Meteor Shower, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for She Loves Me, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for She Loves Me, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for She Loves Me, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for She Loves Me, Best Featured Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for In the Next Room, or the vibrator play, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gypsy, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Nine , Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Into the Woods , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Swing!.

What awards has Laura Benanti won?

Laura Benanti has won several prestigious awards for her performances in musical theater. She received the Best Featured Actress in a Musical award from the BroadwayWorld Awards for Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Additionally, she earned the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical award from both the Drama Desk Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same show. For her role in Gypsy, she won the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards, the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards.

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