Tovah Feldshuh
Birth Place: New York, NY, USA
Caissie Levy, Adam Kantor & Jo Lampert To Perform at Jewish Queer Youth Gala (Mar 3, 2026)
Andrew Rannells, Caissie Levy & More Join Host Committee for JQY Gala (Feb 13, 2026)
Photos: First Look at Peacock Crime Drama Series M.I.A. (Feb 12, 2026)
BIO
Tovah Feldshuh has been on the Broadway marquee for 50 years and is a six-time Emmy and Tony Award nominee, four-time winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards and has been awarded three honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters. Her one-woman shows, Tovah is LEONA! and Aging Is Optional, directed by Jeff Harnar with musical direction and arrangements by James Bassi enjoy sold-out engagements and rave reviews all over the United States. Tovah: Out of Her Mind (now streaming on Spotify) has played four continents and was voted Best One-Woman Show of the Year by the Boston Globe. TV audiences know her as the hot Russian mother of “Hot Rabbi” Adam Brody in the hit Netflix series Nobody Wants This and the overbearing Naomi Bunch, mother of Rachel Bloom in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Other TV credits include Deanna Monroe in The Walking Dead, Danielle Melnick in Law & Order, U.S. President Mackenzie in Salvation, Miryam in Scenes from a Marriage, and Helena in Holocaust. She has graced us on the Broadway stage in the title roles of Yentl, Golda’s Balcony, Irena’s Vow, plus Lend Me a Tenor, Saravá, Dreyfus in Rehearsal, Rodgers & Hart, Cyrano, the trapeze-swinging Berthe in Pippin, and most recently as Rosie Brice in Funny Girl. Her extensive Off-Broadway/regional credits include portrayals of Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Films include Armageddon Time opposite Anthony Hopkins, Kissing Jessica Stein (Golden Satellite Award), A Walk on the Moon, Brewster’s Millions, Just My Luck, Daniel, The Idolmaker, Clifford, Golda’s Balcony: The Film, and the just completed Tuner opposite Dustin Hoffman. Her award-winning memoir LILYVILLE: Mother, Daughter and Other Roles I’ve Played was #1 in Parent-Child Relationships on Amazon. She is the founder of The Feldshuh Fund for Women’s Health for early detection of ovarian and all reproductive cancers.
Photos
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STAGE CREDITS
Writing
Conceiver
Movies
[ 1978 ] Michelle
[ 1980 ] Brenda Roberts
[ 1980 ] K.D. Locke
[ 1983 ] Linda Mindish
[ 1985 ] Marilyn
[ 1985 ] Older Jane
[ 1988 ] Detective Vera Quinn
[ 1991 ] Emma Kublitz
[ 1995 ] Victoria Stevens
[ 1995 ] Zlateh the Goat, Aunt Sarah, The Matchmaker
[ 1997 ] Charlotte
[ 1998 ] Angie Cedars
[ 1998 ] Greta
[ 1999 ] Lillian Kantrowitz
[ 1999 ] U.S. Attorney Margaret Wheeler
[ 2000 ] Lillian Weaver
[ 2001 ] Alma Jennings
[ 2001 ] Judy Stein
[ 2002 ] Mrs. Garner
[ 2002 ] Sponge-Brush Woman
[ 2004 ] Ruthie Cohen
[ 2005 ] Irina Bolton
[ 2005 ] Mother
[ 2005 ] Senior Editor
[ 2006 ] Golda Meir
[ 2006 ] Madame Z
[ 2006 ] Mrs. Bubchik
[ 2007 ] Ethel
[ 2007 ] Hannah
[ 2008 ] Leah
[ 2008 ] Rebecca Meir
[ 2008 ] Susie
[ 2009 ] Nurse Ruth Baker
[ 2010 ] Buddy's Mom
[ 2010 ] Grace Parker
[ 2010 ] Remy
[ 2014 ] Head of School
[ 2014 ] Miriam Pendergast
[ 2015 ] Nora
[ 2016 ] David's Mom
[ 2019 ] Dr. Elsa Blomgren
[ 2019 ] Dr. Paula Smith
[ 2019 ] Golda Meir
[ 2021 ] Helena
[ 2021 ] Mrs. Crullerman
[ 2022 ] Grandma Mickey Rabinowitz
[ 2022 ] Linda
[ 2024 ] Noona Grey
[ 2025 ] Mrs. Lucas
[ 2025 ] Marla
TV Shows
Agnes Thornton
Carole
Erica Molinas
Martha McKee
Clara Sanford
Katharine Hepburn
Laura Woods
Susan Bowers
Veronica Kidd
Helena Slomova
Jeannie Devereux
Sandy
Florence
Monika Wolner
Iso
Laura Ireland
[ 1977-1984 ] Margo Bush, Susan Ridley
Sarah Lebow
Samantha Page
Deena Hertz
Lynn Palmer
Mrs. Carr
Alice Benson
Connor
Iva Schlesinger
Sheila Goldberg
Dr. Bethany Rose
Rose
Lila Stevenson
Mrs. Rubenstein
Annie
Sharon Bickford
Marie
[ 1991-2007 ] Defense Attorney Danielle Melnick
[ 2006-2007 ] Mrs. Elaine Brandau, Mrs. Elaine Hoffman
Lena
Mrs. Varner
Defense Attorney Danielle Melnick
Lynch
Rivka Singer
Ivana
Sylvia Hayden
[ 2015-2016 ] Deanna Monroe
Judge Danielle Melnick
[ 2015-2018 ] Naomi Bunch
[ 2017-2018 ] President Mackenzie
Grandma Miriam
Judge Garner
[ 2018-2020 ] Aunt Z
Miryam, Jonathan's mother
Bina Roklov
[ 2024-2025 ] Bina Roklov
Awards and Nominations
winner
Tovah FeldshuhGolda's Balcony
winner
Tovah Feldshuh, Irena's Vow
Tovah Feldshuh, Golda's Balcony
winner
Tovah Feldshuh, Golda's Balcony
Tovah Feldshuh, Golda's Balcony
winner
Tovah Feldshuh, Golda's Balcony
Tovah Feldshuh, Tallulah Hallelujah!
Tovah Feldshuh, Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh
winner
Tovah Feldshuh, Lend Me a Tenor
Tovah Feldshuh, Lend Me a Tenor
Tovah Feldshuh , Sarava
Tovah Feldshuh, Yentl
winner
Tovah Feldshuh, Yentl
Tovah Feldshuh, Yentl
Tovah FeldshuhYentl the Yeshiva Boy
winner
Tovah FeldshusYentl the Yeshiva Boy
winner
Tovah FeldshuhYentl the Yeshiva Boy
winner
Tovah Feldshuh, Rogers & Hart
winner
Tovah FeldshuhYentl the Yeshiva Boy
winner
Tovah Feldshuh, Dreyfus in Rehearsal
Videos
Video: Susie Essman Talks Starring In MY FIRST EX-HUSBAND with Best Friend Joy Behar on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-01-17 15:34:07
Video: How Tovah Feldshuh Built a Five-Decade Career Onstage
by Backstage Live with Richard Ridge - 2023-05-24 15:43:27
Photos/Video: Tovah Feldshuh Celebrates 50 Years on Broadway at FUNNY GIRL
by Stephi Wild - 2023-05-15 08:36:31
VIDEO: FUNNY GIRL Announces Broadway Closing; New Performance Montage
by Team BWW - 2023-03-02 08:59:20
VIDEO: Tovah Feldshuh Reveals Why Seeing FUNNY GIRL Is Like a 'Stadium Experience' on GMA
by Michael Major - 2023-01-06 09:20:16
FUNNY GIRL Cast Recording Will Be Released Tomorrow; Watch Lea Michele Sing 'Don't Rain on My Parade'
by Stephi Wild - 2022-11-17 08:30:20
VIDEO: Watch Lea Michele Perform 'Don't Rain On My Parade' From FUNNY GIRL on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2022-10-07 09:32:57
VIDEO: Lea Michele Performs 'People' from FUNNY GIRL on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Blair Ingenthron - 2022-10-01 09:07:44
VIDEO: Julie Benko Discusses Her 'Big Break' in FUNNY GIRL on CBS MORNINGS
by Michael Major - 2022-09-02 09:52:15
VIDEO: First Look At Marsha Mason In LOST IN YONKERS at Hartford Stage
by Alan Henry - 2022-04-26 12:49:23
Broadway Rewind: GUYS AND DOLLS Is Back to Rock the Boat on Broadway!
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-04-07 16:31:00
TV: Tovah Feldshuh Returns to Feinstein's/54 Below With Her Queen-of-Mean Alter Ego In TOVAH IS LEONA!
by Eugene Ebner - 2019-02-19 21:11:14
Video: Highlights from NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY Concert at Feinstein's/54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - 2017-11-01 21:15:31
TV: Liz Callaway, Lesli Margherita & More Preview Their Upcoming Shows at Feinstein's/54 Below!
by Nicole Rosky - 2017-07-19 11:58:02
STAGE TUBE: Watch Elie Wiesel's NIGHT Reading, Featuring Broadway's Jessica Hecht, Tovah Feldshuh, Sheldon Harnick and More
by Stage Tube - 2017-02-08 13:36:59
VIDEO: Sneak Peek - Patti LuPone & Tovah Feldshuh Guest on This Week's CRAZY EX-GIRLFRIEND
by Caryn Robbins - 2017-01-09 11:21:30
News
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 3, 2026
Theater and television stars Caissie Levy, Adam Kantor and Jo Lampert will perform, and comedian and advocate Dana Goldberg will host an upcoming gala supporting Jewish Queer Youth (JQY).
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026
Co-chaired by Duvi Stahler and Rachel Sussman, the host committee includes Tovah Feldshuh, Caissie Levy, Bess Kalb, Judy Kuhn, Joshua Malina, Cristin Milioti, Andrew Rannells, Jeanine Tesori, and Zachary Noah Piser, among others.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 12, 2026
Peacock has revealed the first look and premiere date for the forthcoming crime drama series M.I.A. from Ozark co-creator Bill Dubuque and showrunner Karen Campbell. Take a look at photos here.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 9, 2026
But I’m a Shoe, a short film by filmmaker Chen Drachman, featuring Broadway stars Alexander Ferguson and Housso Semon, will screen at the 2026 Winter Film Festival, taking place February 18-22.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 22, 2026
Goodspeed Musicals has revealed the participants for the 14th annual Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals, which will be held on the Goodspeed campus in East Haddam, Connecticut.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2026
Jeff Harnar, a multiple BroadwayWorld Award-winning vocalist, will present his show 'BLAME IT ON MY YOUTH' at Don't Tell Mama on select dates from February 5 to 26. The performance will feature a collection of classic songs, showcasing Harnar's celebrated vocal talents in an intimate cabaret setting.
by - Dec 17, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 17, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 16, 2025
The official trailer has been released for Tovah, a new documentary film celebrating the life and career of Broadway performer Tovah Feldshuh. Check it out now.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 4, 2025
The hit comedy series Nobody Wants This has been renewed for a third season at Netflix, slated to premiere in 2026. The second season of the series recently premiered on October 23, 2025.
by Stephen Sorokoff - Oct 24, 2025
Step backstage behind the scenes of the Cabaret Convention with photos by Stephen Sorokoff. The October 21 to 23, 2025 event featured Christine Ebersole, Melissa Errico and many more performers.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2025
Last week, Broadway producer Jamie deRoy celebrated her 80th birthday in style at the Redeye Grill surrounded by friends, family, Broadway industry professionals and celebrities. See photos here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 26, 2025
Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed the two playwright selections for the Roundabout Underground Residencies – Iraisa Ann Reilly and Liba Vaynberg. Learn more!
by - Sep 22, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 22, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 19, 2025
Earlier this week, in recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Entertainment Community Fund dedicated a room at The Samuel J. Freidman Health Center for the Performing Arts to the Feldshuh Fund for Women’s Health.
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 10, 2025
Housso Sémon, most recently seen on Broadway in Suffs and The Lion King, has released her debut single Lover across all major streaming platforms. Listen to it here.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2025
After 18 years, Seth Bisen-Hersh has produced, emceed and accompanied his 900th weekly showcase at renowned midtown cabaret venue Don't Tell Mama. To celebrate, he will be presenting two concerts of his original songs.
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 25, 2025
Housso Sémon, most recently seen on Broadway in Suffs and The Lion King, will release her debut single Lover on September 5 across all major streaming platforms.
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 14, 2025
Netflix has shared official first look photos for the return of the hit comedy series, Nobody Wants This. Led by Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, the second season returns on October 23. Check out the photos here!
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 4, 2025
Broadway performer Housso Sémon will play her debut solo concert on September 15, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Five Flies Coffee in New York City. Sémon’s first original single will be released in advance of the show.
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 16, 2025
But I’m a Shoe, a new short film by award-winning filmmaker Chen Drachman, featuring Hamilton’s Alexander Ferguson and Suffs’ Housso Semon, is set to screen on 28 June at the Golden Door International Film Festival in Jersey City.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tovah Feldshuh has appeared on Broadway in 12 shows.
Tovah Feldshuh has not appeared in the West End.
Outstanding Performer, Visiting Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Golda's Balcony, Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Irena's Vow, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Golda's Balcony, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Golda's Balcony, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Golda's Balcony, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Golda's Balcony, Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Tallulah Hallelujah!, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lend Me a Tenor, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Sarava, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Yentl, Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Yentl, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Yentl, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, Special Mention (Drama Desk Awards) for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, Performance (Obie Awards) for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, Best Young Player (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Rogers & Hart, Best Young Player (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy and Best Young Player (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dreyfus in Rehearsal.
Tovah Feldshuh has received several prestigious awards throughout her career. She won the Outstanding Performer, Visiting Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for Golda's Balcony. She earned Best Leading Actress in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards for Irena's Vow. Feldshuh also received the Outstanding Solo Performance at the Drama Desk Awards for Golda's Balcony and Outstanding Lead Actress at The Lortels for the same production. Additionally, she was honored with Outstanding Featured Actress - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Lend Me a Tenor. She won a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for Yentl, as well as a Special Mention at the Drama Desk Awards for Yentl the Yeshiva Boy. Her performance in Yentl the Yeshiva Boy also earned her an Obie Award. Moreover, she won Best Young Player at the Outer Critics Circle Awards three times, for Rogers & Hart, Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, and Dreyfus in Rehearsal.
Tovah Feldshuh has written 3 shows including Tovah: Out of Her Mind (Playwright), Tovah: Out of Her Mind (Conceiver), Tallulah Hallelujah! (Playwright).
Videos