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Bio:
Amber Riley is best known for her portrayal of Mercedes Jones on the Fox comedy-drama series Glee (2009–2015). For her performance on the series, she and the rest of the cast won a Screen Actors Guild Award, and have been nominated for three Teen Choice Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, and a ... (read complete bio)

Photos

Stage Credits

  [Regional (US)]
2019 Pasadena Playhouse Production, 2019
Audrey II
  [West End]
West End Premiere Production, 2016
Effie White
  [New York]
NBC Live Television Production, 2015
Addaperle

Amber Riley Movies

St. Sass
 
[2002]
Toby
Glee: Director's Cut Pilot Episode
 
[2009]
Mercedes Jones
One Christmas Wish
 
[2015]
Jackie Turner
The Wiz Live!
 
[2015]
Addapearle
Straight Outta Oz
 
[2016]
Brenda
Nobody's Fool
 
[2018]
Kalli
The Little Mermaid Live!
 
[2019]
Daughters of Triton Emcee
Infamous
 
[2020]
Elle
Christmas Déjà Vu
 
[2021]
Single Black Female
 
[2022]
Simone
Step Into... The Movies
 
[2022]

Amber Riley TV Shows

The Simpsons
 
[2010]
Amber Riley
Chelsea Lately
 
[2012]
Mercedes Jones
Glee
 
[2009-2015]
Mercedes Jones
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
 
[2016]
Dream Ghost #2
A Black Lady Sketch Show
 
[2019-2021]
Lori, Fantasia, Britnaye

Amber Riley Biography

Amber Riley is best known for her portrayal of Mercedes Jones on the Fox comedy-drama series Glee (2009–2015). For her performance on the series, she and the rest of the cast won a Screen Actors Guild Award, and have been nominated for three Teen Choice Awards, three NAACP Image Awards, and a Grammy Award.

In December 2015, she portrayed Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North, in NBC's live performance of The Wiz.

In 2016, Riley originated the lead role of Effie White in the West End debut of Dreamgirls. She won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical and Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Musical Performance in 2017 for her work.

Riley won season 17 of Dancing with the Stars in 2013. In 2017, Riley appeared as a judge on BBC One musical theatre talent show Let It Shine and formed a musical theatre supergroup with Beverley Knight and Cassidy Janson, known collectively as Leading Ladies and signed to East West Records/Warner. Her debut album, Songs from the Stage, was released on November 17, 2017.

In 2022, Riley won season 8 of The Masked Singer.

Amber Riley Awards and Nominations

 
Olivier Awards - 2017 - Best Actress in a Musical Gold Star
Amber Riley, Dreamgirls

Amber Riley News

Harlem Stage Announces 2023 WaterWorks Emerging Artists Cohort Photo Harlem Stage Announces 2023 WaterWorks Emerging Artists Cohort
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2023

Harlem Stage has announced the 2023 cohort for its WaterWorks Emerging Artists program.

VIDEO: Lea Michele & Julie Benko Featured on THE SIMPSONS Photo VIDEO: Lea Michele & Julie Benko Featured on THE SIMPSONS
by Michael Major - Feb 22, 2023

Funny Girl stars Lea Michele and Julie Benko's names were featured on a recent episode of The Simpsons. During the episode, several cars pulled up to a crime scene, two of which read 'Fanny Brice Imitations.' One of the cars was labeled as Lea Michele and the other was labeled as Julie Benko. Watch a video clip from the episode now!

A Guide to Broadway Guest Stars on BLUE BLOODS Photo A Guide to Broadway Guest Stars on BLUE BLOODS
by Michael Major - Feb 20, 2023

While the series' recurring cast includes Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg, and more, guest stars have included Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Joanna Gleason, Adrienne Warren, Jinkx Monsoon, Norm Lewis, Norbert Leo Butz, and more. Check out a list of Broadway guest stars on Blue Bloods now!

VIDEO: Watch a Musical Theatre Legend Be Un-Masked on THE MASKED SINGER Photo VIDEO: Watch a Musical Theatre Legend Be Un-Masked on THE MASKED SINGER
by Michael Major - Feb 16, 2023

On the latest episode of The Masked Singer, a five-time Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winning musical theatre legend was revealed the be the 'Gnome.' Watch videos of the episode to see who was behind the mask!

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER, ELVIS, THE WHALE, and More Among MUAHS 2023 Awards Wi Photo BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER, ELVIS, THE WHALE, and More Among MUAHS 2023 Awards Winners
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 12, 2023

The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (IATSE Local 706) announced winners of its 10th Annual Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Awards, presented by Dyson and HASK Beauty, in 23 categories of film, television, commercials, and live theater. The gala was held on Saturday night, February 11, 2023, before a live audience at The Beverly Hilton. It was also live-streamed to an audience of millions worldwide.

Scoop: Coming Up on a New Episode of NAME THAT TUNE on FOX - Wednesday, February 1, 2 Photo Scoop: Coming Up on a New Episode of NAME THAT TUNE on FOX - Wednesday, February 1, 2023
by TV Scoop - Jan 26, 2023

Get all the scoop on NAME THAT TUNE, airing on FOX on Wednesday, February 1, 2023! Jordin Sparks vs. Clay Aiken and Amber Riley vs. Chris Colfer. Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski hosts, and Grammy Award-winning producer Randy Jackson serves as band leader. Watch a video clip from a recent episode now!

Sheryl Lee Ralph to be Honored at Amas Musical Theatre 54th Annual Gala Benefit Conce Photo Sheryl Lee Ralph to be Honored at Amas Musical Theatre 54th Annual Gala Benefit Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 19, 2023

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 54th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert, presenting the 2023 “Rosie” Award to Honoree Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph. See how to purchase tickets!

Wake Up With BWW 12/6: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE Opening Night Coverage, and More! Photo Wake Up With BWW 12/6: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE Opening Night Coverage, and More!
by - Dec 6, 2022

Top stories include coverage from opening night of A Beautiful Noise, featuring Neil Diamond himself! Plus, Fat Ham is headed to Broadway, and more!

VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson & Amber Riley Sing 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' From D Photo VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson & Amber Riley Sing 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' From DREAMGIRLS on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW
by Michael Major - Dec 5, 2022

Amber Riley joined Jennifer Hudson for an impromptu performance of '(And I Am Telling You) I'm Not Going' from Dreamgirls. During their interview, Riley discussed how she resonated with the character of Effie White in the iconic musical. Watch the new video of their special performance now!

THE BLACK BEAUTY EFFECT Documentary Series to Premiere on Xfinity Photo THE BLACK BEAUTY EFFECT Documentary Series to Premiere on Xfinity
by Michael Major - Nov 23, 2022

Each hour-long episode of the docuseries features candid conversations on the impact influencers have had on the industry’s changing perception of beauty from Black beauty influencers, celebrities, and entrepreneurs including Amber Riley, Meagan Good, Andrea Lewis, CJ Faison, Jackie Aina, Mikki Taylor, Whitney White, and more.

Amber Riley Videos

VIDEO: Watch a Musical Theatre Legend Be Un-Masked on THE MASKED SINGER Videoplay
VIDEO: Watch a Musical Theatre Legend Be Un-Masked on THE MASKED SINGER

by Michael Major - Feb 16, 2023

On the latest episode of The Masked Singer, a five-time Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winning musical theatre legend was revealed the be the 'Gnome.' Watch videos of the episode to see who was behind the mask!

VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson & Amber Riley Sing 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' From D Videoplay
VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson & Amber Riley Sing 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' From DREAMGIRLS on THE JENNIFER HUDSON SHOW

by Michael Major - Dec 5, 2022

Amber Riley joined Jennifer Hudson for an impromptu performance of '(And I Am Telling You) I'm Not Going' from Dreamgirls. During their interview, Riley discussed how she resonated with the character of Effie White in the iconic musical. Watch the new video of their special performance now!

The 5th Avenue Theatre Announces 2022/23 Season Videoplay
The 5th Avenue Theatre Announces 2022/23 Season

by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2022

The 5th Avenue Theatre announced its 2022/23 Season. The 2022/23 Season features a dynamic lineup of musical theater magic that includes a world premiere, a co-production with ACT – A Contemporary Theatre, and more. Check out the fill season

VIDEO: Watch a Sneak Peek of WICKED IN CONCERT on PBS Videoplay
VIDEO: Watch a Sneak Peek of WICKED IN CONCERT on PBS

by Stage Tube - Aug 19, 2021

Rejoycify! It's just a matter of days until PBS presents Wicked IN CONCERT: A Musical Celebration of the Iconic Broadway Score. The special will air on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 9pm ET (check local listings) on PBS. Check out a sneak peek!

VIDEO: Watch Amber Riley Perform a Touching Tribute to GLEE Co-Star Naya Rivera on JI Videoplay
VIDEO: Watch Amber Riley Perform a Touching Tribute to GLEE Co-Star Naya Rivera on JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE

by Stage Tube - Aug 28, 2020

Actress and singer Amber Riley performed 'A Momenta' in a touching tribute to 'Glee' co-star Naya Rivera on last night's episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live.'

Broadway Rewind: Encores! Eases Down the Road with THE WIZ in 2009 Videoplay
Broadway Rewind: Encores! Eases Down the Road with THE WIZ in 2009

by BroadwayWorld TV - Jun 11, 2020

Today we rewind to 2009, when Encores! presented the musical starring  James Monroe Iglehart, Joshua Henry, LaChanze, Ashanti and more. Watch as we take you inside rehearsals with the cast!

Broadway Rewind: Shanice Williams Takes Center Stage for THE WIZ LIVE! Videoplay
Broadway Rewind: Shanice Williams Takes Center Stage for THE WIZ LIVE!

by BroadwayWorld TV - Jun 12, 2020

Today we rewind to summer 2015, just after Williams learned that she got the part. Watch as she gets ready to take center stage as Dorothy.

VIDEO: Watch New Music Video from Todrick Hall's QUARANTINE QUEEN Album! Videoplay
VIDEO: Watch New Music Video from Todrick Hall's QUARANTINE QUEEN Album!

by Stage Tube - Apr 29, 2020

Broadway veteran Todrick Hall has just released a music video for 'Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs'- a song featured on his new album, Quarantine Queen.

VIDEO: Amber Riley and the Original West End Cast of DREAMGIRLS Perform 'One Night On Videoplay
VIDEO: Amber Riley and the Original West End Cast of DREAMGIRLS Perform 'One Night Only'

by Stage Tube - Apr 19, 2020

The original West End cast of Dreamgirls came together virtually from their homes, to bring you Dreamgirls Lockdown Live!

VIDEO: Watch Derek Hough, Julianne Hough & Hayley Erbert Channel BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Videoplay
VIDEO: Watch Derek Hough, Julianne Hough & Hayley Erbert Channel BEAUTY AND THE BEAST on THE DISNEY FAMILY SINGALONG!

by Stage Tube - Apr 15, 2020

Get ready for a night of magic and music tomorrow, April 16, as 'The Disney Family Singalong,' hosted by Ryan Seacrest, airs at 8pm. The nationwide singalong event will feature celebrities and their families as they take on their favorite Disney tunes from their homes.


Amber Riley Frequently Asked Questions

How many Broadway shows has Amber Riley been in?
Amber Riley has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Amber Riley been in?
Amber Riley has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Amber Riley's first West End show?
Amber Riley's first West End show was Dreamgirls which opened in 2016

What awards has Amber Riley been nominated for?
Best Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Dreamgirls .

What awards has Amber Riley won?
Best Actress in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Dreamgirls.


Twitter Watch

@MsAmberPRiley - 1/3/23 09:12pm I don’t think I have ever laughed this hard at myself ? #thatsmyjam @BBCiPlayer https://t.co/lqxYaqCnFmhttps://t.co/7xWo3ayP1r


@MsAmberPRiley - 12/28/22 12:40pm I know I’m late but, The Morning Show is SO GOOD!


@MsAmberPRiley - 12/27/22 09:43am Y’all not saying y’all ABCs while you wash your hands anymore, I’m afraid to touch things again ?


@MsAmberPRiley - 12/27/22 09:42am Valuing your opinions about YOU, over anyone else’s is liberating. It also takes practice and it isn’t always easy, but still, LIBERATING.


@MsAmberPRiley - 12/25/22 10:59pm I don’t even do stuff like this, but @konagrill in Dallas is TRASH. You ruined what has already been a pretty rough… https://t.co/2kNV87jwon


@MsAmberPRiley - 12/20/22 04:07am LAX? LHR ?ABJ ?ABA ?LOS ?LHR ?LAX ? for 3 weeks! I can’t wait to get in MY BED!!! Best vacation EVER ??


@MsAmberPRiley - 12/7/22 11:02pm Y’all. I don’t even have words!!! @IAMJHUD A DREAM COME TRUE!!!! https://t.co/jCp9CyqyEt


@MsAmberPRiley - 12/3/22 05:41am I’ve done nothing to deserve all the wonderful things in my life, yet somehow, the blessings just keep landing in m… https://t.co/aZVZNOQn3t


@MsAmberPRiley - 12/1/22 02:43am It was so much fun being a part of this show! I genuinely had the time of my life! The best crew, best production,… https://t.co/2OgSUf5A4x


@MsAmberPRiley - 12/1/22 01:58am It was me behind the #HarpMask! @MaskedSingerFOX will return next Wednesday for an exciting holiday special on… https://t.co/Ru5BVKT8Nt


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