Anita Gillette

Birth Place: Baltimore, MD, USA

Get Anita Gillette Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Anita Gillette BIO

Anita Gillette is an American actress, singer, and dancer who has had a long and successful career in Broadway, television, and film. Born on August 16, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, Gillette grew up in a family of performers and began her own career in show business at a young age.
Gillette's Broadway debut came in 1959, when she appeared in the musical "Gypsy" as a member of the chorus. She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions throughout the 1960s, including "All American," "Carnival!," and "Jimmy."
In 1972, Gillette received critical acclaim for her performance in the Broadway production of "Cabaret," in which she played the role of Sally Bowles. Her performance earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Gillette continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in productions such as "They're Playing Our Song," "Brighton Beach Memoirs," and "Chapter Two." In 1994, she received another Tony Award nomination for her performance in the musical "Mr. Wonderful."
In addition to her work on Broadway, Gillette has also had a successful career on television. She has appeared in numerous television shows throughout the years, including "Quincy M.E.," "The Love Boat," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."
Gillette is perhaps best known to television audiences for her recurring role on the hit show "The Cosby Show," in which she played the character of Cliff Huxtable's mother-in-law. She also appeared in the spin-off series "A Different World."
In film, Gillette has appeared in several movies throughout her career, including "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice," "Moonstruck," and "She's the One." She has also lent her voice to several animated films, including "The Emperor's New Groove" and "The Aristocats."
Gillette's talents extend beyond acting, as she is also an accomplished singer and dancer. She has performed in numerous cabaret shows and concerts throughout the years, showcasing her impressive vocal range and dancing skills.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Gillette is also a philanthropist and has been involved with several charitable organizations throughout her career. She has worked with organizations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Alzheimer's Association.
Gillette has been recognized for her contributions to the arts and entertainment industry with several awards and honors. In 2006, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, and in 2014, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs.
At the age of 85, Gillette continues to work in the entertainment industry and inspire audiences with her talent and dedication. Her impressive career and contributions to the arts have cemented her as a beloved and respected figure in the world of entertainment.

Anita Gillette Photos

Anita Gillette STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Production, 2017
Bee4

Bee3

Bee2

[Boston]
Huntington Theatre Company, 2015
Irene Reilly

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2008
Angelina

Clara

Chi Chi

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Angelina / Clara / Chi Chi

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2006
Eunice Miller

[New York]
Concert Reading, 2005
Catherine "Grandma Bingo" Baladucci

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Bridget Conway

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2001
Serena Applegate

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Rita

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Juno Boyle

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Bianca Broude

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Off-Off-Broadway Revival, 1986
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Blanche [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Sonia Walsk [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1977
Jennie Malone

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Female Parts

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1969
Betty Compton

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Sally Bowles [Replacement]

Sally Bowles (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1966
Susan Hollander

[Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1965
Sarah Brown

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Angela Crane

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Performer

Leslie Henderson

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Susan

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1961
Lili [Replacement]

Gypsy

Lili (Standby)

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1959
Linda

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1959
Thelma [Replacement]

June (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1992
Performer

[Los Angeles]
World Premiere, 1965
Performer


Anita Gillette Awards and Nominations

Theatre World Awards - 1960 - Performance

Anita GilletteRussell Patterson’s Sketchbook

Anita Gillette Videos

Anita Gillette News


Urban Stages to Present 15th Annual WINTER RHYTHMS Featuring 22 Shows and Over 100 Performers

Join Urban Stages for the 15th Annual WINTER RHYTHMS 2023, featuring 22 shows, over 11 days, and more than 100 performers. From cabaret to jazz and everything in between, this award-winning series is a must-see event for music and performance lovers. Don't miss out on this spectacular showcase!

Review: FOUR SHOWS Show the Variety Offered by the Venue That's 41 Years Old: Don't Tell Mama

Anita Gillette is hosted by Ricky Ritzel, Jason Henderson sparkles with Noel Coward songs, Therese Lee recalls encounters with Hollywood stars and her own dramas, and some kids and teens strut their stuff at Don't Tell Mama.

Winter Rhythms 2023 @ Urban Stages Will Present Two "Algonquin" Themed Events Hosted By Michael Colby

Winter Rhythms @ Urban Stages has announced two very special upcoming events as part of its “2023 Winter Rhythms” series, the award-winning music festival at Urban Stages Theater.

Teresa Fischer, Jenny Greeman and Mary Sheridan to Present SING AGAIN! in November

Join award-winning singers Teresa Fischer, Jenny Greeman, and Mary Sheridan for 'SING AGAIN!' at The Laurie Beechman Theatre on November 11. Experience an afternoon of Broadway and pop gems that celebrate love and belonging.

Chelsea Table and Stage to Present Encore Presentation of Karen Mason's 30… AND COUNTING This Month

Broadway star Karen Mason celebrates her collaboration with longtime music director Christopher Denny at Chelsea Table + Stage this month.

Karen Mason to Present Encore Presentation of 30… AND COUNTING at Chelsea Table + Stage

CHELSEA TABLE + STAGE will present Broadway, recording and concert star Karen Mason in an encore presentation of her hit show “30… And Counting” on Thursday, September 28 at 7:00 PM.

Review: Toasting The Tony Awards, BACKSTAGE BABBLE Gives 54 Below An Award-Worthy Night

It's never too late to put the spotlight on the Tony Awards and people nominated for them. Read all about it at BroadwayWorld.com in the NYC cabaret section.

BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES TONY AWARDS HISTORY, Adam Pascal, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.

Feature: More About Man About Town, Charles Kirsch, Broadway's BFF - Part Two

The saga of the seemingly ubiquitous Charles Kirsch continues: He's everywhere: hosting shows on stage, all over YouTube, in the air or on the air with over 150 podcasts of 'Backstage Babble' with his interviews of show people, and maybe sitting next to you at a cabaret or Broadway theatre or just dashing around New York City.

Feature: Meet Charles Kirsch: Broadway's BFF With A Mission... And With Shows - Part One

Presenter of variety shows with Broadway stars and podcast 'Backstage Babble' interviewER becomes our interviewEE as we learn about his early start, the current agenda of activities, and look forward to a future celebrating theatre's past (his favorite pastime---and job).

Pendelton, Fuller, Morrison, and More Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES THE TONY AWARDS This Month at 54 Below

54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, will present a very special edition of Backstage Babble Live celebrating all things Tony Awards on August 28th at 7pm

Karen Mason and Christopher Denny to Celebrate 30 Years of Collaboration at Chelsea Table + Stage

Join in at Chelsea Table + Stage as we celebrate 30 years of collaboration between Karen Mason and music director Christopher Denny. Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and memories. Book your tickets now!

CreateTheater And Prism Stage Announce Their New Play Development Partnership

CreateTheater's Executive Producer Cate Cammarata and Judith Estrine, Artistic Director of Prism Stage Company, have announced a new Play Development Partnership in order to develop new plays in NYC.

Review: CHARLES STROUSE'S 95th BIRTHDAY SHOW! at 54 Below Shares Legendary Theatrical Legacy

How can you fit Broadway composer Charles Strouse’s entire career into a 90-minute show?

Photos: CHARLES STROUSE'S 95TH BIRTHDAY SHOW! at 54 Below

It was another special event at 54 Below on Monday night... but this one was REALLY special. See why in this Broadway World Cabaret exclusive photo essay.

See HANDS ON A HARDBODY Reunion Concert, Jenn Colella, Shaun Cassidy & More at 54 Below in June

This month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Carolee Carmello, Stephen Schwartz & More to Join Charles Strouse's 95th Birthday Celebration at 54 Below

Celebrate the 95th birthday of Broadway legend Charles Strouse at 54 Below on June 5, 2023!

The Chamlins In THE PRIME OF OUR LIVES Comes to The Laurie Beechman in June

THE PRIME OF OUR LIVES premieres at the Laurie Beechman Theatre Saturday, June 10th at 4pm.

Lorna Dallas Returns To NYC Stage With GLAMOROUS NIGHTS AND RAINY DAYS at The Laurie Beechman Theatre

Award winner Lorna Dallas is making a welcome return to the New York Stage in Barry Kleinbort/Christopher Denny helmed new musical cabaret.

Anita Gillette FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Anita Gillette has appeared on Broadway in 12 shows.

Anita Gillette has not appeared in the West End

Anita Gillette has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress at The Lortels for her performance in the show "The Big Meal." She also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for her role in "Chapter Two." Additionally, Gillette was recognized with a nomination for Performance at the Theatre World Awards for her work in "Russell Patterson's Sketchbook."

Anita Gillette has won the Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for her role in Russell Patterson's Sketchbook.

Get Anita Gillette Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos


TICKET CENTRAL

Recommended For You