Anita Gillette

Birth Place: Baltimore, MD, USA

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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


Dancers Over 40 Brings a Roast of Lee Roy Reams to 54 Below

Dancers Over 40 will celebrate its 30th anniversary as an organization with its first ever – and 54 Below’s first ever roast. The event will focus on Mr. Broadway himself, DO40 member and former board member Lee Roy Reams! 

Book Review: MARY & ETHEL ...and MIKEY WHO? Is a Fun-filled Time-traveling Show Biz Adventure

Mary & Ethel...and Mikey Who? is a good read (or listen). Come travel through time in a new work of historical fiction and fun, full of Broadway and spice and sweetness.

The Museum Of Broadway Announces Three New Black History Month Events

The Museum of Broadway's has announced three new Black History Month events, including a panel on the history of minstrelsy with Ben West, offering insights into Broadway's past and its impact on American musical development.

Tony Winners Len Cariou, Judy Kaye & Penny Fuller to Join COMEDY TONIGHT! A ROAST OF LEE ROY REAMS

To celebrate their thirtieth anniversary Dancers Over 40 will commemorate this milestone with COMEDY TONIGHT: A ROAST OF LEE ROY REAMS on Monday, April 1st, 2024 at 7:00pm at 54 Below.

DORIS DEAR'S 10 YEAR CELEBRATION: MORE STARS THAN THERE ARE IN HEAVEN Is Coming To The Triad Theater This May

Join Doris Dear for a glamorous celebration of her 10-year career in entertainment at The Triad Theater on May 8th. Featuring a star-studded lineup including Sandy Duncan and Don Correia, this unforgettable evening promises nostalgia, showmanship, and pure entertainment.

Photos: Go Inside the Launch Party for Stephen Cole's New Novel MARY & ETHEL...AND MIKEY WHO?

On January 16, 2024, Moreclacke Publishers (Robert Armin, President) released the hardcover, Kindle and audio version (performed by the great Anita Gillette) of MARY & ETHEL...and Mikey Who? by Stephen Cole. Check out photos from the launch party here!

54 CELEBRATES MEL BROOKS, Alan H. Green, 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, will present 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. 

Encore Performance of JERRY ORBACH'S BROADWAY Set For This Month at 54 Below

On Thursday, January 25th at 7:00 PM, an encore performance of JERRY ORBACH'S BROADWAY will be presented at 54 Below, 254 West 54th Street, NYC 10019. Learn more about the show here!

Reviews: Catching Up on Shows Is a Whirlwind .... at Urban Stages & 54 Below

Dear Santa: Thanks for the gifts called music in NYC, letting us 'wrap' our ears around a touch of Oklahoma-bred sense and sensibility, lots of holiday cheer, and musical theatre projects that have a connection to a famous hotel ....all part of a week in the winter wonderland of Manhattan's live presentations.

Photos: The Gasp Collection

After four years at Broadway World Cabaret, quite a collection of photos has been amassed. These are the gasp-worthy pics.

JERRY ORBACH'S BROADWAY Will Receive a Special Encore Performance at 54 Below

On Thursday, January 25th at 7:00 PM, an encore performance of JERRY ORBACH'S BROADWAY will be presented at 54 Below.

Photos: The Broadway World Cabaret Studio Portraits

These are the Broadway World Cabaret studio portraits that stood out the most.

Cabaret Photographers: Bobby Patrick

Broadway World Cabaret gets photographic content from some of the best shutterbugs in the business. Here's a look at some of the captures they've shared with us.

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.

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, including Outstanding Featured Actress at The Lortels for "The Big Meal," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Chapter Two," and a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "Russell Patterson’s Sketchbook."

Anita Gillette won a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for Russell Patterson’s Sketchbook.

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