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Audra McDonald

Also Credited As: Audra Ann McDonald

Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY

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BIO

Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actor. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and an Emmy, in 2015 she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people and received a National Medal of Arts—America’s highest honor for achievement in the field—from President Barack Obama. In addition to her Tony-winning performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill—the role that also served as the vehicle for her Olivier Award-nominated 2017 debut in London’s West End—she has appeared on Broadway in The Secret Garden; Marie Christine (Tony nomination); Henry IV; 110 in the Shade (Tony nomination); Shuffle Along, or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed; and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Tony nomination).



A Juilliard-trained soprano, her opera credits include La voix humaine and Send at Houston Grand Opera, and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at Los Angeles Opera, where the resulting recording earned her two Grammy Awards.

On television, she was seen by millions as the Mother Abbess in NBC’s The Sound of Music Live! and played Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC’s Private Practice. She won an Emmy Award for her role as host of PBS’s Live From Lincoln Center and has received nominations for Wit, A Raisin in the Sun and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Having first appeared as Liz Lawrence on CBS’s The Good Wife, she stars in The Good Fight on Paramount+ as well as in Spectrum’s pandemic-themed drama, The Bite.

On film, she has appeared in Seven Servants, The Object of My Affection, Cradle Will Rock, It Runs in the Family, The Best Thief in the World, She Got Problems, Rampart, Ricki and the Flash, Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast, the movie-musical Hello Again, and MGM’s Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect.

Her upcoming film projects comprise Higher Ground’s Rustin and FilmNation’s Down Low. McDonald has issued five solo albums on the Nonesuch label as well as Sing Happy with the New York Philharmonic on Decca Gold. She also maintains a major career as a concert artist, regularly appearing on the great stages of the world and with leading international orchestras. A founding member of Black Theatre United, board member of Covenant House International, and prominent advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights, her favorite roles are those performed offstage, as an activist, wife to actor Will Swenson, and mother.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Gypsy Gypsy
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2024
Mama Rose
Ohio State Murders Ohio State Murders
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Performer
A Streetcar Named Desire A Streetcar Named Desire
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theater Festival Production, 2020
Blanche DuBois
Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2019
Frankie
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
[West End]
West End Production, 2017
Billie Holiday
Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed Shuffle Along Or The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Lottie Gee
Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Lady Day
The Sound of Music Live! The Sound of Music Live!
[Motion Picture]
NBC Live Televised Production, 2013
Mother Abbess
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2012
Bess
Twelfth Night
[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2009
Olivia
110 in the Shade 110 in the Shade
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
Lizzie Curry
Anyone Can Whistle
[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2005
Fay Apple
Children And Art
[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer
Passion
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 2005
Clara
Escape: 6 Ways to Get Away (2)
[Broadway]
Special Benefit Production, 2005
Performer
Sunday in the Park with George
[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2004
Dot
R Shomon
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Performer
A Raisin in the Sun A Raisin in the Sun
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Ruth Younger
Henry IV Henry IV
[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 2003
Lady Percy
Passion
[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2003
Clara
Carousel
[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2002
Julie Jordan
Dreamgirls
[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Deena Jones
Sweeney Todd
[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2000
Beggar Woman
Marie Christine
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Marie Christine L'Adrese
The Vagina Monologues
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
Dear World
[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Nina
Ragtime
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Sarah
Master Class
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1995
Sharon
Something Wonderful
[Broadway]
Broadway Concert, 1995
Performer
"Something Wonderful" Performer
Performer
"Something Wonderful" Performer
Carousel
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1994
Carrie Pipperidge
The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Opera Revival, 2007
Jenny

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Gypsy

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical

Audra McDonald, Gypsy

Tony Awards - 2025 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Gypsy

Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Tony Awards - 2023 - Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune

Olivier Awards - 2018 - Best Actress

Audra McDonald, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Leading Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2012 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess


winner
Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess


winner
Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie)

Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shad

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade

Tony Awards - 2007 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2004 - Best Featured Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald, A Raisin In The Sun


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Audra McDonald , A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun


winner
Drama League Awards - 2000 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre

Audra McDonald

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

Audra McDonald, Marie Christine


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Audra McDonald, Marie Christine

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Featured Actress - Musical

Audra McDonaldRagtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Audra McDonald, Ragtime


winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Audra McDonald, Master Class

Videos

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News


The Theatre Group at SBCC to Stage A SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS in March 2026 Photo
The Theatre Group at SBCC to Stage A SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS in March 2026
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2026

The Theatre Group at SBCC will present A SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS from March 4-21, 2026, at the Garvin Theatre.
Review: HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour at Durham Performing Arts Center Photo
Review: HELL'S KITCHEN National Tour at Durham Performing Arts Center
by Jeffrey Kare - Feb 18, 2026

Inspired by the music and upbringing of Alicia Keys. Hell’s Kitchen follows Ali, a 17-year-old girl full of fire, searching for freedom, passion, and her place in the world. Along the way, we meet her dynamic family, a musical mentor who changes her life, and the neighborhood that helps her grow up.
Photos: ROMERO & JULIET: A Zombie Rock Musical Hits the Stage in Pittsburgh Photo
Photos: ROMERO & JULIET: A Zombie Rock Musical Hits the Stage in Pittsburgh
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 16, 2026

ROMERO & JULIET, a zombie rock musical, completed a sold-out world premiere run at the Greer Cabaret Theater in Pittsburgh. Check out photos of the production.
Taylor Trensch, Maggie Kuntz Among New Broadway Stars in THE GILDED AGE Season 4 Photo
Taylor Trensch, Maggie Kuntz Among New Broadway Stars in THE GILDED AGE Season 4
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026

Casting details have been released for the upcoming fourth season of The Gilded Age, the HBO costume drama full of Broadway and stage veterans. New additions to the cast include Tony Award winner Bonnie Milligan, Tony Award nominee Taylor Trensch, Maggie Kuntz (John Proctor Is the Villain, The Outsiders), and more.
Photos: ROMERO & JULIET Debuts as a Zombie Rock Musical This Friday the 13th Photo
Photos: ROMERO & JULIET Debuts as a Zombie Rock Musical This Friday the 13th
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 12, 2026

ROMERO & JULIET will debut as a zombie rock musical, fusing the cinematic legacy of George Romero with Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers. Check out photos of the show.
A Complete History of RAGTIME Photo
A Complete History of RAGTIME
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Feb 8, 2026

The Broadway production of Ragtime was a glorious accomplishment, a riveting testament to the original American musical and to all that America itself could be. The show ran for 834 performances at the Ford Center, closing in the final year of the 20th century. It was nominated for 13 Tony Awards, taking home four.
Interview: LaKisha Jones, Morgan James, & Hugh Panaro of North Carolina Symphony's BR Photo
Interview: LaKisha Jones, Morgan James, & Hugh Panaro of North Carolina Symphony's BRAVO BROADWAY
by Jeffrey Kare - Feb 6, 2026

On February 13th & 14th, the North Carolina Symphony will be presenting BRAVO BROADWAY. Three guest vocalists are coming down to the Triangle area to perform showstoppers from beloved Broadway musicals such as WICKED, RENT, HAMILTON, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and more. I recently got to speak with each of them.
2026 Tony Awards FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Photo
2026 Tony Awards FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
by Sidney Paterra - Jan 31, 2026

Broadway's biggest night will be back in 2026! The Tony Awards, Broadway's most beloved tradition, returns in June, honoring theater professionals for distinguished achievement in the 2025/2026 Broadway season. What can you expect this time around? We've got the scoop!
Listen to the 2026 Grammy Nominees for Best Musical Theater Album Photo
Listen to the 2026 Grammy Nominees for Best Musical Theater Album
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 31, 2026

Before the 2026 winner is announced on Sunday, February 1, take a listen to all five of the 2026 Grammy-nominated albums, including Buena Vista Social Club, Death Becomes Her, Gypsy, Just in Time, and Maybe Happy Ending. 
Boston Symphony Orchestra Unveils 2026 Tanglewood Season Photo
Boston Symphony Orchestra Unveils 2026 Tanglewood Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 29, 2026

Tanglewood has revealed the details of its 2026 season, opening in late June and continuing to Labor Day weekend. The schedule brings many of the world’s most exciting musicians to the beautiful Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 29, 2026- MOULIN ROUGE! Welcomes Bob the Drag Quee Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 29, 2026- MOULIN ROUGE! Welcomes Bob the Drag Queen and More
by - Jan 29, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 29, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rebecca Naomi Jones, Elizabeth Stanley and More to Join Keen Company Gala Photo
Rebecca Naomi Jones, Elizabeth Stanley and More to Join Keen Company Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2026

Keen Company will host its first gala under new leadership at Manhattan Penthouse, honoring playwrights Julia Jordan and Marsha Norman, and featuring Rebecca Naomi Jones, Elizabeth Stanley and more.
Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, RENT Original Cast Members and More Set for THE FESTI Photo
Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara, RENT Original Cast Members and More Set for THE FESTIVAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 28, 2026

The Festival, a first-of-its-kind three-day outdoor celebration of Broadway’s greatest hits and brightest stars, will come to the Hudson River waterfront, featuring Audra McDonald, Kelli O’Hara and more.
Drama Desk Awards Set 2026 Date Photo
Drama Desk Awards Set 2026 Date
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2026

The date has been set for the 70th Drama Desk Awards! The 2026 Drama Desk Awards will be held at The Town Hall on May 17, 2026. Learn more about the event here!
Colman Domingo and More to be Honored at New York Theatre Workshop 2026 Gala Photo
Colman Domingo and More to be Honored at New York Theatre Workshop 2026 Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 13, 2026

New York Theatre Workshop's 2026 Gala will honor Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo, Tony Award-winning producer Mara Isaacs, and NAACP Image Award nominee Nicole Ari Parker.
2026 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Judges and Key Dates Revealed Photo
2026 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Judges and Key Dates Revealed
by Stephi Wild - Jan 13, 2026

The 2026 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has announced the Judging Panel for the 48th Annual Award. The Winner of the 2026 Prize will be announced on February 26 in a special invitation-only celebration at London's Royal Court Theatre.
Cynthia Erivo, Audra McDonald, & More Nominated for NAACP Image Awards Photo
Cynthia Erivo, Audra McDonald, & More Nominated for NAACP Image Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 12, 2026

The NAACP has announced the full list of “NAACP Image Awards” nominees, with nominees including Wicked: For Good, Cynthia Erivo, Audra McDonald, and more. Check out the full list here.
Camille A. Brown's BLACK GIRL: LINGUISTIC PLAY To Be Presented At The New Victory The Photo
Camille A. Brown's BLACK GIRL: LINGUISTIC PLAY To Be Presented At The New Victory Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 7, 2026

The New Victory Theater will present BLACK GIRL: Linguistic Play this January, a dance work from 5-time Tony-nominated director & choreographer Camille A. Brown shining a spotlight on sisterly love and exploring the joys and complexities of Black girlhood.
All of the Award Nominations and Wins for WICKED: FOR GOOD Photo
All of the Award Nominations and Wins for WICKED: FOR GOOD
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 31, 2025

BroadwayWorld has put together a list of the major national and international award nominations and wins for part two of the major movie musical. The list includes Golden Globes, the National Board of Review, the Critics' Choice Awards, and more. 
Jordan Donica to Join Isabel Leonard for Concert at Carnegie Hall Photo
Jordan Donica to Join Isabel Leonard for Concert at Carnegie Hall
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 23, 2025

Isabel Leonard has had a career that has brought her to leading opera houses and concert halls around the world. This season, she will return to her native New York, where she curates a four-concert Perspectives series at Carnegie Hall.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Audra McDonald been in?

Audra McDonald has appeared on Broadway in 18 shows.

How many West End shows has Audra McDonald been in?

Audra McDonald has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Audra McDonald's first West End show?

Audra McDonald's first West End show was Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill which opened in 2017

What awards has Audra McDonald been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gypsy, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Porgy and Bess, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess , Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess , Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Porgy and Bess , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shad, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin In The Sun, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Marie Christine, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine, Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.

What awards has Audra McDonald won?

Audra McDonald has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. She won Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy. For Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, she earned Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards), Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards), Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards), and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards). For The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, she received Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards), Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards), Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards), and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards). She tied for Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shade. For A Raisin in the Sun, she won Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards), Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards), Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards), and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards). She also received the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards). Additional honors include Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.

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