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Cynthia Nixon

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BIO

Cynthia Nixon - Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winner, made her film debut at 12 in Little Darlings, and her Broadway debut at 14 in The Philadelphia Story, for which she won a Theatre World Award.



Most recently, she appears on the small screen co-starring in both And Just Like That, and on the Gilded Age.

She was earlier seen starring in the film adaptation of Bill O’Reilly’s book Killing Reagan for National Geographic Channel, which premiered in October 2016. Nixon plays First Lady Nancy Reagan opposite Tim Matheson as President Ronald Reagan. Nixon’s performance earned her a Critics’ Choice Award nomination.

In 2017, she was seen in Terence Davies’ Emily Dickinson biopic A Quiet Passion, where she stars as the legendary reclusive poet herself. The film had its world debut at the 2016 Berlin Film Festival, for which she garnered critical acclaim for her role. Richard Brody from The New Yorker stated that “while the entire cast moves and speaks with a sense of inner purpose, Nixon’s performance is special,” adding that he would “eat the pixels” if she is not nominated next awards season for this performance. The film had its North American premiere at The Toronto International Film Festival and its UK premiere at The London Film Festival.



Nixon appeared Stephen Moyer’s film The Parting Glass opposite Anna Paquin, Ed Asner, Rhys Ifans, Melissa Leo and Dennis O’Hare. The dark comedy follows a family reeling with their sister’s death. In embarking on a journey to collect the remnants of her life, the family members delve into past memories to piece together a portrait of the woman they lost.



On television, Nixon guest-starred on Showtime’s hit “The Affair” opposite Dominic West and Maura Tierney, as well as in the third season of Comedy Central’s hit show “Broad City,” alongside stars Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson, in the season’s most standout episode, as it also featured presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.



In November 2015, Nixon co-starred in Josh Mond's James White opposite Christopher Abbott, a film that won The Best of Next Audience Award at Sundance 2015 and earned Nixon an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her portrayal as a mother dying of cancer. In his review for The New York Times, Stephen Holden stated that, “Ms. Nixon gives one of the year’s most heart-rending screen performances.” Other recent film credits include Pamala Romanowsky’sThe Adderall Diaries, opposite James Franco, and Richard Loncraine’s 5 Flights Up, opposite Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton.



Nixon also starred in Nikole Beckwith’s Stockholm, Pennsylvania, a drama bought by Lifetime out of Sundance in 2014. For this project, Cynthia received a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie or Limited Series.

Last year, Nixon had a run of simultaneously directing two New York City plays. The first was New Group’s Steve, which made its world premiere in late November, starring Mario Cantone.Steve, follows Steven, a failed Broadway chorus boy turned stay-at-home dad. The other show was MotherStruck!, a one woman play starring Staceyann Chin at The Culture Project.MotherStruck! set forth Chin’s personal journey to motherhood as a single gay woman with limited resources who was herself abandoned at birth by both of her parents.

In Fall 2014 she appeared on Broadway in Sam Gold's production of The Real Thing playing the mother of the character she created on Broadway thirty years ago. In Winter 2014, Cynthia made her directorial debut at The New Group with Joel Johnson's Rasheeda Speaking at The New Group. Rasheeda Speaking received Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations and cast member Tonya Pinkins won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play and Musical. Rasheeda Speaking was chosen to be broadcast on Channel Thirteen as part of their Theatre Close Up series.

In 1984 she famously juggled two roles on Broadway - in the first act of David Rabe's Hurlyburlyand in the second act of Tom Stoppard's The Real Thing, both directed by Mike Nichols. Also around that time, she appeared as Mozart's terrified maid-turned-informant in the Oscar-winning film Amadeus.

Nixon has appeared in plays and films by such varied and distinguished directors as Sidney Lumet, Alan J Pakula, Milos Forman and Robert Altman. Beginning in 1998, Cynthia starred as Miranda Hobbes in HBO's celebrated series “Sex And The City,” a role that garnered her the first of her two Emmy Awards. She then went on to co-star in the two wildly successful “Sex And The City” films.

Nixon earned her first of her three Tony Award nominations for her work in Indiscretions in 1995. She has appeared in over 40 plays, 10 on Broadway. Roles include Harper in Tony Kushner'sAngels in America, Mary Haines in the Roundabout's revival of The Women (directed by Scott Elliott) and Becca in David Lindsay-Abaire's Rabbit Hole, for which she won a Tony Award. In 2012 she played John Donne scholar Vivian Bearing in Margaret Edson's Wit, for which she was again Tony-nominated. Cynthia was awarded the 2009 Best Spoken Word Grammy for her recording of Al Gore's “An Inconvenient Truth.”


Nixon currently resides in New York City, with her wife, Christine Marinoni. They have three children: Sam, Charlie and Max.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
New Group Off-Broadway Premiere Production, 2024
Performer


[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Broadway Revival Production, 2017
Regina (Albania)

Birdie (Albania)

(Alternate)

Regina (Alternate)

[Off-Broadway]
New York Premiere Production, 2016
Performer [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Production, 2014
Charlotte


[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2012
Vivian Bearing


[Off-Broadway]
2009
Mama


[Off-Broadway]
2006
Jean Brodie


[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2006
Becca


[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer


[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2001
Mary


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1999


[Off-Broadway]
1998


[Broadway]
1997
Lala Levy [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1996
Performer


[Broadway]
1995
Madeleine


[Off-Broadway]
1994
Hester Prynne


[Off-Broadway]
1994
Melibea/Isabelle/Hippolyta


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Harper Pitt [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Martin Heller [Replacement]

Harper Pitt [Replacement]

[Replacement]

Martin Heller [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Eleanor James


[Off-Broadway]
1991
Karen


[Broadway]
1989
Clara

Denise

Becky


Denise

Clara

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Juliet


[Off-Broadway]
1987
Kathy


[Off-Broadway]
1987
Sharon (Tiny Mommy)/ Stephanie Eckert (Sparks)


[Off-Broadway]
1985
Performer


[Broadway]
1984
Donna


[Off-Broadway]
1984


[Broadway]
1984
Debbie


[Off-Broadway]
1982
Lydie Hickman


[Broadway]
1980
Dinah Lord


Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2015]
Director

Movies

Little Darlings
[ 1980 ] Sunshine
Tattoo
[ 1981 ] Cindy
Prince of the City
[ 1981 ] Jeannie
I Am the Cheese
[ 1983 ] Amy Hertz
Amadeus
[ 1984 ] Lorl
O.C. and Stiggs
[ 1985 ] Michelle
The Manhattan Project
[ 1986 ] Jenny Anderman
Let It Ride
[ 1989 ] Evangeline
The Pelican Brief
[ 1993 ] Alice Stark
Addams Family Values
[ 1993 ] Heather
Baby's Day Out
[ 1994 ] Gilbertine
'M' Word
[ 1996 ] Cara
The Cottonwood
[ 1996 ] Donna
Marvin's Room
[ 1996 ] Retirement Home Director
Advice from a Caterpillar
[ 1999 ] Missy
The Out-of-Towners
[ 1999 ] Sheena
Igby Goes Down
[ 2002 ] Mrs. Piggee
One Last Thing...
[ 2005 ] Karen Jameison
Little Manhattan
[ 2005 ] Leslie
The Babysitters
[ 2007 ] Gail Beltran
Lymelife
[ 2008 ] Melissa Bragg
Sex and the City
[ 2008 ] Miranda Hobbes
An Englishman in New York
[ 2009 ] Penny Arcade
Sex and the City 2
[ 2010 ] Miranda Hobbes
Rampart
[ 2011 ] Barbara
Girl Most Likely
[ 2012 ] Cynthia Nixon
5 Flights Up
[ 2014 ] Lily Portman
James White
[ 2015 ] Gail White
The Adderall Diaries
[ 2015 ] Jen Davis
Stockholm, Pennsylvania
[ 2015 ] Marcy Dargon
A Quiet Passion
[ 2016 ] Emily Dickinson
The Only Living Boy in New York
[ 2017 ] Judith Webb
The Parting Glass
[ 2018 ] Mare
Guilty Not Guilty
[ 2018 ] Narrator
Maybe a Love Story
[ 2018 ] Toni
Stray Dolls
[ 2019 ] Una

TV Shows

Alpha House
Senator Carly Armiston
And Just Like That...
Miranda Hobbes
Sex and the City
Miranda Hobbes
The Big C
Rebecca
Hot White Heist 2
Kate
Hot White Heist 2
Kate

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2024 - Distinguished Performance

Cynthia Nixon, The Seven Year Disappear


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2017 - Best Featured Actress in a Play

Cynthia Nixon, The Little Foxes


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Cynthia Nixon, The Little Foxes

Drama League Awards - 2017 - Distinguished Performance Award

Cynthia Nixon, The Little Foxes


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Cynthia Nixon, The Little Foxes


winner
Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Cynthia Nixon, Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Cynthia Nixon, Wit

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

Cynthia Nixon, Wit

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2006 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Cynthia Nixon, Rabbit Hole


winner
Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Cynthia Nixon, Rabbit Hole

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Cynthia Nixon , Indiscretions


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1981 - Performance

Cynthia Nixon, The Philadelphia Story

Videos

News


Video: See Andrea Martin as Madame Dashkova in New Sneak Peek of THE GILDED AGE
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 7, 2025

A new sneak peek has been released for Season 3 of The Gilded Age, previewing the upcoming fourth episode, along with Andrea Martin's introduction to the series. Watch it now!
Every Broadway Actor in Season 3 of THE GILDED AGE
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 30, 2025

The Gilded Age is back for Season 3, and with it, a new and returning crop of Broadway talent. The New York-based costume drama is known for its vast array of theater actors, utilizing a total of 163 across its three seasons. Take a look here to see which of your favorite stars appear in the new season!
THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Premiere Breaks Series Record with 2.7 Million Viewers
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 25, 2025

Season three of The Gilded Age, which premiered this past Sunday, saw a rise in viewership from the premieres of the first two seasons. Within its first three days, the premiere episode brought in 2.7 million viewers across platforms, up 27% from season two's 2.1 million and 30% from season one's 2 million.
Video: THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Trailer Teases Upcoming Twists
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 23, 2025

The Gilded Age is back! Season 3 of the starry series premiered last night, and Max has just released a new trailer, teasing what is to come in the coming weeks. Check it out now.
Video: THE GILDED AGE Stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon Discuss Theater's Impact on the Series
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 17, 2025

With the debut of Season 3 of The Gilded Age just around the corner, stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon sat down with ABC News’ Linsey Davis to tease what fans can expect from the latest season.
LIVE WITH KELLY AND MARK Ratings Surge for Second Consecutive Week
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 6, 2025

Featuring a star-studded week of guests including Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Ryan Phillippe, Elizabeth Banks and more, “Live with Kelly and Mark” grew for the second week in a row in all key measures.
Video: Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, & More Star in THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 3, 2025

HBO has released the official trailer for the Emmy-nominated HBO Original drama series, The Gilded Age, starring Broadway alums Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Donna Murphy, and more. Watch it now!
Broadway Streaming Guide June 2025: Where to Watch FROZEN West End Proshot & More
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 2, 2025

June is here, and with it are new streaming titles and returning theater favorites, including the official Frozen proshot, a new season of The Gilded Age, new Braodway cast recordings and more. Check out the lineup!
Photo: Rosie O'Donnell Dons WICKED Shirt in New AND JUST LIKE THAT Preview
by Michael Major - May 28, 2025

Rosie O'Donnell seems to be playing a Wicked super-fan in the new season of And Just Like That! A new photo from the upcomig third season of the Sex & the City sequel series shows the Broadway alum in a Wicked shirt, holding a bag of M&Ms.
EGOT Explained: Who Has Joined the Elite Group and Who Is Close to Making History?
by Sidney Paterra - May 26, 2025

Few honors in entertainment are as coveted—or as rare—as achieving EGOT status. This elite distinction marks a career filled with versatility, longevity, and extraordinary talent across multiple mediums. What does it all mean? We're taking a closer look at the artists who have managed to join one of the industry’s most exclusive clubs.
Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Teaser Feat. Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025

HBO has released the first official teaser trailer for the third season of The Gilded Age, also revealing that the new season of the hit series will premiere Sunday, June 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Watch it here!
Broadway Streaming Guide May 2025: Where to Watch THE FOUR SEASONS & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 30, 2025

As Tony season kicks off, May sees a selection of new premieres, returning favorites, and more streaming content for Broadway fans. Take a look at the full lineup, which includes The Four Seasons, Poker Face Season 2, and more!
Tribeca Festival 2025 Audio Lineup Includes New HAMLET Adaptation & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 24, 2025

The 2025 Tribeca Festival has unveiled its audio storytelling lineup, sponsored by Audible, featuring a dynamic mix of live episodes, immersive audio experiences, and world premieres.
THE GILDED AGE to Return in June; See New First-Look Photos Feat. Audra McDonald, Carrie Coon, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

The Gilded Age will return for its eight-episode third season this June on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Take a look at first-look photos of the new season, featuring Broadway alums Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, and more.
Video: AND JUST LIKE THAT... Sets Season 3 Premiere; Watch the New Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 15, 2025

Season three of the Max Original series And Just Like That... is set to debut Thursday, May 29, at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET. The 12-episode season will debut new episodes weekly on Thursdays, concluding with the season finale on August 14. Watch the trailer now!
STAR WARS On Stage: A Guide to Broadway Stars in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 11, 2025

With the highly anticipated second season of Andor arriving in a few short weeks, we have compiled a list of the most noteworthy Star Wars actors to have graced the Broadway stage over the years.
Photos: Stars Arrive at GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 2, 2025

Stars came out for the big opening night celebration of Glengarry Glen Ross, including Darren Criss, Katie Holmes, Ansel Elgort, and many more.Check out photos here!
Photos: THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY Opening Night Pink Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 31, 2025

Stars hit the red carpet last week when the Sydney Theatre Company production of The Picture of Dorian Gray, starring Sarah Snook, officially opened on Broadway. Check out photos from the red carpet, which included special guests Chris Pine, Christine Baranski, Ariana DeBose, and more!
Photos: OTHELLO Brings Out Joe Biden, Jennifer Lopez and More on Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 24, 2025

The stars came out to celebrate at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where Shakespeare's Othello took its first official Broadway bow in the 21st century. Go inside opening night as President Joe Biden, Jennifer Lopez, Peter Dinklage, and more turned up on the red carpet! Check out photos here.
Interview: Cheryl Stern of FUNNY GIRL at Bass Concert Hall
by Joni Lorraine - Feb 27, 2025

Cheryl Stern is a powerhouse performer and storyteller with an incredible career spanning Broadway, national tours, TV, and beyond. Next week, she'll be in town with the National Tour of FUNNY GIRL, playing Mrs. Strakosh and stepping into the role of Fanny Brice at select performances. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Cynthia Nixon been in?

Cynthia Nixon has appeared on Broadway in 14 shows.

How many West End shows has Cynthia Nixon been in?

Cynthia Nixon has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Cynthia Nixon been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance (Drama League Awards) for The Seven Year Disappear, Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The Little Foxes, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Little Foxes, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Little Foxes, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Little Foxes, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Wit, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Wit, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Rabbit Hole, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Rabbit Hole, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Indiscretions and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for The Philadelphia Story.

What awards has Cynthia Nixon won?

Cynthia Nixon has won several prestigious awards for her theatre performances. She received the Best Featured Actress in a Play award from the BroadwayWorld Awards for The Little Foxes. Additionally, she earned the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play award from the Drama Desk Awards and the Outer Critics Circle Awards, both for The Little Foxes. Nixon also won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes. Furthermore, she has been honored with the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for Rabbit Hole, as well as the Theatre World Award for her performance in The Philadelphia Story.

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