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Donna Murphy

Birth Place: Queens, NY, USA

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BIO

Award winning actress-singer Donna Murphy has been building a career of striking range and diversity in the theater and on the large and small screens. This "seductive actress of major transformative powers" (New York Times) has impressed both critics and audiences with her depth and skill.



Ms. Murphy received the first of two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical, along with the Drama Desk and Drama League Awards, for her spellbinding creation of Fosca in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Passion, garnering critical acclaim when it was broadcast on PBS's American Playhouse. She was awarded her second Tony and Drama League Awards, as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations for her elegant and distinctive performance as Anna Leonowans in the 1996 Tony Award winning revival of The King and I.
In 2004, she was honored with the Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Astaire Awards, the Drama League Outstanding Achievement Award for her work in Musical Theater, as well as another Tony nomination, for her hilarious tour de force as Ruth Sherwood in the Broadway Revival of Wonderful Town, a role she originated at City Center's Encores! Series.
In 2007 she returned to Broadway at Manhattan Theater Club's Biltmore Theater as the legendary actress-singer Lotte Lenya, in the world premiere of LoveMusik, directed by Harold Prince. She received her third Drama Desk Award, and second Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical, as well as a Drama League Award and a Tony nomination for this mesmerizing performance. Earlier that season Murphy received raves for her portrayal of Phyllis Stone in City Center's Encores!' production of Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's Follies.

Ms. Murphy studied with the legendary Stella Adler, and at the Lee Strasberg Institute, and attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She made her professional debut, after being cast from an open call, in Neil Simon's hit They're Playing Our Song, and went on to create memorable characters in comedies, dramas, and musicals on and off-Broadway, and in theaters across the country. These credits include Edwin Drood in the Broadway production of Rupert Holmes Drood, James Lapine's Twelve Dreams, and Michael John LaChiusa's Hello Again at Lincoln Center Theater (Drama Desk nominations), Song of Singapore (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations), Peter Nichol's Privates of Parade at the Roundabout Theater Co., Strindberg's Miss Julie (McCarter Theater), and the title character of Tony Kushner's production of Ellen MacLaughlin's Helen, for the New York Shakespeare Festival (Drama League Award). She also starred in the World Premiere of Pamela's First Musical, by Wendy Wasserstein, Cy Coleman and David Zippel, at Town Hall, benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and Theater Development Fund's OPEN DOORS Program. Ms. Murphy's most recent Broadway role was Dolly Levi in the 2017 revival of Hello Dolly.

Ms. Murphy's film credits include: Tangled, The Nanny Diaries, World Trade Center, The Fountain, Spiderman 2, The Door in the Floor, Center Stage, Star Trek: Insurrection, The Astronaut's Wife, and Jade .

Ms. Murphy's first television film, HBO's Someone Had to be Benny, earned her a Cable Ace Award as Best Actress in a Drama Special or Series, as well as a Daytime Emmy. Other TV work includes : TNT's Trust Me, ABC's What About Joan, Showtime's political drama The Last Debate , Mary Todd Lincoln in The Day Lincoln Was Shot (TNT), Francesca Cross on Stephen Bochco's Murder One (ABC), Leonard Bernstein's New York and Abigail Adams in Liberty! for PBS, the 2000 and 2002 Kennedy Center Honors (CBS) and guest appearances on Ugly Betty, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order SVU, Damages, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, CSI, Law & Order, The Practice, Ally McBeal.

A versatile singer, she can be heard on a number of recordings including Lovemusik (Ghostlight), Wall to Wall Sondheim (Symphony Space), Wonderful Town (DRG), Leonard Bernstein's New York (Nonesuch), Hello Again (RCA Victor), The King and I (Varese Sarabande) and the Grammy Award winning Passion (Angel). For her contribution to the Arts, Culture and Public life, she's received special honors from New York Magazine, Symphony Space, Greenwich Village's Caring Community, the Women's Project, The Little Orchestra Society, Irish America Magazine, the Breukelein Institute and Emerson College.

Ms. Murphy donates her time and efforts to a number of organizations, including the Worldwide Orphan's Foundation, the All Stars Project providing Arts education and programs for inner city youth, Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, and The Actors Fund.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2017
Dolly Gallagher Levi (Albania) [Replacement]

(Alternate) [Replacement]

Dolly Levi [Replacement]

[Replacement]

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

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Roundabout Production, 2011
Bubbie/Raisel


[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2007
Lotte Lenya


[Broadway]
Stephen Sondheim Tribute Benefit, 2005
Performer


[Broadway]
10th Anniversary Concert, 2004
Fosca


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2003
Ruth Sherwood


[New York]
Reading, 2003
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
2002
Helen


[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2000
Ruth


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Anna Leonowens


[Off-Broadway]
1995
Dorothy Trowbridge


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1994
Fosca


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1993
The Whore


[New York]
Workshop, 1993
Fosca


[Off-Broadway]
1991
Rose


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1991
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
1989
Sylvia Morgan


[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1988
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1987
Hope




[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1985
Succubus (Florence Gill)

Edwin Drood/Miss Alice Nutting [Replacement]

Succubae / Miss Florence Gill

Beatrice/Florence Gill

Edwin Drood/Alice Nutting [Replacement]

Edwin Drood / Miss Alice Nutting [Replacement]

Citizen of Cloisterham

Beatrice / Miss Florence Gill

Beatrice/Florence Gill

Succubae / Miss Florence Gill

Succubus (Florence Gill)

Edwin Drood/Miss Alice Nutting [Replacement]

Beatrice / Miss Florence Gill

Citizen of Cloisterham

Edwin Drood / Miss Alice Nutting [Replacement]

Edwin Drood/Alice Nutting [Replacement]

The Princess Puffer / Miss Angela Prysock (Understudy)

Helena Landless / Miss Janet Conover (Understudy)

The Princess Puffer / Miss Angela Prysock (Unknown)

Helena Landless / Miss Janet Conover (Unknown)

The Princess Puffer / Miss Angela Prysock (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

Helena Landless / Miss Janet Conover (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1985
Succubus (Florence Gill)

Beatrice (Florence Gill)

Beatrice/Florence Gill

Citizen of Cloisterham


Succubus (Florence Gill)

Beatrice (Florence Gill)

Beatrice/Florence Gill

Helena Landless (Janet Conover)/Princess Puffer (Angela Prysock) (Understudy)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1984
Bess Macauley (Understudy)

Mary Arena (Understudy)

Bess Macauley (Unknown)

Mary Arena (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

Bess Macauley (Unknown)

Mary Arena (Unknown)

Bess Macauley (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1981
Clare de Favorone




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

[Replacement]

Performer (Swing) [Replacement]

Movies

Jade
[ 1995 ] Karen Heller
Star Trek: Insurrection
[ 1998 ] Anij
22-Oct
[ 1998 ] Carole
The Astronaut's Wife
[ 1999 ] Natalie Streck
Center Stage
[ 2000 ] Juliette
The Door in the Floor
[ 2004 ] Frame Shop Owner
Spider-Man 2
[ 2004 ] Rosalie Octavius
The Fountain
[ 2006 ] Betty
Ira & Abby
[ 2006 ] Dr. Betsy Goldman
World Trade Center
[ 2006 ] Judy Jon
The Nanny Diaries
[ 2007 ] Judy Braddock
Sherman's Way
[ 2008 ] Evelyn Black
Tangled
[ 2010 ] Mother Gothel
Higher Ground
[ 2011 ] Kathleen Walker
Dark Horse
[ 2011 ] Marie
The Bourne Legacy
[ 2012 ] Dita Mandy
No Pay, Nudity
[ 2016 ] Pearl
Anastasia
[ 2020 ] Yara the Enchantress

TV Shows

Hack
Heather Olshansky
Law & Order
Carla Tyrell, Karen Unger
Mercy Street
Jane Green
Murder One
Francesca Cross
Power
Lorette Walsh
Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure
Gothel, Mother Gothel
Resurrection
The Elegant Woman, Angela
What About Joan
Dr. Ruby Stern
Brilliant Minds
[ 2024-2025 ] Dr. Muriel Landon
Brilliant Minds
[ 2024-2025 ] Dr. Muriel Landon

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Donna MurphyInto The Woods

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Donna MurphyInto The Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Donna Murphy, The People in the Picture

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Donna Murphy, The People in the Picture

Tony Awards - 2011 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Donna Murphy, The People in the Picture


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

Donna Murphy, LoveMusik


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

Donna Murphy, LoveMusik

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

Donna Murphy, LoveMusik


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Donna Murphy, Wonderful Town


winner
Drama League Awards - 2004 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre

Donna Murphy


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Donna Murphy, Wonderful Town

Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Donna Murphy, Wonderful Town

Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Donna Murphy, The King and I


winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Donna Murphy, The King and I


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1994 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Donna Murphy, Passion


winner
Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Donna Murphy, Passion

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Supporting Actress - Musical

Donna Murphy, Hello Again

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Actress - Musical

Donna Murphy , Song of Singapore

Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Donna Murphy, Song of Singapore

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!
Robyn Hurder Joins Max Clayton in Ogunquit's HIGH SOCIETY
by Joshua Wright - Jun 30, 2025

Ogunquit Playhouse has revealed that Tony Award nominee Robyn Hurder (Broadway’s Smash, Moulin Rouge!) will star as Tracy Lord in their upcoming production of High Society, alongside previously announced star Max Clayton (The Music Man).
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.
Video: Original HAMILTON Stars Perfrom At The Public Theater 2025 Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 13, 2025

The Public Theater welcomed Leslie Odom Jr. and Renée Elise Goldsberry, the Tony Award-winning original stars of Hamilton, to its annual gala on the lawn outside the newly renovated Delacorte Theater. Check out video of their performances.
Photos: The Public Theater Celebrates the Newly Renovated Delacorte Theater at 2025 Gala
by Jennifer Broski - Jun 12, 2025

The Public Theater just presented its annual gala on the lawn outside the newly renovated Delacorte Theater, where guests got an exclusive preview as The Public lit up the reimagined theater for the first time.
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!
Max Clayton to Star in HIGH SOCIETY at Ogunquit Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2025

Max Clayton will star as C.K. Dexter Haven in Ogunquit Playhouse’s reimagining of High Society. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
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!
Video: Broadway Celebrates the Unveiling of Terrence McNally Way
by Joey Mervis - Jun 2, 2025

Just last week, East 9th street between Broadway and University Place was officially co-named Terrence McNally Way in honor of the late legendary playwright Terrence McNally, who proudly lived on East 9th Street for 24 years. Watch highlights from the special day in this video. 
Photos: East 9th Street is Officially Renamed Terrence McNally Way
by Emmy Rice - Jun 2, 2025

On Friday, May 30, East 9th street between Broadway and University Place was officially co-named Terrence McNally Way in honor of the late legendary playwright Terrence McNally, who proudly lived on East 9th Street for 24 years. See the photos here!
Photos: On the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards Red Carpet
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 20, 2025

See photos from the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards red carpet here! Learn more about the Chita Rivera Awards and about the winners, including Buena Vista Social Club and more.
Savion Glover, Adrian Blake Enscoe and More Join as Performers at Chita Rivera Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2025

Additional performances have been revealed for the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards, taking place on Monday May 19 at 7:30pm at NYU Skirball. Learn more here and see how to purchase tickets!
Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur to Host the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 13, 2025

Hairspray stars Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur will host the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards. Learn more about the awards and see how to attend.
CENTER STAGE Turns 25: A Look Back at the Beloved Dance Film
by Josh Sharpe - May 12, 2025

25 years ago today saw the release of Center Stage, the dance movie featuring Amanda Schull and Zoe Saldãna, along with Broadway alums such as Donna Murphy, Peter Gallagher, and Debra Monk.
BOOP! THE MUSICAL, GYPSY and More to Perform at The 2025 Chita Rivera Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2025

The presenters and performers have been revealed for the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards. Performances by Boop! The Musical and more will be featured. Learn more about the awards here!
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!
Photos: On the JUST IN TIME Opening Night Red Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 24, 2025

The new musical Just in Time starring Tony Award Winner Jonathan Groff is officially open on Broadway! Check out photos of stars on the opening night red carpet, including Daniel Radcliffe, Lin-Manuel Miranda and more. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Donna Murphy been in?

Donna Murphy has appeared on Broadway in 11 shows.

How many West End shows has Donna Murphy been in?

Donna Murphy has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Donna Murphy been nominated for?

Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Into The Woods, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Into The Woods, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The People in the Picture, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The People in the Picture, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The People in the Picture, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for LoveMusik, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for LoveMusik, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for LoveMusik, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Wonderful Town, Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wonderful Town , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Wonderful Town, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The King and I, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The King and I, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Passion, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Passion, Outstanding Supporting Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello Again, Best Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Song of Singapore and Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Song of Singapore.

What awards has Donna Murphy won?

Donna Murphy has won several prestigious awards throughout her career. She received the Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) at the Drama Desk Awards for LoveMusik and also won the Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same show. Additionally, she was awarded Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Wonderful Town, along with Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Wonderful Town. Donna Murphy earned the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. She also won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for The King and I. Furthermore, she received Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Passion and won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Passion.

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Videos