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Ethel Waters Headshot

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters is an actor, composer, lyricist whose BroadwayWorld credits include At Home with Ethel Waters, The Member of the Wedding, and Blue Holiday.

Date of Birth: October 31, 1900

Date of Death: September 01, 1977 (76)

Birth Place: Chester, PA, USA

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1953
Performer
[Broadway]
1950
Berenice Sadie Brown
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1945
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1943
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1940
Petunia Jackson
[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1940
Hagar
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1939
Hagar
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1935
"Thief in the Night" Performer, "The Steamboad Whistle" Performer, "Hottentot Potentate" Performer, "Got a Bran' New Suit" Performer, Featured Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1933
"I've Got Harlem on My Mind" Singer, "Supper Time" Singer, Performer, "To Be Or Not To Be" Singer, "Heat Wave Hits New York" Singer, Ella, Josephine Baker, Woman
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1931
Performer
[Broadway]
1930
Performer
[Broadway]
1928
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1927
Performer

Writing

Composer
Lyricist

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

See how many degrees separate Ethel Waters from another Broadway star or creative.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters

Movies

On with the Show!
[ 1929 ] Ethel
Gift of Gab
[ 1934 ] Ethel Waters
Cairo
[ 1942 ] Cleona Jones
Tales of Manhattan
[ 1942 ] Esther
Stage Door Canteen
[ 1943 ] Ethel Waters
Cabin in the Sky
[ 1943 ] Petunia Jackson
Pinky
[ 1949 ] Dicey Johnson
The Member of the Wedding
[ 1952 ] Berenice Sadie Brown
Carib Gold
[ 1957 ] Mom
The Heart Is a Rebel
[ 1958 ] Gladys
The Sound and the Fury
[ 1959 ] Dilsey

News

LEGRAND LEGACY – KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING! to Bring Jackie Draper to Laurie Beechman Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 24, 2026

Jackie Draper will return to the Laurie Beechman Theatre with a new cabaret show celebrating composer Michel Legrand, featuring musicians Gregory Toroian, Tom Hubbard, Ron Tierno, and Robbyn Tongue.
LET IT BE ART! Starring Ronald Rand To Perform At Logan Festival Of Solo Performance
by Marissa Faith Curley - Aug 3, 2026

International Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand brings to life the legendary Harold Clurman-hailed as the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre'- in his critically-acclaimed solo play, LET IT BE ART!, in the Logan Festival of Solo Performance at 1st Stage.
Interview: Director Willow Geer of Noël Coward’s WAITING IN THE WINGS
by Shari Barrett - Jul 7, 2026

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents Waiting in the Wings, a vibrant, funny, deeply humane comedy by Noël Coward that reminds us that a life well-lived is measured not by applause, but by connection. Set in “The Wings,” a charity home for retired actresses, Coward’s 50th play is a witty and poignant portrait of nine opinionated, funny, difficult and full of life women, each of whom once basked in public admiration.
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Extends at Florida Studio Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 1, 2026

Florida Studio Theatre has announced that A Night with Janis Joplin, a concert-style celebration of the legendary singer and the artists who inspired her, has been extended again by audience demand.
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Extended at Florida Studio Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2026

Florida Studio Theatre's A Night with Janis Joplin, an electrifying concert-style celebration of the legendary singer and the artists who inspired her, has been extended.
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN Comes to Florida Studio Theatre in March
by Stephi Wild - Feb 17, 2026

Florida Studio Theatre will present the Tony-nominated musical A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN starting March 11. The production promises a vibrant tribute to the iconic singer with a powerful performance by its lead.
Ronald Rand to Star in LET IT BE ART! South Carolina Premiere at Bluebird Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 16, 2026

U.S. Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand will be bringing Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' alive in the South Caroilna premiere of his solo play, Let It Be Art! at the Bluebird Theatre in Orangeburg.
Photos: STROKE OF GENIUS: HIRSCHFELD AT THE ALGONQUIN Opens in the Oak Room
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Sep 9, 2025

“Strokes of Genius: Hirschfeld at the Algonquin” will be on exhibition in the hotel’s legendary Oak Room, September 9 – 20, daily from noon – 7PM. BroadwayWorld got a preview of the exhibit and you can check out photos here!
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation to Launch New Book and New Exhibition of Al Hirschfeld Artwork
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2025

The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will launch a new book, and a new exhibition of Al Hirschfeld artwork; Hirschfeld’s Sondheim. Learn more about the book here!
STROKES OF GENIUS: HIRSCHFELD AT THE ALGONQUIN Set for September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 21, 2025

The Al Hirschfeld Foundation will join forces with Helicline Fine Art and The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection for a new exhibition of artwork by the legendary artist Al Hirschfeld. Learn more!
Leslie Uggams to be Celebrated at Porchlight Music Theatre's 2025 ICONS GALA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 24, 2025

Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed that multi-award winner Leslie Uggams is the 2025 ICON Award recipient and will attend the signature fundraising event. Learn more!
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Tour In Asheville
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025

US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.
Review: Lillias White: DIVINE SASS, A TRIBUTE TO SARAH VAUGHAN
by Steve Murray - Mar 9, 2025

What did our critic think of LILLIAS WHITE: DIVINE SASS, A TRIBUTE TO SARAH VAUGHAN at Feinstein's At The Nikko?
Jack & Priscilla Schlegel Celebrated as Florida Studio Theatre Spelman Award Recipients
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 6, 2025

Each year, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) recognizes an individual or couple who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership through philanthropic support, stewardship, or service. This year, FST will present the 32nd Annual Spelman Award to Jack and Priscilla Schlegel.
DIVAS: TIME AFTER TIME Comes to Florida Studio Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 17, 2025

Florida Studio Theatre will honor trailblazing female artists with Divas: Time After Time, an exciting cabaret celebrating the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals.
Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand to Bring Harold Clurman In LET IT BE ART! To Athens
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2024

Ronald Rand will perform his acclaimed solo play LET IT BE ART! as Harold Clurman in Athens during the Global Arts Education Summit, marking nearly 25 years of world tours. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Feature: October Monthly Musical Birthday Tribute – It's a Quiz!
by Rob Lester - Oct 1, 2024

What star turned down CABARET? What two cabaret stars were born on Halloween? What cabaret club was named for a character in a musical? What Broadway lyricist turns 100 this month? Take the multiple-choice quiz and see what you know (or might guess correctly) about so many talented folks ALL born in October.
Review: AUTUMN IN NEW YORK: VERNON DUKE'S BROADWAY Is a Crowd-Pleaser at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Rob Lester - Apr 21, 2024

At Chelsea Table + Stage, Klea Blackhurst 'Box Set' shows are continuing to draw crowds and bring smiles. Songs of Vernon Duke were on the bill in April, and May 5 will find her saluting Jerry Herman.
Musical Benefit For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Comes to the Triad in April
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2024

Triad Theater and Laura Slutzsky will present a musical benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, co-hosted by Laura Slutsky and Sue Matsuki, featuring special guest Lina Koutrakos.
Ronald Rand Will Lead LET IT BE ART! at Greece's Lithographeion Theatre in Patras
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2024

Goodwill Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand, during his 24th year touring around the world to 26 countries will perform in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! as Harold Clurman, 'the Elder Statesman of the American Theatre,' on March 31st at the renowned Lithographeion Theatre in Patras, Greece.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Ethel Waters been in?

Ethel Waters has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

How many West End shows has Ethel Waters been in?

Ethel Waters has not appeared in the West End

How many shows has Ethel Waters written?

Ethel Waters has written 1 shows including After Midnight (Composer).

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