Frances Sternhagen
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Latest News on Frances Sternhagen:
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84 (Nov 15, 2025)
Christopher Plummer In the Spotlight: From Broadway to THE SOUND OF MUSIC and Beyond (Sep 17, 2025)
ON GOLDEN POND At Skokie Theatre Promises A Heartwarming Production Of Ernest Thompson's Classic Play (Jan 25, 2024)
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84 (Nov 15, 2025)
Christopher Plummer In the Spotlight: From Broadway to THE SOUND OF MUSIC and Beyond (Sep 17, 2025)
ON GOLDEN POND At Skokie Theatre Promises A Heartwarming Production Of Ernest Thompson's Classic Play (Jan 25, 2024)
BIO
Sternhagen started her career teaching acting, singing, and dancing to school children at the Milton Academy in Massachusetts, and she first performed in 1948 at a Bryn Mawr summer theater in The Glass Menagerie and Angel Street. She went on to work at Washington's Arena Stage from 1953–54, then made her Broadway debut in 1955 as Miss T. Muse in The Skin of Our Teeth. The same year, she had her off-Broadway debut in Thieves' Carnival, and her TV debut in The Great Bank Robbery on Omnibus (CBS). By the following year, she had won her first Obie Award for "Distinguished Performance (Actress)" in The Admirable Bashville (1955–56).
She has won two Tony Awards, for Best Supporting Actress (Dramatic): in 1974 for the original Broadway production of Neil Simon's The Good Doctor and in 1995 for the revival of The Heiress. She has been nominated for Tony Awards five other times, including for her roles in the original Broadway casts of Equus (1975) and On Golden Pond (1979), as well as for Lorraine Hansberry's The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window (1972), the musical Angel (1978), which was based on Thomas Wolfe's Look Homeward, Angel, and the 2002 revival of Paul Osborn's Morning's at Seven.
She portrayed the title character in 1988's Pulitzer prize-winning drama Driving Miss Daisy, which was originated by Dana Ivey at Playwrights Horizons in New York. Sternhagen took over the role after the show moved to the John Houseman Theatre and played it for more than two years. Her off-Broadway awards include two nominations for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play in 1998, for a revival of Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night (which starred her own son, Paul Carlin, as her character's son, Jamie Tyrone) for the Irish Repertory Theatre and in 2005, for the World War I drama Echoes of the War.
Sternhagen appeared as the Daughter in the original 1971 Broadway production of Edward Albee's All Over with Colleen Dewhurst and Jessica Tandy. In the summer of 2005, she starred in the Broadway production of Steel Magnolias along with Marsha Mason, Delta Burke, Christine Ebersole, Lily Rabe, and Rebecca Gayheart. She also starred in the 2005 revival of Edward Albee's Seascape, produced by Lincoln Center Theater at the Booth Theater on Broadway.
In 2013, Sternhagen was awarded the Obie Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
1971
Mary Stuart (Understudy)
Queen Elizabeth (Understudy)
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Mary Stuart (Unknown)
Queen Elizabeth (Unknown)
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Mary Stuart (Unknown)
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[Broadway]
1971
The Daughter (Saint Tome (Sao Tome) and Principe)
The Mistress (Saint Tome (Sao Tome) and Principe)
(St. Louis, MO (Regional))
The Daughter (St. Louis, MO (Regional))
The Mistress (Standby)
The Daughter (Standby)
Movies
The Tiger Makes Out
[ 1967 ] Lady On Bus
[ 1967 ] Lady On Bus
The Hospital
[ 1971 ] Mrs. Cushing
[ 1971 ] Mrs. Cushing
Two People
[ 1973 ] Mrs. McCluskey
[ 1973 ] Mrs. McCluskey
Fedora
[ 1978 ] Miss Balfour
[ 1978 ] Miss Balfour
Starting Over
[ 1979 ] Marva Potter
[ 1979 ] Marva Potter
Outland
[ 1981 ] Dr. Marian Lazarus
[ 1981 ] Dr. Marian Lazarus
Romantic Comedy
[ 1983 ] Blanche
[ 1983 ] Blanche
Independence Day
[ 1983 ] Carla Taylor
[ 1983 ] Carla Taylor
Bright Lights, Big City
[ 1988 ] Clara
[ 1988 ] Clara
Communion
[ 1989 ] Dr. Janet Duffy
[ 1989 ] Dr. Janet Duffy
See You in the Morning
[ 1989 ] Neenie
[ 1989 ] Neenie
Sibling Rivalry
[ 1990 ] Rose Turner
[ 1990 ] Rose Turner
Misery
[ 1990 ] Virginia
[ 1990 ] Virginia
Doc Hollywood
[ 1991 ] Lillian
[ 1991 ] Lillian
Raising Cain
[ 1992 ] Dr. Waldheim
[ 1992 ] Dr. Waldheim
It All Came True
[ 1998 ] Amy
[ 1998 ] Amy
Landfall
[ 2001 ] Emily Thornton
[ 2001 ] Emily Thornton
The Rising Place
[ 2001 ] Ruth Wilder
[ 2001 ] Ruth Wilder
Highway
[ 2002 ] Mrs. Murray
[ 2002 ] Mrs. Murray
The Mist
[ 2007 ] Irene Reppler
[ 2007 ] Irene Reppler
Julie & Julia
[ 2009 ] Irma Rombauer
[ 2009 ] Irma Rombauer
Dolphin Tale
[ 2011 ] Gloria Forrest
[ 2011 ] Gloria Forrest
And So It Goes
[ 2014 ] Claire
[ 2014 ] Claire
TV Shows
Cheers
Esther Clavin
Esther Clavin
ER
Millicent Carter
Millicent Carter
Law & Order
Estelle Muller, Margaret Langdon
Estelle Muller, Margaret Langdon
Sex and the City
Bunny MacDougal
Bunny MacDougal
The Closer
Willie Ray Johnson
Willie Ray Johnson
Awards and Nominations
winner
Obie Awards - 2013 - Lifetime Achievement
Frances Sternhagen
winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2007 - The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead
Frances Sternhagen
winner
The Lortels - 2005 - Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence
Frances Sternhagen
Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Frances Sternhagen, Morning's at Seven
Drama Desk Awards - 1998 - Outstanding Actress - Play
Frances Sternhagen , Long Day's Journey Into Night
winner
Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Frances Sternhagen, The Heiress
Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Actress - Play
Frances Sternhagen, On Golden Pond
winner
Drama League Awards - 1979 - Distinguished Performance Award
Frances Sternhagen
Tony Awards - 1979 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Frances Sternhagen, On Golden Pond
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Frances Sternhagen , Angel
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play
Frances Sternhagen, Equus
winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Frances Sternhagen , The Good Doctor
winner
Tony Awards - 1972 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Frances Sternhagen, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window
winner
Obie Awards - 1965 - Performance
Frances SternhagenThe Room
winner
Obie Awards - 1965 - Performance
Frances SternhagenA Slight Ache
winner
Obie Awards - 1956 - Distinguished Performance (Actress)
Frances Sternhagen, The Admirable Bashville
Videos
TV: Sneak Peek of Edie Falco, John Ellison Conlee & More in MTC's THE MADRID- Performance Highlights!
by Nicole Rosky - 2013-02-26 16:26:22
News
Elizabeth Franz, Tony-Winning Broadway Actress, Dies At 84
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2025
Tony Award–winning actress Elizabeth Franz, best known for her acclaimed Broadway performances in Death of a Salesman, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Broadway Bound, and Morning’s at Seven, has died at 84.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2025
Tony Award–winning actress Elizabeth Franz, best known for her acclaimed Broadway performances in Death of a Salesman, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Broadway Bound, and Morning’s at Seven, has died at 84.
Christopher Plummer In the Spotlight: From Broadway to THE SOUND OF MUSIC and Beyond
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 17, 2025
To celebrate the return of The Sound of Music in theaters, we are taking a look back at Christopher Plummer's expansive stage career, from Cyrano to King Lear, and more.
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 17, 2025
To celebrate the return of The Sound of Music in theaters, we are taking a look back at Christopher Plummer's expansive stage career, from Cyrano to King Lear, and more.
ON GOLDEN POND At Skokie Theatre Promises A Heartwarming Production Of Ernest Thompson's Classic Play
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 25, 2024
MadKap Productions will present ON GOLDEN POND for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie.
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 25, 2024
MadKap Productions will present ON GOLDEN POND for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie.
ON GOLDEN POND Comes to Skokie Theatre in February
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2024
MadKap Productions will present ON GOLDEN POND for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie. Feb 2 - Feb 25, 2024, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm, with one Wed. matinee on Feb 21 at 1:30 pm.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 22, 2024
MadKap Productions will present ON GOLDEN POND for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie. Feb 2 - Feb 25, 2024, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm, with one Wed. matinee on Feb 21 at 1:30 pm.
ON GOLDEN POND Comes to Skokie Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 11, 2024
MadKap Productions will present ON GOLDEN POND for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 11, 2024
MadKap Productions will present ON GOLDEN POND for 13 live performances at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 30th, 2023
by - Nov 30, 2023
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 30, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Nov 30, 2023
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 30, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Tony-Winning Stage and Screen Actress Frances Sternhagen Dies at 93
by Stephi Wild - Nov 29, 2023
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that stage and screen actress Frances Sternhagen has died at age 93. Learn more about her life and career here.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 29, 2023
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that stage and screen actress Frances Sternhagen has died at age 93. Learn more about her life and career here.
Ethan Watermeier & Rachel Stern to Star in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Olney Theatre Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 5, 2023
Discover Olney Theatre Center's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' with a fresh global perspective. This timeless musical explores themes of rising anti-Semitism, Russian aggression, refugee crises, and women's struggles against patriarchal authority. Don't miss this captivating show running from November 8 to December 31 in Olney, Maryland.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 5, 2023
Discover Olney Theatre Center's production of 'Fiddler on the Roof' with a fresh global perspective. This timeless musical explores themes of rising anti-Semitism, Russian aggression, refugee crises, and women's struggles against patriarchal authority. Don't miss this captivating show running from November 8 to December 31 in Olney, Maryland.
Theatre Arlington Presents ON GOLDEN POND
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2023
Theatre Arlington is thrilled to open the third installment in our 50th Anniversary season, On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson. This classic play follows an elderly couple spending their summer at their lake house, where they reconnect with their estranged daughter. The story is a heartfelt meditation on the complications of aging, family, and forgiveness.
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2023
Theatre Arlington is thrilled to open the third installment in our 50th Anniversary season, On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson. This classic play follows an elderly couple spending their summer at their lake house, where they reconnect with their estranged daughter. The story is a heartfelt meditation on the complications of aging, family, and forgiveness.
Ivoryton Playhouse to Present ON GOLDEN POND Starring James Naughton Beginning Next Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 29, 2023
Ivoryton Playhouse will present Tony Award-nominated Mia Dillon* and Tony award winner James Naughton* in ON GOLDEN POND by Ernest Thompson May 18 through June 11, 2023.
by Blair Ingenthron - Apr 29, 2023
Ivoryton Playhouse will present Tony Award-nominated Mia Dillon* and Tony award winner James Naughton* in ON GOLDEN POND by Ernest Thompson May 18 through June 11, 2023.
Sherman Players Will Open 2023 Season With ON GOLDEN POND
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2023
The Sherman Players will open their 2023 season with ON GOLDEN POND, written by Ernest Thompson and directed by Jane Farnol. The play will open on Friday, April 21 and run four weekends through May 13th at the Sherman Playhouse.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2023
The Sherman Players will open their 2023 season with ON GOLDEN POND, written by Ernest Thompson and directed by Jane Farnol. The play will open on Friday, April 21 and run four weekends through May 13th at the Sherman Playhouse.
Olney Theatre Center To Announce Extension Of KINKY BOOTS At Tonight's First Preview Performance
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2023
Olney Theatre Center is extending the run of KINKY BOOTS (music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, book by Harvey Fierstein, directed by Jason Loewith) for one week of additional performances. The new closing date is March 26, 2023.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2023
Olney Theatre Center is extending the run of KINKY BOOTS (music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, book by Harvey Fierstein, directed by Jason Loewith) for one week of additional performances. The new closing date is March 26, 2023.
Madhuri Shekar's A NICE INDIAN BOY to Have Regional Premiere at Olney Theatre Center in March
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2023
A Nice Indian Boy by Madhuri Shekar and directed by Zi Alikhan will have its regional premiere in Olney Theatre Center’s Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab in a production featuring the work of one of the fastest rising and prolific American playwrights working.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2023
A Nice Indian Boy by Madhuri Shekar and directed by Zi Alikhan will have its regional premiere in Olney Theatre Center’s Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab in a production featuring the work of one of the fastest rising and prolific American playwrights working.
Ron OJ Parson to Receive SDCF's Zelda Fichandler Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 21, 2022
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, the not-for-profit foundation of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society announced the recipient and finalist for its annual Zelda Fichandler Award.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 21, 2022
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation, the not-for-profit foundation of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society announced the recipient and finalist for its annual Zelda Fichandler Award.
Wagner College To Host Ceremony And Staged Reading of 2022 Stanley Award-Winner, MARILYN, MOM, AND ME
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 25, 2022
Wagner College Theatre has announced that the winner of the 2022 Stanley Drama Award is Luke Yankee for his play Marilyn, Mom and Me.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 25, 2022
Wagner College Theatre has announced that the winner of the 2022 Stanley Drama Award is Luke Yankee for his play Marilyn, Mom and Me.
Olney Theatre Center's Remount of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST to Open in November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 17, 2022
Olney Theatre Center’s remount of its 2021 hit Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs November 9, 2022 - January 1, 2023, on the Mainstage. Jade Jones and Evan Ruggiero, who attracted national attention last year for their stereotype-busting performances in the lead roles, also return to star as Belle and the Beast.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 17, 2022
Olney Theatre Center’s remount of its 2021 hit Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs November 9, 2022 - January 1, 2023, on the Mainstage. Jade Jones and Evan Ruggiero, who attracted national attention last year for their stereotype-busting performances in the lead roles, also return to star as Belle and the Beast.
BROADWAY BLESSING Celebrates 25th Anniversary, September 19
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 9, 2022
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Broadway Blessing. September 19, 7 p.m. St. Malachy's/The Actors' Chapel, 239 W. 49th St.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 9, 2022
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Broadway Blessing. September 19, 7 p.m. St. Malachy's/The Actors' Chapel, 239 W. 49th St.
The Washington Stage Guild Opens 37th Season With THE GOOD DOCTOR by Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 7, 2022
The Washington Stage Guild will kick off its 2022-2023 season, a “Season of Transitions,” with The Good Doctor by Neil Simon, adapted from the stories of Anton Chekhov, directed by founding member Laura Giannarelli.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 7, 2022
The Washington Stage Guild will kick off its 2022-2023 season, a “Season of Transitions,” with The Good Doctor by Neil Simon, adapted from the stories of Anton Chekhov, directed by founding member Laura Giannarelli.
Olney Theatre Launches New Community Partner Program With Sandy Spring Slave Museum
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 4, 2022
Olney Theatre Center announced a series of events as part of its new “Community Partners” program, planned in conjunction with its first partner, The Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 4, 2022
Olney Theatre Center announced a series of events as part of its new “Community Partners” program, planned in conjunction with its first partner, The Sandy Spring Slave Museum & African Art Gallery.
Alley Mills Joins the Ensemble of MORNING'S AT SEVEN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2021
Television and stage veteran Alley Mills (“The Wonder Years”; Williamstown Theatre Festival, four seasons) will assume the role of Arry in the new production of Paul Osborn’s Morning’s At Seven, currently playing through January 9 at Theatre at St. Clement’s (423 W. 46th Street, NYC).
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2021
Television and stage veteran Alley Mills (“The Wonder Years”; Williamstown Theatre Festival, four seasons) will assume the role of Arry in the new production of Paul Osborn’s Morning’s At Seven, currently playing through January 9 at Theatre at St. Clement’s (423 W. 46th Street, NYC).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Frances Sternhagen been in?
Frances Sternhagen has appeared on Broadway in 24 shows.
How many West End shows has Frances Sternhagen been in?
Frances Sternhagen has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Frances Sternhagen been nominated for?
Lifetime Achievement (Obie Awards) for , The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence (The Lortels), Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Morning's at Seven, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Heiress, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for On Golden Pond, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for On Golden Pond, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Angel, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Equus , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Good Doctor, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, Performance (Obie Awards) for The Room, Performance (Obie Awards) for A Slight Ache and Distinguished Performance (Actress) (Obie Awards) for The Admirable Bashville.
What awards has Frances Sternhagen won?
Frances Sternhagen has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. She was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Obie Awards. She received The Helen Hayes Tribute, sponsored by Jaylee and Gilbert Mead, from the Helen Hayes Awards. She was awarded the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence by The Lortels. Sternhagen won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for The Heiress, The Good Doctor, and The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window. She also earned the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards. Additionally, she won the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for her role in Equus. Sternhagen received multiple Obie Awards for Performance for The Room, A Slight Ache, and the Distinguished Performance (Actress) award for The Admirable Bashville.
Videos