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Joanna Gleason

Birth Place: Winnipeg, MB, CANADA

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BIO

Born Joanne Hall, daughter of Maurice and Marilyn (Plottel) Hall (Halprin) on June 2, 1950 in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. At the time her father worked at the Canadian Wheat Board. He later started his TV career and after becoming known as Monty Hall went on to fame as host of Let's Make a Deal. It is interesting to note that Monty's brother Robert also changed his name to Hall.


Joanna graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1968. While there she had a cameo in the school's production of The Music Man.
She continued her education at UCLA, then Occidental College, from which she graduated. Joanna has been a teacher herself, holding classes and workshops all over the country. She has also begun crafting new theatrical works and in early 2002 she directed her first New York play.
Joanna was in the TV Show "Hello, Larry" which was used as the basic outline for the 90s TV smash hit "Fraiser." She was also a star on "Bette" with Bette Midler and Lindsay Lohan and had a good run on TV's "Love and War" where she got to direct a little as well. She is also known for her television roles in shows such as Friends, The West Wing, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, The Affair, The Newsroom, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
She has also won numerous awards. In 1988 Joanna won the Tony as Best Actress for her role as the Baker's Wife in Sondheim's "Into the Woods." She also won a Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for the same performance. She received another Tony nomination and a Drama Desk nomination for her work in "Joe Egg." Joanna won a Theater World Award for "The Real Thing," and another Drama Desk award for "Social Security."
Since 1994 Joanna has been married to actor Chris Sarandon. These two appeared together in movies such as Road Ends, Edie and Pen, Let the Devil Wear Black, and American Perfekt. They met while doing Broadway?s 1991 adoption of the Thin Man: "Nick and Nora". Sadly, this was not a successful play. But the two returned to the stage in 1998's "Thorn and Bloom."
Previously she was married to Michael Bennahum and Paul Gleason from whom she kept her surname for acting purposes. You may remember Paul Gleason as the principle from The Breakfast Club or as the police chief in Die Hard. Paul was also a minor league baseball player for the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox organizations.
Her siblings are television writer/director Sharon Hall Kessler, and Emmy-award winning television writer/director Richard Hall.
Joanna and Chris have 4 children. Aaron David Gleason ("Gilly Leads" as he has chosen as his name since age 19), from Joanna's marriage to Paul Gleason, has his own band, All Hours (formerly known as The Midnight Radio), which has been signed by Hybrid Recordings. Stephanie, Alexis, and Michael are from Chris' second marriage to Lisa Ann Cooper.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Production, 2011
Gloria

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2009
Arlene

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Alison

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Muriel

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Muriel

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Dr. Emma Brookner

[New York]
Reading, 2004
Muriel

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 1997
Baker's Wife

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1991
Performer

Nora Charles

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Artie

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Melissa Gardner [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Baker's Wife [Replacement]

Baker's Wife

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
Old Globe Production (Pre-Broadway), 1986
Baker's Wife

[Broadway]
1986
Trudy Heyman

[Off-Broadway]
1986
Virginia Noyles

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1985
Pam

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Pam

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Performer

[Broadway]
1984
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1977
Monica

[New York]
Workshop, 1990
Performer

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director

Movies

Hannah and Her Sisters
[ 1986 ] Carol
Heartburn
[ 1986 ] Diana
Crimes and Misdemeanors
[ 1989 ] Wendy Stern
F/X2
[ 1991 ] Liz Kennedy
Mr. Holland's Opus
[ 1995 ] Adult Gertrude
Edie & Pen
[ 1996 ] Maude
Road Ends
[ 1997 ] Armacost
Boogie Nights
[ 1997 ] Dirk's Mother
American Perfekt
[ 1997 ] Shirley
Let the Devil Wear Black
[ 1999 ] Dr. Rona Harvey
The Wedding Planner
[ 2001 ] Mrs. Donolly
Wedding Daze
[ 2006 ] Lois
The Girl in the Park
[ 2007 ] Sarah
The Women
[ 2008 ] Barbara
My Sassy Girl
[ 2008 ] Kitty, Aunt Sally
Sex and the City
[ 2008 ] Therapist
The Rebound
[ 2009 ] Roberta Finklestein
Last Vegas
[ 2013 ] Miriam
The Skeleton Twins
[ 2014 ] Judy

TV Shows

Bette
Connie Randolph
Hello, Larry
Morgan Winslow
King of the Hill
Maddy Platter, Marie's Mother, Operator
Love & War
Nadine Berkus
Oh Baby
Charlotte St. John
Sensitive Skin
Veronica
The Good Wife
Judge Carmella Romano
The West Wing
Atty. Jordon Kendall
Tracey Takes On...
Katherine Hawkins, LeAnne the Stewardess

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Joanna Gleason, Sons of the Prophet

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Joanna Gleason, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Joanna Gleason, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1988 - Best Actress - Musical

Joanna Gleason, Into the Woods


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Joanna Gleason, Into the Woods


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Joanna Gleason, Into the Woods

Drama Desk Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Joanna Gleason, Joe Egg

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Joanna Gleason, Joe Egg


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1977 - Performance

Joanna Gleason, I Love My Wife

Videos

News


Andrew Barth Feldman Joins Joanna Gleason in Joshua Harmon's WE HAD A WORLD at MTC

Manhattan Theatre Club has just announced additional casting for its 2025 Off-Broadway season, including Andrew Barth Feldman in the premiere of We Had a World. Check out who else has joined the upcoming season here.
Broadway's Spookiest Ghost Stories

This time, the reader question was: What are some of the most famous Broadway ghost stories? Some Broadway houses have many haunted tales… and others seem to have no ghostly spirits at all! Let's unpack!
Joanna Gleason and Jeanine Serralles to Star in WE HAD A WORLD at MTC

Manhattan Theatre Club has revealed the initial cast and the venue for the world premiere of We Had A World, written by Tony Award nominee Joshua Harmon. See who is starring and learn more about the production!
Video: Joanna Gleason's Directorial Debut THE GROTTO Trailer

Nova Vento Entertainment and FLMKR released the trailer for The Grotto, a dramedy directed by Tony Award winner Joanna Gleason. The film presents a coming-of-middle-age story. Watch now!
Charles Busch, Joanna Gleason, Richard Kind, And More Will Lead THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE

The Sharon Playhouse has announced a special event staged reading of The Tale of the Allergist's Wife to benefit the Playhouse.
Charles Busch, Joanna Gleason, Richard Kind and More To Star In THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE Staged Reading At Sharon Playhouse

The Sharon Playhouse announced a special benefit staged reading of the Broadway comedy THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE. This star-studded event promises an engaging theatrical experience for attendees.
Video: Aaron Lazar Shares Star-Studded 'The Impossible Dream' Music Video

Award-winning Broadway star Aaron Lazar releases his highly anticipated debut album, Impossible Dream, tomorrow, August 23rd. Ahead of the release, Lazar has shared the celebrity-fueled finale of the title track “The Impossible Dream,” from The Man of La Mancha, a song that has been an anthem for Lazar while on his healing journey. Watch the video now!
Video: Inside the Recording of Aaron Lazar's 'Impossible Dream' Benefit Album

Broadway star Aaron Lazar appeared on Good Morning America on Tuesday to discuss his ALS diagnosis and the forthcoming benefit album that includes numerous members of the theatre community. Watch the full segment here.
Jen Cody, Susan Cella, and More Set for STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Sharon Playhouse

The Sharon Playhouse, the historic arts and entertainment venue nestled in the picturesque Northwest Corner of Connecticut, has announced their highly anticipated production of Steel Magnolias.
Video: Aaron Lazar Is Embracing His Impossible Dream and Staying Positive in the Face of ALS

Two and a half years ago, Aaron Lazar, star of such beloved Broadway shows as Les Miserables, The Last Ship, The Light in the Piazza, and many more, was diagnosed with ALS. When he went public with the news in January, Lazar was met with resounding support from the Broadway community that has become a second family. Now that family has shown up to make a dream come true. Watch in this video.
Aaron Lazar & Josh Groban Share 'Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot' From 'Impossible Dream' Album

Award-winning Broadway star Aaron Lazar and multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and Tony nominee Josh Groban join forces on a powerful rendition of Sting's 'Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot,' the debut single from Lazar's highly anticipated album Impossible Dream.
Photos: INTO THE WOODS at Greenway Court Theatre

A new production of Into the Woods, the classic Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, is now playing at the Greenway Court Theatre. Directed by Mary Jo DuPrey along with musical director Anthony Zediker, the limited engagement will run through Sunday, August 11. Check out all new photos here!
Aaron David Gleason Releases New Single 'The Universe is Loud' With Pleasantville Band

The Universe is Loud, is the fourth single from Pleasantville. This song is about better days to come even in the midst of your worst weather. The song was written and recorded in Atlanta, Georgia at Big Trouble studios and produced by Daniel Gleason of Grouplove fame and mixed by TJ Elias. Watch the video now!
Video: Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Making of Aaron Lazar's Upcoming Album THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM

Go inside the studio for the making of Aaron Lazar's upcoming album 'The Impossible Dream,' featuring Josh Groban, Neil Patrick Harris, Kelli O'Hara, Shoshana Bean, and more! Watch in this video.
Tracklist Revealed For Aaron Lazar's Debut Album 'Impossible Dream'

The full tracklist and list of guest stars have been announced for Aaron Lazar's upcoming debut album, Impossible Dream. Learn more about the album and how to pre-order it here!
THE PROM Starring Kate Baldwin & More to Begin Performances at Sharon Playhouse This Month

The Sharon Playhouse is set to present The Prom. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Aaron Lazar Will Release Debut Solo Album, Featuring Josh Groban, Kelli O'Hara, and More

Aaron Lazar will release his debut solo album, bringing together a who's who from the Broadway and pop music community. Learn more about how to preorder the album here!
INTO THE WOODS Comes to Greenway Court Theatre

Knot Free Productions in association with Greenway Arts Alliance has announced a new production of Into the Woods, the classic Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. 
TRU to Present 'Finding Her Way To The Right Story: A Conversation With Joanna Gleason'

Join Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) for their weekly Community Gathering on Zoom, featuring a conversation with Tony winner Joanna Gleason. Learn more and see how to attend!
Theater Resources Unlimited Upcoming TRU Community Gathering: Reach For The STAAR ¿(and Learn About The League Of Historic American Theaters)

Join Theater Resources Unlimited for their weekly Community Gathering on Zoom, this time featuring Tammy Pierchoski, executive director of STAAR. Learn about their plan to transform an 1868 Opera house into a cultural destination in Tennessee.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Joanna Gleason been in?

Joanna Gleason has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Joanna Gleason been in?

Joanna Gleason has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Joanna Gleason been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Sons of the Prophet, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Best Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Into the Woods, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Into the Woods, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Joe Egg, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Joe Egg and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for I Love My Wife.

What awards has Joanna Gleason won?

Joanna Gleason has won several awards, including Best Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Into the Woods. She also received the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her role in Into the Woods. Additionally, she won the Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Into the Woods. Gleason was also recognized with a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for I Love My Wife.

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