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Joanna Gleason Headshot

Joanna Gleason

Born Joanne Hall on June 2, 1950, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Gleason graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1968, where she made a cameo appearance in a school production of The Music Man. She later studied at UCLA and Occidental College, graduating from the latter.

Date of Birth: June 02, 1950 (76)

Birth Place: Winnipeg, MB, CANADA

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BIO

Born Joanne Hall on June 2, 1950, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Gleason graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1968, where she made a cameo appearance in a school production of The Music Man. She later studied at UCLA and Occidental College, graduating from the latter.


She originated the Baker's Wife in Into the Woods on Broadway in 1987, a role she returned to for the 1997 production. Her other Broadway credits include Muriel in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Nora Charles in Nick & Nora, Trudy Heyman in Social Security, Pam in Joe Egg, and appearances in The Real Thing and I Love My Wife. Off-Broadway, Gleason has played Dr. Emma Brookner in The Normal Heart, Gloria in Sons of the Prophet, Arlene in Happiness and Alison in Something You Did, and she appeared in We Had a World in 2025.

Her television work includes Hello, Larry, Bette, and Love and War, on which she also had the opportunity to direct. Additional television credits include Friends, The West Wing, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, The Affair, and The Newsroom.

Photos

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STAGE CREDITS

We Had a World We Had a World
[Off-Broadway]
MTC Off-Broadway Premiere, 2025
dying woman
Sons of the Prophet Sons of the Prophet
[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Production, 2011
Gloria
Love, Loss, and What I Wore Love, Loss, and What I Wore
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]
Happiness
[Off-Broadway]
2009
Arlene
Something You Did
[Off-Broadway]
2008
Alison
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Muriel
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2004
Muriel
The Normal Heart
[Off-Broadway]
2004
Dr. Emma Brookner
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
[New York]
Reading, 2004
Muriel
Into the Woods
[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 1997
Baker's Wife
Nick & Nora
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1991
Performer, Nora Charles
Eleemosynary
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Artie
Love Letters
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Melissa Gardner [Replacement]
Into the Woods
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1987
Baker's Wife [Replacement], Baker's Wife
Into the Woods
[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
Old Globe Production (Pre-Broadway), 1986
Baker's Wife
Social Security
[Broadway]
1986
Trudy Heyman
It's Only a Play
[Off-Broadway]
1986
Virginia Noyles
Joe Egg
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1985
Pam
Joe Egg
[Off-Broadway]
1985
Pam
A Hell of a Town
[Off-Broadway]
1984
Performer
The Real Thing
[Broadway]
1984
Performer [Replacement]
I Love My Wife
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1977
Monica
Nick & Nora
[New York]
Workshop, 1990
Performer

Productions

A Letter From Ethel Kennedy
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Director

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

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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
The Girls on the Bus
[ 2024 ] Caroline Bennett

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

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News

INTO THE WOODS to Open South Coast Repertory's 63rd Season Photo
INTO THE WOODS to Open South Coast Repertory's 63rd Season
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 24, 2026

South Coast Repertory will present a new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS on the Segerstrom Stage, directed by Peter Rothstein, marking the musical's 40th anniversary.
Review: INTO THE WOODS We Go Again at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts Photo
Review: INTO THE WOODS We Go Again at Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts
by Albert Gutierrez - Aug 1, 2026

One of the greatest joys of experiencing live theater comes from the ability to revisit a past show through a new lens. When shows are revived or a new company mounts their own production, this allows newer voices to put their stamp on timeless material. The hallmark of any timeless story is its ability to transform and adapt with the changing times. Part and parcel with this is a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone in order to provide a new emotional truth to material that is both familiar and unknown.
Interview: Dan Fishbach of THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF MUSICAL THEATRE Photo
Interview: Dan Fishbach of THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF MUSICAL THEATRE
by Gavin Glynn - Aug 1, 2026

The Complete History of American Musical Theater” series returns to the Odyssey Theatre with an exploration of landmark shows, songs, artists and innovations from The 1950s that helped define the Golden Age of the American musical. Through engaging narration and live performances, the evening celebrates classics including Guys and Dolls, The King and I, My Fair Lady, West Side Story and The Music Man. Featured performers include Eileen Barnett, Camryn Hamm, Scott Harlan, Hayden Kharrazi, Tony nominee Mary Gordon Murray and Tony nominee Rory O’Malley, with narration by Dan Fishbach and Mark D. Kaufmann. One performance only takes place on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90025. For more information and Tix Click: go to OdysseyTheatre.com.
Andrew Barth Feldman Will Lead NERO, a New Musical From Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik Photo
Andrew Barth Feldman Will Lead NERO, a New Musical From Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, in London
by Stephi Wild - Jul 21, 2026

Andrew Barth Feldman will make his London debut as Nero in the new musical NERO, with a book and lyrics by Tony Award winner Steven Sater and music by Tony Award winner Duncan Sheik.
Exclusive: Ben Levi Ross Performs Bobby Darin Song in ELSBETH Season 3 Finale Photo
Exclusive: Ben Levi Ross Performs Bobby Darin Song in ELSBETH Season 3 Finale
by Josh Sharpe - May 20, 2026

In an exclusive sneak peek clip from the season three finale of Elsbeth, Tony nominee Ben Levi Ross shows off his vocal chops with a performance of the jazz standard, 'That's All,' made famous by Bobby Darin. Get a first look at Ross's rendition now.
Photos: Patti LuPone and Michael Urie Guest Star in ELSBETH Season 3 Finale Photo
Photos: Patti LuPone and Michael Urie Guest Star in ELSBETH Season 3 Finale
by Josh Sharpe - May 19, 2026

The season three finale of Elsbeth debuts this week, with guest appearances from three-time Tony winner Patti LuPone and two-time Drama Desk Award winner Michael Urie. Check out sneak peek photos from the Broadway stars in the upcoming episode.
Prospect Musicals' 2026 Gala & Muse Awards Reveals Full Line-Up Photo
Prospect Musicals' 2026 Gala & Muse Awards Reveals Full Line-Up
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2026

Prospect Musicals announced the full line-up for its 2026 Gala & Muse Awards at The Edison Ballroom, honoring LaChanze, Ken Davenport, Lindsay Mendez, Ryan Scott Oliver, and Jose Antonio Vargas.
Interview: GINO GAUDIO SINGS HIS POPULAR SET AT LA PUGLIA Of Santa Monica! Photo
Interview: GINO GAUDIO SINGS HIS POPULAR SET AT LA PUGLIA Of Santa Monica!
by Gavin Glynn - Apr 23, 2026

Gino Gaudio is the great nephew of Hollywood's most famous Warner Bros. Oscar winning cinematographer, Tony Gaudio, the subject of this year's feature documentary; THE LOST LEGACY OF TONY GAUDIO. Gino produces and narrates over one hundred polific cinematography achievements.  Gino will be performing his wildly popular song set at La Puglia of Santa Monica which is a great pairing with La Puglia's (****) magnifico Southern Italian cuisine on May 17, 2026 for a private audience at 4pm.
Tony Kushner to Direct THE NORMAL HEART 40th Anniversary Benefit Reading at The Publi Photo
Tony Kushner to Direct THE NORMAL HEART 40th Anniversary Benefit Reading at The Public
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2026

The Public Theater will present a one-night-only reading of Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart in honor of the groundbreaking play’s 40th anniversary. Tony Kushner will direct the benefit reading.
Patti LuPone, Michael Urie & Erich Bergen Join ELSBETH as Season 3 Guest Stars Photo
Patti LuPone, Michael Urie & Erich Bergen Join ELSBETH as Season 3 Guest Stars
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 18, 2026

Patti LuPone, Michael Urie, and Erich Bergen are the latest Broadway alums set to appear as guest stars in the ongoing third season of the CBS series, Elsbeth.
Interview: Will Conard talks WE HAD A WORLD Photo
Interview: Will Conard talks WE HAD A WORLD
by R. Scott Reedy - Feb 27, 2026

In the new play “We Had a World” – being given a first-rate regional premiere by The Huntington at the Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts, through March 15 – a dying woman asks her grandson to write a play about their family. “But I want you to promise me something,” she says. “Make it as bitter and vitriolic as possible.”
Video: Hamish Linklater Guest Stars as Biohacker in New ELSBETH Sneak Peek Clip Photo
Video: Hamish Linklater Guest Stars as Biohacker in New ELSBETH Sneak Peek Clip
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 25, 2026

Hamish Linklater guest stars as a wealthy biohacker in the new episode of Elsbeth, debuting on Thursday. In a sneak peek clip from the episode, the Broadway alum receives a visit from Elsbeth, who has a few questions following the untimely death of his friend. Check it out now.
Constance Wu and Anna Camp Join ELSBETH Season 3 as Guest Stars Photo
Constance Wu and Anna Camp Join ELSBETH Season 3 as Guest Stars
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 18, 2026

Constance Wu and Anna Camp are the latest Broadway alums to join as guest stars for the ongoing third season of the CBS series, Elsbeth. This season will also feature Broadway alums Beanie Feldstein, Joanna Gleason, Mark Linn-Baker, Didi Conn, and more as guest stars.
Michael Patrick King to Be Honored by the Human Rights Campaign Photo
Michael Patrick King to Be Honored by the Human Rights Campaign
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 13, 2026

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) will honor LGBTQ+ writer, director and producer Michael Patrick King at this year’s Los Angeles Dinner, which will be held at Fairmont Century Plaza on March 28, 2026.
Joanna Gleason, Mark Linn-Baker, & Didi Conn Join ELSBETH Season 3 as Guest Stars Photo
Joanna Gleason, Mark Linn-Baker, & Didi Conn Join ELSBETH Season 3 as Guest Stars
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 2, 2026

Stage and screen veterans Joanna Gleason, Mark Linn-Baker, and Didi Conn are all set to appear in Episode 16 of the ongoing third season of the CBS series Elsbeth.
Interview: Jarrett Winters Morley Brings THE HISTORY OF NATASHA, PIERRE... to 54 Belo Photo
Interview: Jarrett Winters Morley Brings THE HISTORY OF NATASHA, PIERRE... to 54 Below
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 16, 2026

Read a conversation with Morley about the 1/23 concert, which weaves history about NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 between songs from the show.
TRUSPEAK Returns With Four New Short Films Available On Demand For A Limited Run Photo
TRUSPEAK Returns With Four New Short Films Available On Demand For A Limited Run
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 11, 2025

TRUSpeak: Hear Our Voices! will return in a new on-demand edition featuring four short plays adapted for virtual performance. The yearly fundraising event will showcase a broad ensemble of theater artists, with tickets offered as tax-deductible donations.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 14, 2025- OEDIPUS First Look and More Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 14, 2025- OEDIPUS First Look and More
by - Nov 14, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 14, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Allison Janney, Joanna Gleason and Shakina Nayfack to Join TRUSpeak... Hear Our Voice Photo
Allison Janney, Joanna Gleason and Shakina Nayfack to Join TRUSpeak... Hear Our Voices!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2025

TRUSpeak... Hear Our Voices! 2025 will present special appearances by Emmy and Oscar winner Allison Janney, Tony winner Joanna Gleason and transgender activist Shakina Nayfack.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 11, 2025- THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Opens On Broadw Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 11, 2025- THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES Opens On Broadway and More
by - Nov 11, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 11, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
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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 prestigious Broadway awards throughout her career. She received the Best Actress in a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Into the Woods. She also won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for the same production. Additionally, Gleason earned the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Into the Woods, and she received the Theatre World Award for Performance for I Love My Wife.

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Podcasts

Broadway Podcast Network

Ep383 - Joanna Gleason: Be the Protein on the Plate

40 min

Joanna Gleason’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, she’s graced Broadway in I Love My Wife, The Real Thing, Social Security, Nick & Nora, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Sons of the Prophet.

Ep 406- We Had A World Press Day! Joanna Gleason! Andrew Barth Feldman!

We love MTC! We love new works! We love Broadway! We love Broadway Stars! If you do too, this show is for you! We Had A World, written by Tony Award nominee Joshua Harmon (Prayer for the French Republic at MTC), directed by Tony Award nominee Trip Cullman (Choir Boy and Murder Ballad at MTC, Lobby Hero, Six Degrees of Separation).

#5 - Joanna Gleason, the Original Baker's Wife

Joanna Gleason opens up about her star-making role, discussing her legendary audition when she didn't have an uptempo ("I said no, I don't, but I can sing this one really, really fast.") and the good luck omen that blew into her car window during the pre-Broadway run in San Diego.

#105 JOANNA GLEASON, Tony Winning Actress

Come spend a moment in the woods with one of Broadway's finest artists, Joanna Gleason, who not only won a Tony Award for her magnificent portrayal of The Baker's Wife in Into The Woods, but also starred in such Broadway hits as I Love My Wife, Social Security, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

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