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Karen Olivo

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Karen Olivo originated the lead role of Satine in Broadway's Moulin Rouge! (2019) after playing the role in the Boston production in 2018. Other Broadway credits: West Side Story (2009, Tony Award winner); In the Heights (2008); and Brooklyn (2004). Regional/off-Broadway credits include: Fun Home (2018); Hamilton (2016); tick, tick...BOOM! (2014); and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark (2011).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Moulin Rouge! Moulin Rouge!
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Satine
Moulin Rouge! The Musical Moulin Rouge! The Musical
[Boston]
World Premiere, 2018
Chess Chess
[Washington, DC (Regional)]
Kennedy Center Broadway Center Stage Revival, 2018
Florence Vassy
Hamilton (Eliza Company) Hamilton (Eliza Company)
[US Tour]
Chicago, Los Angeles, National Tour Production, 2016
Angelica Schyler
The Odyssey The Odyssey
[Off-Broadway]
Public Works Production, 2015
Penelope
Tick, Tick... BOOM! Tick, Tick... BOOM!
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Off-Center Production, 2014
Performer
Murder Ballad Murder Ballad
[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2012
By the Way, Meet Vera Stark By the Way, Meet Vera Stark
[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Production, 2011
Anne Mae/Afua Assata Ejobo
West Side Story West Side Story
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2009
Anita
In the Heights In the Heights
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2008
Vanessa
In the Heights
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2007
Miracle Brothers
[Off-Broadway]
2005
Jeca
Miracle Brothers
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2005
Brooklyn Brooklyn
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2004
Faith
Brooklyn
[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 2003
Performer
Rent Rent
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1996
(Swing) [Replacement]
Maureen Johnson, Mimi Marquez (Understudy) [Replacement]
Mimi Marquez (Understudy) [Replacement]
Maureen Johnson (Understudy) [Replacement]

Movies

Adrift in Manhattan
[ 2007 ] Ana, Isabel's daughter
The New Twenty
[ 2008 ] Bethany
Shanghai Hotel
[ 2011 ] Carmen
Generation Um...
[ 2012 ] Carrie Hines

TV Shows

Harry's Law
Cassie Reynolds
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Yelina Muñoz, Jennifer Benitez
The Good Wife
Giada Cabrini

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2020 - Distinguished Performance Award

Karen Olivo, Moulin Rouge!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2020 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Karen Olivo, Moulin Rouge!

Tony Awards - 2020 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Karen Olivo, Moulin Rouge!


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2009 - Best Featured Actress in a Musical

Karen Olivo, West Side Story

Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Karen Olivo, West Side Story

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Karen Olivo, West Side Story


winner
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Karen Olivo, West Side Story


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2007 - Outstanding Ensemble Performances

Karen Olivo, In the Heights

Videos

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News


Leslie Odom Jr. to Adapt and Star in Sammy Davis Jr. Horror Flick Photo
Leslie Odom Jr. to Adapt and Star in Sammy Davis Jr. Horror Flick
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 3, 2025

Leslie Odom Jr., who recently wrapped up his encore run as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, is set to adapt and star in a new film about singer Sammy Davis Jr. and his friendship with Church of Satan founder Anton LaVey.
Full Cast Set For Fourth Annual Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival Photo
Full Cast Set For Fourth Annual Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025

Breaking the Binary Theatre has announced the complete casting for the fourth annual Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival. Learn more about the upcoming event here!
Interview: LESLIE ODOM JR. Brings Solo Show to Cerritos Ahead of Broadway Hamilton Re Photo
Interview: LESLIE ODOM JR. Brings Solo Show to Cerritos Ahead of Broadway Hamilton Return
by Melissa Heckscher - Aug 4, 2025

Just weeks before returning to Broadway as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. talks to BroadwayWorld about his solo show, reuniting with the original cast, and how he’s a lot more than just “Burr, sir.”
Nicci Claspell Steps Into MOULIN ROUGE! With Two Hours Notice & No Rehearsal Photo
Nicci Claspell Steps Into MOULIN ROUGE! With Two Hours Notice & No Rehearsal
by Michael Major - Jul 10, 2025

Nicci Claspell is opening up about making her Broadway principal debut in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway with two hours notice and no rehearsal. Claspell first played Satine on the national tour of the hit musical, covering the role while playing Arabia.
Leslie Odom, Jr. Cast in Apple TV+ Series IMPERFECT WOMEN Photo
Leslie Odom, Jr. Cast in Apple TV+ Series IMPERFECT WOMEN
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 5, 2025

Tony Award winner Leslie Odom, Jr. will be appearing in a recurring role as Donovan in Imperfect Women, the upcoming limited series from Apple TV+, which stars and is executive produced by Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington.
CHESS Returns to Broadway: Everything You Need to Know About the Iconic Musical Photo
CHESS Returns to Broadway: Everything You Need to Know About the Iconic Musical
by Sidney Paterra - Jun 1, 2025

It's been over three decades since a fully performed production of Chess has been seen on a Broadway stage. While many of its songs have become beloved standards, the show's plot remains largely unknown to audiences. With months until performances begin, study up on everything you need to know about Chess. 
At This Performance: Getting to Know Swings, The Backbone of Broadway Photo
At This Performance: Getting to Know Swings, The Backbone of Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025

Perhaps no member of a Broadway company is more indispensable or rightfully lauded than our incredible covers. And of all the good folks working behind the scenes ready to keep the show going on day after day, perhaps no one works harder than the swing.
At This Performance: Getting to Know Swings, The Backbone of Broadway Photo
At This Performance: Getting to Know Swings, The Backbone of Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025

Perhaps no member of a Broadway company is more indispensable or rightfully lauded than our incredible covers. And of all the good folks working behind the scenes ready to keep the show going on day after day, perhaps no one works harder than the swing.
Video: Broadway at the Kennedy Center Honors Photo
Video: Broadway at the Kennedy Center Honors
by Sidney Paterra - Dec 22, 2024

The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors are coming up and we are celebrating the special occasion with some of our favorite videos of past Broadway performances. Check out the full list!
Review: MOULIN ROUGE at Orpheum Memphis Photo
Review: MOULIN ROUGE at Orpheum Memphis
by AniKatrina Fageol - Oct 30, 2024

Truth. Beauty. Freedom. Love. The Bohemian ideals combined with a spectacular medley of tunes, some incredible choreography, and a love story for the ages. 
Kenita R. Miller, Alex Finke, and More Set for Dolly Parton Tribute Concert at Joe's Photo
Kenita R. Miller, Alex Finke, and More Set for Dolly Parton Tribute Concert at Joe's Pub
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 7, 2024

LET ME SAY THIS: A DOLLY PARTON TRIBUTE CONCERT, will be presented on Tuesday, September 17 at 9:30 PM at Joe's Pub, featuring Alex Finke, Raymond J. Lee, Kenita R. Miller, and Jennifer Sánchez.
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Talks Tony Noms for PURLIE VICTORIOUS and Good Broadway Etique Photo
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Talks Tony Noms for PURLIE VICTORIOUS and Good Broadway Etiquette
by Josh Sharpe - May 30, 2024

Leslie Odom Jr. stopped by TODAY on Wednesday to discuss starring and producing the play Purlie Victorious, which recently was nominated for 6 Tony Awards. Later on in the interview, he also went on to discuss good Broadway etiquette for audience members. Watch the interview now!
Tickets On Sale For SILUETAS at Power Street Theatre Photo
Tickets On Sale For SILUETAS at Power Street Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 16, 2024

Power Street Theatre has announced that tickets to the world premiere of the highly anticipated musical Siluetas, written by award-winning playwright (and PST co-founder) Erlina Ortiz and Broadway performer and composer Robi Hager (Spring Awakening, Fun Home), are now on sale.
BWW Q&A: Leslie Odom, Jr. on Performing At at Ridgefield Playhouse Photo
BWW Q&A: Leslie Odom, Jr. on Performing At at Ridgefield Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - Apr 10, 2024

BroadwayWorld chatted with Leslie Odom, Jr. about his upcoming performance at  Ridgefield Playhouse on April 18th, 2024.
From Leon Guanajuato to The Global Stage: Majo Rivero's WEST SIDE STORY Adventure Photo
From Leon Guanajuato to The Global Stage: Majo Rivero's WEST SIDE STORY Adventure
by Felicitas de la Fare - Mar 11, 2024

What did our critic think of FROM LEON GUANAJUATO TO THE GLOBAL STAGE: MAJO RIVERO'S 'WEST SIDE STORY' ADVENTURE at World International Tour?
Project Broadway's Mosaic Training Program Hosts In-Person Program for 2024 Photo
Project Broadway's Mosaic Training Program Hosts In-Person Program for 2024
by Stephi Wild - Feb 14, 2024

Calling All BIPOC High School Aged Performers! Be a part of Project Broadway’s free In-Person Musical Theater Training Program this February-March 2024 in-person in NYC! 
Review: MOULIN ROUGE! At Straz Center For The Performing Arts Is A Dazzling, Romantic Photo
Review: MOULIN ROUGE! At Straz Center For The Performing Arts Is A Dazzling, Romantic, Bohemian Affair
by Drew Eberhard - Feb 10, 2024

What did our critic think of MOULIN ROUGE! At Straz Center For The Performing Arts.
Drew Gasparini's I COULD USE A DRINK To Be Presented In Concert, January 30 Photo
Drew Gasparini's I COULD USE A DRINK To Be Presented In Concert, January 30
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 12, 2023

Don't miss Drew Gasparini's 'I Could Use a Drink' in concert at 54 BELOW on Jan 30 at 9:30PM. Broadway's supper club will be filled with incredible music.
Sara Ramírez, Indya Moore, Lío Mehiel, and More Join Cast for BREAKING THE BINARY T Photo
Sara Ramírez, Indya Moore, Lío Mehiel, and More Join Cast for BREAKING THE BINARY THEATRE FESTIVAL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 12, 2023

Breaking the Binary Theatre has revealed the initial cast members for the second annual Breaking the Binary Theatre Festival, featuring seven evenings of work fully created and developed by transgender, non-binary, and Two-Spirit+ (TNB2S+) theatre artists.
KO to Star in World Premiere of Erlina Ortiz and Robi Hager's SILUETAS in Philadelphi Photo
KO to Star in World Premiere of Erlina Ortiz and Robi Hager's SILUETAS in Philadelphia
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 7, 2023

The musical by Erlina Ortiz and Robi Hager features Tony Award-winning performer KO (formerly Karen Olivo) in their return to the stage.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Karen Olivo been in?

Karen Olivo has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.

How many West End shows has Karen Olivo been in?

Karen Olivo has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Karen Olivo been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Moulin Rouge!, Best Featured Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for West Side Story, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for West Side Story, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for West Side Story, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for West Side Story and Outstanding Ensemble Performances (Drama Desk Awards) for In the Heights.

What awards has Karen Olivo won?

Karen Olivo has won several prestigious awards, including Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Moulin Rouge!, Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the BroadwayWorld Awards for West Side Story, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for West Side Story, and Outstanding Ensemble Performances at the Drama Desk Awards for In the Heights.

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