Kelli O'Hara
Birth Place: Edmond, OK, USA
Relive 10 of the Most Emotional Acceptance Speeches in Tony Awards History (Jun 1, 2026)
Photos: Inside the 79th Annual Tony Award Nominees Luncheon (May 29, 2026)
Photos: Behind the Scenes with the 2026 Tony Award Nominees for Plays (May 17, 2026)
BIO
Kelli O’Hara has established herself as one of Broadway's greatest leading ladies. The Tony Award winner, Emmy, SAG, and Grammy-nominated actress has appeared in twelve Broadway shows for which she has garnered eight Tony Award nominations. She won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical, along with Grammy, Drama League and Outer Critics nominations for her portrayal of Anna Leonowens in The King and I. O’Hara’s other Broadway credits include Kiss Me Kate, The Bridges of Madison County, Nice Work if You Can Get It, South Pacific, The Pajama Game, The Light in the Piazza, Sweet Smell of Success, Follies, Dracula, and Jekyll & Hyde. O’Hara received an Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Katie Bonner in Topic's hit web series, The Accidental Wolf, and can currently be seen on HBO’s The Gilded Age, which was nominated for a SAG award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for Season 2. Additional film and television credits include Showtime's Master of Sex, 13 Reasons Why, Blue Bloods, All My Children, All the Bright Places, Peter Pan Live!, Sex & The City 2, Martin Scorsese's The Key to Reserva, The Good Fight, N3mbers, and Car Talk. In 2015, she made history as the first artist to make the crossover from Broadway to Opera when she made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Lehar's The Merry Widow opposite Renee Fleming and in 2018 returned as Despina in Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte. She was last seen at The Metropolitan Opera in the world premiere of Kevin Puts’, The Hours, as Laura Brown, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Opera Recording.O’Hara is a frequent performer on PBS's live telecasts, The Kennedy Center Honors, and performs often alongside The New York Philharmonic and The New York Pops. Along with her two Grammy nominations, her solo albums, Always and Wonder in the World, are available on Ghostlight. O’Hara starred in the critically-acclaimed, limited Broadway engagement of the new musical Days of Wine and Roses, which also garnered rave reviews during its Off-Broadway run at The Atlantic Theatre Company. In 2024, she won the Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical in addition to receiving Tony and Drama League Nominations for her role. Most recently, she starred opposite Tom Hanks in the world premiere of the Off-Broadway play This World of Tomorrow and can be seen in the new CBS series Sheriff Country.
STAGE CREDITS
Awards and Nominations
Kelli O'Hara, Fallen Angels
Kelli O'Hara, Fallen Angels
winner
Kelli O’Hara, Days of Wine and Roses
Kelli O’Hara, Days of Wine and Roses
winner
Kelli O'Hara, Days of Wine and Roses
Kelli O'Hara, Days of Wine and Roses
winner
Kelli O'Hara
Kelli O'Hara, Kiss Me, Kate
Kelli O'Hara, Kiss Me, Kate
Kelli O'Hara, Kiss Me, Kate
winner
Kelli O'Hara, The King and I
Kelli O'Hara, The King and I
Kelli O'Hara, The King and I
winner
Kelli O'Hara, The King and I
Kelli O'Hara, The Bridges of Madison County
Kelli O'Hara, The Bridges of Madison County
Kelli O'Hara, The Bridges of Madison County
Kelli O'Hara, The Bridges of Madison County
Kelli O'Hara, Nice Work If You Can Get It
Kelli O'Hara, Nice Work If You Can Get It
Kelli O’Hara , Nice Work If You Can Get It
Kelli O'Hara, Nice Work If You Can Get It
Kelli O'Hara, South Pacific
Kelli O'Hara, South Pacific
Kelli O'Hara, Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific
Kelli O'Hara, The Pajama Game
Kelli O'Hara, The Pajama Game
Kelli O'Hara, The Light in the Piazza
Kelli O'Hara, The Light in the Piazza
Videos
Video: Kelli O'Hara Reveals Connection Between FALLEN ANGELS and BRIDESMAIDS
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-24 13:26:35
Video: Watch Brian d'Arcy James Sing 'I Miss the Mountains' From NEXT TO NORMAL at MISCAST
by Michael Major - 2024-12-02 16:20:28
Video: Watch Aaron Tveit Perform 'Mein Herr' From CABARET at MCC MISCAST22
by Michael Major - 2024-09-30 14:44:50
Video: Watch Kelli O'Hara, Renée Fleming & More in THE HOURS Preview Ahead of its Premiere on PBS
by Michael Major - 2023-03-17 11:11:13
VIDEO: STARS IN THE HOUSE FOR UKRAINE Raises Over $139,000
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-03-30 11:34:53
VIDEO: Watch Billy Porter Sing 'From A Distance' For Bette Midler at the Kennedy Center Honors
by Michael Major - 2021-12-21 10:01:03
VIDEO: Kelli O'Hara, Ashley Park & More in THE ACCIDENTAL WOLF Season Two Trailer
by Michael Major - 2021-12-07 12:00:17
VIDEO: Jose Llana Visits Backstage with Richard Ridge- Watch Now!
by Backstage With Richard Ridge - 2021-12-03 15:00:20
VIDEO: Watch Dianne Reeves Perform 'It Don't Mean A Thing' From THE KENNEDY CENTER AT 50 Concert
by Michael Major - 2021-09-29 17:08:23
VIDEO: Kelli O'Hara Performs 'You'll Never Walk Alone' at New York's 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
by Stephi Wild - 2021-09-12 09:38:21
VIDEO: Renee Fleming Launches 'Healing Breath' Series to Help COVID-19 Survivors
by Stephi Wild - 2021-08-03 05:40:27
VIDEO: Watch Broadway Unite for the BROADWAY BACKWARDS Finale!
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-04-01 09:38:52
VIDEO: Watch Kelli O'Hara Talk Audition Stories & More on the Latest Episode of 32 BAR CUT
by Nicole Rosky - 2021-03-25 12:01:00
VIDEO: Kelli O'Hara Hosts FRIDAY NIGHT THRIVE LIVE! For Westport Country Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - 2020-08-17 09:50:27
Broadway Rewind: Fall Into Scenes from THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY in 2014
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-07-14 17:29:46
Broadway Rewind: Watch Scenes from THE PAJAMA GAME, with Kelli O'Hara and Harry Connick Jr.
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-05-19 16:31:00
VIDEO: Kelli O'Hara Partners With Westport Country Playhouse For 'Getting to Know You: A Celebration of Young Artists'
by Stephi Wild - 2020-04-18 10:35:58
VIDEO: Kelli O'Hara Shares Favorite Memories From FOLLIES, THE PAJAMA GAME, and KISS ME KATE
by Stephi Wild - 2020-04-15 07:17:04
VIDEO: Kelli O'Hara Will Host Westport Country Playhouse's Live-Streamed Showcase of Young Performers
by Stephi Wild - 2020-04-03 08:07:07
News
by Michael Gioia - Jun 1, 2026
Grab a tissue — these Tony Awards speeches may make you teary-eyed!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2026
The 2026 Tony Award Nominees gathered at The Rainbow Room for the 2026 Nominees Luncheon to celebrate the Broadway season and share in the excitement of joining this year’s class of Tony Nominees. See photos!
by Jennifer Broski - May 17, 2026
The Tony nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there to speak with all of them! Check out photos from behind the scenes with the nominees as they chatted with Richard Ridge and passed on our very own Tiny Tony.
by Bruce Glikas - May 15, 2026
It's Tonys season! A total of 129 Tony Award nominations went out in 26 categories for the spectacular work of Broadway artists this season. All of the nominees were celebrated yesterday as they met the press for the first time. Check out photos from inside the big day here!
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 24, 2026
On a visit to Live with Kelly and Mark, Kelli O'Hara spoke about a scene in Fallen Angels that has an unintentional connection to another Rose Byrne project. Check out the discussion here.
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 21, 2026
Noël Coward's Fallen Angels, directed by Scott Ellis, has officially opened on Broadway. Check out photos of the cast on the opening night red carpet here!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 21, 2026
Fallen Angels, Noël Coward's play, directed by Tony Award-nominee Scott Ellis, is now open on Broadway. Check out photos of the cast taking their opening night bows here!
by Marissa Faith Curley - Apr 18, 2026
Broadway alum Bill English, known for DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES and ANYTHING GOES, will star as John Adams in 1776 at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre in Missouri as part of the venue's 65th anniversary season.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 17, 2026
Check out production photos for the Fallen Angels by Noël Coward, directed by Tony Award-nominee Scott Ellis, at the Todd Haimes Theatre on Broadway! See Rose Byrne, Kelli O'Hara, Mark Consuelos and more on stage.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 2, 2026
On March 26, 2026, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Diya Vij joined Roundabout Theatre and other local leaders to cut the ribbon on the comprehensive betterment of the Todd Haimes Theatre. Check out photos of the event.
by David McKibbin - Mar 16, 2026
by Jennifer Broski - Mar 6, 2026
Rehearsals are officially underway for the Roundabout Theatre Company production of Fallen Angels by Noël Coward, directed by Tony Award-nominee Scott Ellis. The company just met the press and BroadwayWorld was on hand for all of the action.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 18, 2025
MCC Theater presented The Bridges of Madison County: In Concert, an Original Broadway Cast Reunion to benefit MCC Theater. See photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - Dec 8, 2025
Tony Award nominee and Interim Artistic Director of Roundabout Theatre Company, Scott Ellis, received his iconic caricature at Sardi’s on Thursday, December 4. Check out photos here.
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 20, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. See photos of Meryl Streep, Martin Short, Steve Martin and more visiting backstage!
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 20, 2025
The world premiere of This World of Tomorrow starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks and Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara is now running Off-Broadway at The Shed at Hudson Yards. See photos from their opening night bows!
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 10, 2025
The Queen of Versailles, starring Kristin Chenoweth, is officially open at Broadway's St. James Theatre. See photos of Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, and more backstage.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 30, 2025
Get a first look at Tom Hanks in This World of Tomorrow, a new play directed by Kenny Leon, featuring Kelli O’Hara and opening November 18.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 9, 2025
All new photos have been released from rehearsals for the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow, starring Academy Award winner Tom Hanks, alongside Kelli O'Hara and more.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 18, 2025
On June 10, 2025, Trinity Repertory Company held its 26th Pell Awards Gala, honoring Emmy Award-winning comedian Tina Fey, Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kelli O’Hara, Tomaquag Museum Executive Director Lorén M. Spears, and Mixed Magic Theatre Executive Director Bernadet V. Pitts-Wiley. Check out photos from the ceremony.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Kelli O'Hara has appeared on Broadway in 14 shows.
Kelli O'Hara has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
Kelli O'Hara's first West End show was The King and I which opened in 2018
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Fallen Angels, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Fallen Angels, Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Distinguished Performance (Drama League Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate, Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The King and I, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The King and I, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The King and I, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The King and I, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Bridges of Madison County, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Bridges of Madison County, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Bridges of Madison County, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Bridges of Madison County, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It , Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It , Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It , Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for South Pacific , Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for South Pacific, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Pajama Game, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Pajama Game, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Light in the Piazza and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Light in the Piazza.
Kelli O'Hara has won several prestigious awards throughout her career. These include Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Days of Wine and Roses, and Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards). She also received the Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for The King and I, as well as Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The King and I.
Videos
