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Leslie Uggams

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Leslie Uggams is a Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer whose career has brought her from Harlem to Broadway, the big screen to television. Perhaps best known for her stirring portrayal of Kizzy in the landmark TV mini-series Alex Haley's Roots, Ms. Uggams has performed to critical and popular acclaim ever since her first professional appearances at the age of nine at the famed Apollo Theater in New York City. There she opened for such musical legends as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. Now, after six decades on stage and screen, she is a legend in her own right. She is on the Board of Directors of the Apollo Theater; was recently awarded an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Connecticut; and is also the recipient of an American Artist Award from Arena Stage in Washington, DC.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Jelly's Last Jam Jelly's Last Jam
[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert Revival Production, 2024
Gran Mimi
Gypsy Gypsy
[Regional (US)]
Connecticut Rep Production, 2014
Rose
The First Breeze of Summer
[Off-Broadway]
2008
Gremmar
On Golden Pond On Golden Pond
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Ethel Thayer
Stormy Weather
[New York]
Workshop, 2004
Lena Horne
Hallelujah, Baby!
[New York]
Workshop, 2004
Momma
Blue
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2003
Peggy Clark
Thunder Knocking on the Door
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2002
Good Sister Dupree
Thoroughly Modern Millie Thoroughly Modern Millie
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Muzzy Van Hossmere [Replacement]
[Replacement]
King Hedley II
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Ruby
The Old Settler
[Off-Broadway]
1998
Elizabeth Borny
Call Me Madam
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1996
Performer
Anything Goes
[US Tour]
National Tour, 1988
Reno Sweeney
Anything Goes
[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Revival, 1987
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
Jerry's Girls
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Performer
Jerry's Girls
[US Tour]
National Tour, 1985
Blues in the Night
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1982
Woman #1
Her First Roman
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1968
Cleopatra
Hallelujah, Baby!
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1967
Georgina

Awards and Nominations

Helen Hayes Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Leslie UggamsOn Golden Pond

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Leslie Uggams, King Hedley II

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Leslie Uggams , King Hedley II


winner
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Leslie Uggams , Hallelujah, Baby!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1967 - Best New Personalities

Leslie Uggams, Hallelujah, Baby!


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1967 - Performance

Leslie Uggams, Hallelujah, Baby!

Videos

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News


Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Mid-Season Trailer Photo
Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Mid-Season Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 14, 2025

Last night's episode of The Gilded Age marked the halfway point for Season 3 of the series, and now, HBO Max has shared a brand-new teaser trailer, previewing what's to come in the final four episodes of the season. Check it out now!
Video: THE GILDED AGE Sneak Peek Teases Andrea Martin's Character Photo
Video: THE GILDED AGE Sneak Peek Teases Andrea Martin's Character
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 7, 2025

A new sneak peek has been released for Season 3 of The Gilded Age, previewing the upcoming fourth episode, along with Andrea Martin's introduction to the series. Watch it now!
THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Premiere Breaks Series Record with 2.7 Million Viewers Photo
THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Premiere Breaks Series Record with 2.7 Million Viewers
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 25, 2025

Season three of The Gilded Age, which premiered this past Sunday, saw a rise in viewership from the premieres of the first two seasons. Within its first three days, the premiere episode brought in 2.7 million viewers across platforms, up 27% from season two's 2.1 million and 30% from season one's 2 million.
Video: THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Trailer Teases Upcoming Twists Photo
Video: THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Trailer Teases Upcoming Twists
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 23, 2025

The Gilded Age is back! Season 3 of the starry series premiered last night, and Max has just released a new trailer, teasing what is to come in the coming weeks. Check it out now.
Video: THE GILDED AGE Stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon Discuss Theater's Impact o Photo
Video: THE GILDED AGE Stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon Discuss Theater's Impact on the Series
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 17, 2025

With the debut of Season 3 of The Gilded Age just around the corner, stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon sat down with ABC News’ Linsey Davis to tease what fans can expect from the latest season.
Nicole Henry Lights Up The Wick For the 4th of July Photo
Nicole Henry Lights Up The Wick For the 4th of July
by Stephi Wild - Jun 10, 2025

The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton has announced a 4th of July celebration featuring powerhouse performer Nicole Henry who sets the stage ablaze in a storytelling journey of music and memoir in her electrifying tribute to the iconic Whitney Houston.
Review: Broadway Memories Are Memorable with Andrea McArdle at the Laurie Beechman Th Photo
Review: Broadway Memories Are Memorable with Andrea McArdle at the Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Stephen Sorokoff - Jun 5, 2025

Andrea McArdle honored the renowned theater icons in her life with stories and song, bringing fond memories from her long and vibrant career, which began as the original Annie on Broadway.
Video: Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, & More Star in THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Trailer Photo
Video: Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, & More Star in THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 3, 2025

HBO has released the official trailer for the Emmy-nominated HBO Original drama series, The Gilded Age, starring Broadway alums Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Donna Murphy, and more. Watch it now!
Andrea McArdle Will Return to the Laurie Beechman Theatre This Week Photo
Andrea McArdle Will Return to the Laurie Beechman Theatre This Week
by Stephi Wild - Jun 2, 2025

Andrea McArdle will return Live At The Beechman for two nights only this week. Performances will take place June 4-5 and will also be livestreamed. Learn more here!
Photos: Lincoln Center Theater Celebrates Ruby Jubilee Gala Photo
Photos: Lincoln Center Theater Celebrates Ruby Jubilee Gala
by Jennifer Broski - May 20, 2025

Jason Danieley directed Lincoln Center Theater’s Ruby Jubilee Gala, one night only event featuring songs from LCT productions spanning four decades, performed by beloved Broadway stars. We have photos from inside the big night here.
Photos: Norm Lewis, Liz Callaway & More Attend Final Johnny Mathis Concert at bergenP Photo
Photos: Norm Lewis, Liz Callaway & More Attend Final Johnny Mathis Concert at bergenPAC
by Josh Sharpe - May 19, 2025

The stars came out to celebrate the final concert of entertainment icon Johnny Mathis' 'The Voice of Romance' at Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in Englewood, New Jersey. Take a look at photos from the event!
2025 Theatre World Awards Winners Announced Photo
2025 Theatre World Awards Winners Announced
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2025

Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has just announced the Honorees for Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. We have the full list of honorees!
Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Teaser Feat. Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, & Mor Photo
Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Teaser Feat. Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025

HBO has released the first official teaser trailer for the third season of The Gilded Age, also revealing that the new season of the hit series will premiere Sunday, June 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Watch it here!
Lincoln Center Theater Launches Online Ticket Lottery for Ruby Jubilee Gala Photo
Lincoln Center Theater Launches Online Ticket Lottery for Ruby Jubilee Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 29, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater is launching an online ticket lottery for its upcoming Ruby Jubilee Gala on Monday, May 19 at 6:30pm. Learn how to purchase tickets here!
MY WAY: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA is Coming to The Wick Theatre Photo
MY WAY: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA is Coming to The Wick Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025

From the smoky back rooms of Hoboken to the glittering lights of Las Vegas, Frank Sinatra’s songs defined an era.  To honor his legacy and impact on our culture, The Wick Theatre is presenting My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra.
George Young Brings SINGIN' AND SWINGIN' To 54 Below In June Photo
George Young Brings SINGIN' AND SWINGIN' To 54 Below In June
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2025

54 BELOW will present George Young in Singin' and Swingin' on June 19th at 7:00pm. Mr. Young, an accomplished entertainer, brings his musicianship and vocal dexterity in celebration of Juneteenth and all that this day represents. 
FALLOUT Season One Coming To Blu-ray & DVD in July Photo
FALLOUT Season One Coming To Blu-ray & DVD in July
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2025

Based on the best-selling global video game franchise, Warner Bros. has set the release of Fallout: Season One on Blu-ray & DVD on July 8. Take a look at the exclusive bonus content lineup here!
9 TO 5 Comes to Actors Theatre Of Indiana Photo
9 TO 5 Comes to Actors Theatre Of Indiana
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2025

The musical 9 to 5 with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is coming to ATI in April. Learn more about the upcoming production and how to get tickets!
Andrea McArdle to Perform at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in May Photo
Andrea McArdle to Perform at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in May
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 21, 2025

Andrea McArdle will return to the Beechman stage for two nights only this spring. Learn more about the original Annie on Broadway and about the upcoming performances here!
THE GILDED AGE to Return in June; See New First-Look Photos Feat. Audra McDonald, Car Photo
THE GILDED AGE to Return in June; See New First-Look Photos Feat. Audra McDonald, Carrie Coon, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

The Gilded Age will return for its eight-episode third season this June on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Take a look at first-look photos of the new season, featuring Broadway alums Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, and more.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Leslie Uggams been in?

Leslie Uggams has appeared on Broadway in 8 shows.

How many West End shows has Leslie Uggams been in?

Leslie Uggams has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Leslie Uggams been nominated for?

Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for On Golden Pond , Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for King Hedley II , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for King Hedley II, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hallelujah, Baby!, Best New Personalities (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hallelujah, Baby! and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Hallelujah, Baby!.

What awards has Leslie Uggams won?

Leslie Uggams has won several awards for her performance in Hallelujah, Baby! These include the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Personalities, and the Theatre World Award for Performance.

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