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Leslie Uggams

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Leslie Uggams 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.

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Leslie Uggams 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
Good Sister Dupree
Thoroughly Modern Millie Thoroughly Modern Millie
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Muzzy Van Hossmere [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
Reno Sweeney [Replacement]
Jerry's Girls
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Performer
Jerry's Girls
[US Tour]
National Tour, 1985
Performer
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

Leslie Uggams 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!

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Leslie Uggams News


DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Original Score Album Avai Photo
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Original Score Album Available Now

Hollywood Records has released the digital albums for Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, featuring 18 songs, and the Deadpool & Wolverine Original Score album with music composed by Rob Simonsen. Listen to both albums here!
Nyla Watson Brings AN ODE TO AUDRA to 54 Below Photo
Nyla Watson Brings AN ODE TO AUDRA to 54 Below

54 Below will present Hadestown star Nyla Watson in An Ode to Audra on Sunday, August 18 at 9:30pm with a livestream option at 9:45pm ET.
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Soundtrack to Include Song From THE GREATEST SHOWMAN Photo
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Soundtrack to Include Song From THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

The tracklist for Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine Original Motion Picture Soundtrack features a collection of 18 songs, including 'The Greatest Show' from 2017's The Greatest Showman and 'You're the One That I Want' from Grease. Set for release on July 24, the soundtrack will also be available on CD and a 12' 2-LP vinyl on July 26. 
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 10, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 10, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 10, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Drama Book Shop Will Host Signing and Talkback Event For 'The Tony Awards: A Celebrat Photo
Drama Book Shop Will Host Signing and Talkback Event For 'The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre'

The Drama Book Shop will host an event in conjunction with the release of the book, 'The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre'. The event will feature Eila Mell and Heather A. Hitchens, and will include a talkback, signing, and live podcast recording.
Alicia Keys, Linda Twine, and Maxine Williams Will Be Honored at the 2024 Black Theat Photo
Alicia Keys, Linda Twine, and Maxine Williams Will Be Honored at the 2024 Black Theatre United Gala

Black Theatre United will host its second annual Gala on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York. Learn more about how to attend here!
Interview: Steve H. Broadnax III & Rashad McPherson Are Getting Ready for Another Ju Photo
Interview: Steve H. Broadnax III & Rashad McPherson Are Getting Ready for Another Juneteenth in Times Square

BroadwayWorld checked in with Director and Writer Steve H. Broadnax III and Music Director Rashad McPherson to get the scoop on what's to come for this fourth annual event!
THE HO MUST GO ON Comes to UNDER St. Marks Photo
THE HO MUST GO ON Comes to UNDER St. Marks

Cauldron MultiMedium will present The Ho Must Go On written, directed, and performed by Phillipe Andre Coquet. The production will be presented as part of the 2024 Queerly Festival with FRIGID New York at UNDER St. Marks.
THE HO MUST GO ON to be Presented as Part of the 2024 Queerly Festival Photo
THE HO MUST GO ON to be Presented as Part of the 2024 Queerly Festival

Cauldron MultiMedium will present The Ho Must Go On written, directed, and performed by Phillipe Andre Coquet. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: Lorna Luft's Triumphant Return to 54 Below with HOME AGAIN Photo
Review: Lorna Luft's Triumphant Return to 54 Below with HOME AGAIN

Lorna Luft captivated the audience at 54 Below on Friday night. The child of legendary performer Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft, Ms. Luft is no stranger to the stage, and she had the audience in the palm of her hand with this entertaining evening of music celebrating New York writers of Tin Pan Alley, the Brill Building, and beyond!
Leslie Uggams And Liz Callaway Join The Honorary Board Of The York Theatre Company Photo
Leslie Uggams And Liz Callaway Join The Honorary Board Of The York Theatre Company

The York Theatre Company has announced that Broadway leading ladies Leslie Uggams and Liz Callaway have been added to the starry list of the company's Honorary Board of Directors.
Margaret Curry to Present Encore Performance of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN at Laurie Beechm Photo
Margaret Curry to Present Encore Performance of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN at Laurie Beechman Theatre

Join Bistro Award-winning vocalist Margaret Curry as she returns for an encore performance of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN at Laurie Beechman Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Video: See Hugh Jackman in the New Trailer for DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE Photo
Video: See Hugh Jackman in the New Trailer for DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE

Wolverine is back! Following the first trailer for Deadpool and Wolverine during the Super Bowl in February, Disney has dropped another trailer for the upcoming film in the Deadpool franchise, starring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. The Music Man actor is returning to his role as Wolverine for the first time since 2017's Logan, which served as a swan song to the character.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 19, 2024 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 19, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 19, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: Stars Walk the Yellow Carpet on Opening Night of THE WIZ on Broadway Photo
Photos: Stars Walk the Yellow Carpet on Opening Night of THE WIZ on Broadway

The Wiz officially opened at the Marquis Theatre and the best of broadway was on hand for the celebration. Check out photos of special guests, including original stars Stephanie Mills and Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Andy Cohen, Tamron Hall,  Leslie Uggams, and many more!
Feature: Meet 54 Below's Newest Board Members Photo
Feature: Meet 54 Below's Newest Board Members

54 Below recently welcomed six new members to their distinguished board of directors. We asked them a few questions to get to know them a bit better. Meet James Gunderson, Tom Hood, Howard Lee Morgan, Brian Kaltner, Lee H. Perlman and Susan L Raanan!
Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert Photo
Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro & More to Join Amas Musical Theatre Benefit Concert

Amas Musical Theatre has revealed the line-up of talent that will be on hand to celebrate the company's 55th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert. Learn more about the gala and see how to purchase tickets.
Playthings Theatre of New York to Present DORIAN'S WILD(E) AFFAIR Readings Photo
Playthings Theatre of New York to Present DORIAN'S WILD(E) AFFAIR Readings

Playthings Theatre of New York and executive producer Preston Ridge will present private industry readings (by invitation only) of Dorian’s Wild(e) Affair. Learn more about the show.
Photos: The Legendary Leslie Uggams Is Back at 54 Below Photo
Photos: The Legendary Leslie Uggams Is Back at 54 Below

Leslie Uggams has 'one of the most entertaining and enjoyable shows to play a nightclub this year or any other!' She soared this week on the opening night of SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE at 54 Below. The show is back for one more performance tomorrow on Saturday March 23rd. See photos from the March 20th show.
Margaret Curry Brings An Encore of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN At Laurie Beechman Theatre! Photo
Margaret Curry Brings An Encore of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN At Laurie Beechman Theatre!

Catch Margaret Curry's encore performances of THE SPACE IN-BETWEEN at Laurie Beechman Theatre on April 6 and May 4. Don't miss the 2024 Bistro Award-winning show.
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Leslie Uggams 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?

Leslie Uggams has been nominated for several awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards for "On Golden Pond," Outstanding Actress in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "King Hedley II," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "King Hedley II," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Hallelujah, Baby!," Best New Personalities at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Hallelujah, Baby!," and Performance at the Theatre World Awards for "Hallelujah, Baby!"

What awards has Leslie Uggams won?

Leslie Uggams has won several awards for her performance in the musical "Hallelujah, Baby!" including the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards, Best New Personalities at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, and a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards.

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