tracker
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Home For You Chat My Shows (beta) Register/Login Games Grosses
Linda Lavin Headshot

Linda Lavin

Birth Place: Portland, ME, USA

Get Linda Lavin Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Linda Lavin (born October 15, 1937) is an American actress and singer. She is known for playing the title character in the sitcom Alice and for her stage performances, both on and off-Broadway.



After acting as a child, Lavin joined the Compass Players in the late 1950s. She began appearing on Broadway in the 1960s, earning notice in It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman in 1966 and receiving her first Tony Award nomination for Last of the Red Hot Lovers in 1970. She moved to Hollywood in 1973 and began to work on television, making recurring appearances on the sitcom Barney Miller before landing the title role on the hit comedy Alice, which ran from 1976 to 1985. She appeared in many telefilms and later she appeared in other TV works. She has also played roles in several feature films.

In 1987, she returned to Broadway, starring in Broadway Bound (winning a Tony Award), Gypsy (1990), The Sisters Rosensweig (1993), The Diary of Anne Frank (1997–1998) and The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (2000–2001), among others. In 2010, she appeared as Ruth Steiner in Collected Stories, garnering her fifth Tony nomination. She starred in NBC's short-lived sitcom Sean Saves the World as Lorna and the CBS sitcom 9JKL. She also starred in the CBS sitcom B Positive.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Off-Broadway Production, 2022
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
New York City Opera Production, 2017
Old Lady


[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Broadway Production, 2015
Abby


[Off-Broadway]
Vineyard Theatre Production, 2014
Audrey Langham


[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2012
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
Vineyard Theatre Production, 2011
Rita Lyons


[Washington, DC (Regional)]
Kennedy Center Revival, 2011
Hattie Walker


[Off-Broadway]
Lincoln Center Theater Production, 2011
Silda Gravman


[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2010
Ruth Steiner


[Off-Broadway]
2008
Helene Nadler


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Nanny


[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2000
Marjorie


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1997
Mrs. Van Daan


[Off-Broadway]
1996
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
1995
Dorothy/Carol


[Broadway]
1993
Gorgeous Teitelbaum [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1989
Rose [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
1986
Kate


[Off-Broadway]
1975
Courtesan


[Broadway]
1973
Leah


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1970
Henny Penny [Replacement]

Mother [Replacement]

Old Woman [Replacement]

Countess [Replacement]

Rich Peasant [Replacement]

Robber [Replacement]

Venus [Replacement]

Farmer's Wife [Replacement]

Eldest Daughter [Replacement]

Farmer's Wife [Replacement]

Robber [Replacement]

Rich Peasant [Replacement]

Venus [Replacement]

Old Woman [Replacement]

Henny Penny [Replacement]

Eldest Daughter [Replacement]

Countess [Replacement]

Mother [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1969
Elaine Navazio


[Off-Broadway]
1969
Patsy Newquist


[Broadway]
1967
Beth Nemerov


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Sydney


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1966
Performer




[Off-Broadway]
1965
Victoire/ Street Performer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Daisy Gamble/Melinda [Replacement]

Melinda [Replacement]

Daisy Gamble [Replacement]

Daisy Gamble/Melinda [Replacement]

Melinda [Replacement]

Daisy Gamble [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1965
Performer [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1965

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1965


[Off-Broadway]
1965

[Off-Broadway]
1964
Evelyn [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
1963
Barbara


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Singer

Wilma

Quiet Girl

Fifi of Paris

Crying Daughter

Wilma

Singer

Quiet Girl

Fifi of Paris

Crying Daughter

Babs Sanditz (Understudy)

Babs (Understudy) [Replacement]

Babs Sanditz (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

Babs (Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

Babs Sanditz (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1960
Performer


Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Distinguished Performance Award

Linda Lavin, You Will Get Sick


winner
- 2016 - Legend of Off Broadway Honoree

Linda Lavin


winner
- 2015 - Legend of off-Broadway Honoree

Linda Lavin

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Linda Lavin, The Lyons


winner
Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance

Linda Lavin, The Lyons


winner
Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, Other Desert Cities

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, Other Desert Cities

The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress

Linda Lavin, Other Desert Citites

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, Collected Stories


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, The New Century

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

Linda Lavin, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, The Diary of Anne Frank

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Featured Actress - Play

Linda Lavin , The Diary of Anne Frank

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Diary of Anne Frank

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, The Diary of Anne Frank

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, Death Defying Acts


winner
Obie Awards - 1995 - Performance

Linda Lavin, Death Defying Acts


winner
The Lortels - 1995 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Linda Lavin, Death Defying Acts


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Linda LavinBroadway Bound


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Actress

Linda Lavin, Broadway Bound


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin , Broadway Bound

Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, Last of the Red Hot Lovers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Performance

Linda Lavin, Little Murders


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1969 - Best Performance

Linda LavinCop-Out


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1969 - Best Performance

Linda Lavin, Little Murders


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1965 - Performance

Linda Lavin, Wet Paint

Videos

News


54 Below to Celebrate the Holiday Season with Joe Iconis, Norm Lewis, Joy Woods and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 24, 2025

54 BELOW will celebrate the happiest time of the year with an incredible lineup of performances by Tony winner Christine Ebersole with Billy Stritch, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” star Darius de Haas, and more.
Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch to Bring A SWINGING CHRISTMAS Back To Quincy, MA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 11, 2025

JM Productions of Quincy, MA will welcome back three powerhouse New York City performers, Klea Blackhurst, Jim Caruso, and Billy Stritch, for an encore performance of their holiday celebration, 'A Swinging Christmas'. Learn more!
Review: BILLY STRICHT - ALL FOR YOU at Feinstein's At The Nikko
by Steve Murray - Oct 10, 2025

Billy Stricht made his Feinstein’s at the Nikko solo debut an auspicious evening, stepping into center stage, commanding the Yamaha keys, and mesmerizing his fans with a nearly two-hour set of two dozen musical gems.
Video: Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close & More in New Trailer for Ryan Murphy's ALL FAIR
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 9, 2025

Hulu has dropped a new trailer for All's Fair, the new legal drama series from TV guru Ryan Murphy. The trailer for the highly anticipated series showcases the all-star cast led by Kim Kardashian and Naomi Watts, along with Broadway alums Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close, and Judith Light.Watch it now.
MID-CENTURY MODERN Canceled at Hulu After One Season
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 29, 2025

Hulu has cancelled Mid-Century Modern after one season. The sitcom, which starred Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham, premiered in March of this year and ran for ten episodes. 
Polly Holliday, ALICE Star and Tony Nominee, Passes Away at 88
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 10, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Tony nominee Polly Holliday, best known as Flo the waitress in the 1970s sitcom Alice, has passed away at the age of 88.
TikTok's Paloma Diamond and More Set for 54 Below Lineup Next Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 5, 2025

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including TikTok's Paloma Diamond, and more. See the full lineup here!
TikTok's Paloma Diamond and More Set for 54 Below September Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 29, 2025

Next month, 54 BELOW, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Paloma Diamond, Chester Gregory, and many more! See the full lineup here.
Jim Caruso and Matt Baker Return to Bemelmans at the Carlyle Hotel
by Stephi Wild - Aug 28, 2025

Jim Caruso & Matt Baker will hold court at Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel for the fourteenth year, entertaining with their evening of swinging standards on Sunday nights from 9pm to midnight. 
IT’S A BIRD... IT’S A PLANE... IT’S SUPERMAN! Takes the Stage at The Broadwater Mainstage in August
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 1, 2025

Foster Cat Productions will take audiences on a nostalgic flight this August with a rare staging of It’s a Bird... It’s a Plane... It’s Superman!, the campy cult musical from the creators of Annie and Bye Bye Birdie.
Photos: First Look At Brenda Pressley As 'Claudine Jasper' In PURPOSE
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 15, 2025

Brenda Pressley will take her first bow as Claudine Jasper in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of PURPOSE tomorrow, Tuesday, July 15. Pressley will appear in the role through the conclusion of the production’s run on August 31. A photo of Pressley in character has been released ahead of her debut.
Cole Escola, Cynthia Erivo, & Ariana Grande Win Dorian TV Awards- See the Full List
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 8, 2025

Cole Escola, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and more have been recognized for their work at GALECA's 16th Dorian TV Awards. Take a look at the full list of winners here!
Photos: The 14th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 1, 2025

You can now check out photos from the 14th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Awards. Learn more about the awards, hosted by an organization of Off-Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents, and marketing professionals.
Broadway Streaming Guide July 2025: Where to Watch ZOMBIES 4 & More
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 30, 2025

For those trying to stay out of the heat, take a look at our latest roundup of streaming titles for the Broadway fan, including a new installment in Disney's Zombies franchise, a music competition series featuring Tony Award-winner Nicole Scherzinger, and more.
Jasmine Amy Rogers and More to Perform at Hudson River Park's BROADWAY BY THE BOARDWALK
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 23, 2025

 Hudson River Park has unveiled the lineup for Broadway by the Boardwalk, a free summertime series. See who is taking part and learn how to attend upcoming concerts!
Select Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights in Honor of William Finn
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2025

The Broadway In Memoriam Committee has announced that a select group of theatres will dim their marquee lights on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:45 PM in a special individual tribute to William Finn, the Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist behind Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Industry Pro Newsletter: New Artistic Directors at Theater Mu and Almeida Theatre, Groban to Host 2025 Jimmy Awards
by Alex Freeman - Jun 10, 2025

This morning, we’re looking back at Sunday’s biggest moments, from Cynthia Erivo's powerful hosting to the well-deserved wins and unforgettable performances that capped a remarkable Broadway season. Beyond the awards, we’re looking at the newly announced Gavin Creel Fellowship and Josh Groban hosting the Jimmy Awards. While we celebrated a triumphant Broadway season on Sunday, we are also looking at challenges at Dallas Children’s Theater as well as some more musical chairs of leadership positions both in the U.S. and abroad.
Video: Sam Pinkleton Reacts to Tony Win for Best Director of a Play
by Joey Mervis - Jun 9, 2025

At the 78th Annual Tony Awards, Sam Pinkleton took home a Tony Award for 'Best Direction of a Play' for his outstanding work in Oh, Mary!. After leaving the stage at Radio City Music Hall, he checked in with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to share his initial reaction!
Linda Lavin, William Finn, Gene Hackman and More to be Honored in Inaugural Marquee Dimming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 5, 2025

The newly formed Broadway In Memoriam Committee, composed of theatre owners in consultation with industry service organizations, has confirmed the inaugural marquee dimming. See who will be honored.
Otto’s Backstage Will Host Cabaret Night with Performer Billy Stritch
by Stephi Wild - Jun 4, 2025

Grammy Award-winning writer, producer, and performer Billy Stritch will present an intimate Cabaret Night event at Otto's Full Service in Piermont, New York.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Linda Lavin been in?

Linda Lavin has appeared on Broadway in 17 shows.

How many West End shows has Linda Lavin been in?

Linda Lavin has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Linda Lavin been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for You Will Get Sick, Legend of Off Broadway Honoree (), Legend of off-Broadway Honoree () for , Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lyons, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Lyons, Performance (Obie Awards) for The Lyons, Performance (Obie Awards) for The Lyons, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lyons, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Lyons, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Other Desert Cities, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Other Desert Cities , Outstanding Featured Actress (The Lortels) for Other Desert Citites, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Collected Stories, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The New Century, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank, Best Featured Actress - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Death Defying Acts, Performance (Obie Awards) for Death Defying Acts, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Death Defying Acts, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Broadway Bound, Best Actress (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Broadway Bound, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Broadway Bound, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Little Murders, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cop-Out, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Little Murders and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Wet Paint.

What awards has Linda Lavin won?

Linda Lavin has received numerous awards throughout her career, including being honored as a Legend of Off-Broadway twice. She won Obie Awards for her performances in The Lyons and Death Defying Acts. Lavin earned Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for The New Century, Outstanding Actress in a Play for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for The Diary of Anne Frank. She received The Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actress for Death Defying Acts and the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Non-Resident Production for Broadway Bound. Additionally, Lavin won Best Actress from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Broadway Bound and Little Murders, as well as Best Performance from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Cop-Out. She was honored with a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for Broadway Bound and received a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance for Little Murders. Early in her career, Lavin also received a Theatre World Award for her performance in Wet Paint.

Get Linda Lavin Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos