Audra McDonald
Birth Place: Berlin, GERMANY
JB Smoove & Colbie Caillat Join Nantucket Performing Arts Center Summer Lineup (Jun 9, 2026)
Our Favorite Moments From the 2026 Tony Awards (Jun 8, 2026)
Recap the 2026 Tony Awards Acceptance Speeches (Jun 7, 2026)
BIO
Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a singer and an actor. The winner of a record-breaking six Tony Awards, two Grammy Awards and an Emmy, in 2015 she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people and received a National Medal of Arts—America’s highest honor for achievement in the field—from President Barack Obama. In addition to her Tony-winning performances in Carousel, Master Class, Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill—the role that also served as the vehicle for her Olivier Award-nominated 2017 debut in London’s West End—she has appeared on Broadway in The Secret Garden; Marie Christine (Tony nomination); Henry IV; 110 in the Shade (Tony nomination); Shuffle Along, or, The Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed; and Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Tony nomination).
A Juilliard-trained soprano, her opera credits include La voix humaine and Send at Houston Grand Opera, and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at Los Angeles Opera, where the resulting recording earned her two Grammy Awards.
On television, she was seen by millions as the Mother Abbess in NBC’s The Sound of Music Live! and played Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC’s Private Practice. She won an Emmy Award for her role as host of PBS’s Live From Lincoln Center and has received nominations for Wit, A Raisin in the Sun and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Having first appeared as Liz Lawrence on CBS’s The Good Wife, she stars in The Good Fight on Paramount+ as well as in Spectrum’s pandemic-themed drama, The Bite.
On film, she has appeared in Seven Servants, The Object of My Affection, Cradle Will Rock, It Runs in the Family, The Best Thief in the World, She Got Problems, Rampart, Ricki and the Flash, Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast, the movie-musical Hello Again, and MGM’s Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect.
Her upcoming film projects comprise Higher Ground’s Rustin and FilmNation’s Down Low. McDonald has issued five solo albums on the Nonesuch label as well as Sing Happy with the New York Philharmonic on Decca Gold. She also maintains a major career as a concert artist, regularly appearing on the great stages of the world and with leading international orchestras. A founding member of Black Theatre United, board member of Covenant House International, and prominent advocate for LGBTQAI+ rights, her favorite roles are those performed offstage, as an activist, wife to actor Will Swenson, and mother.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
Awards and Nominations
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Audra McDonald, Gypsy
Audra McDonald, Gypsy
Audra McDonald, Gypsy
Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders
Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders
Audra McDonald, Ohio State Murders
Audra McDonald, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
Audra McDonald, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill
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Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
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Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shad
Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade
Audra McDonald, 11 in the Shade
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Audra McDonald, A Raisin In The Sun
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Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun
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Audra McDonald , A Raisin in the Sun
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Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun
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Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald, Marie Christine
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Audra McDonald, Marie Christine
Audra McDonaldRagtime
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Audra McDonald, Ragtime
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Audra McDonald, Master Class
Videos
Video: New Trailer Teases Extended Audra McDonald Concert Featuring 'Rose's Turn'
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-04-17 13:31:36
Video: HBO Previews Season 3 Finale of THE GILDED AGE in Tense New Sneak Peek
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-08-04 15:21:53
Video: Morgan Spector Recalls Breakout Role in Broadway's A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-31 11:11:30
Video: THE GILDED AGE Stars Denée Benton and Louisa Jacobson Talk Season 3, Working with Broadway Legends & More
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-21 13:12:52
Video: Audra McDonald, Denée Benton, & More Discuss Portrayal of Black Elite in THE GILDED AGE
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-17 15:20:43
Video: See Andrea Martin as Madame Dashkova in New Sneak Peek of THE GILDED AGE
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-07-07 16:40:07
Video: THE GILDED AGE Stars Morgan Spector and Carrie Coon Discuss Theater's Impact on the Series
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-17 13:56:05
Video: Jordan Tyson Sings 'Strangers Like Me' From TARZAN MCC's MISCAST25
by Michael Major - 2025-06-03 11:56:19
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on ‘Legend’ Status and GYPSY Role in CBS Interview
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-06-03 10:59:39
Video: Audra McDonald and GYPSY Cast Perform 'Some People' on THE LATE SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2025-05-23 07:06:11
Video: SUCCESSION's Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook Reunite for 'Actors on Actors'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-24 11:49:14
Video: Audra McDonald & Jake Gyllenhaal Bond Over Stephen Sondheim, Vocal Warmups, & More
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-23 11:48:29
Video: George Clooney & Patti LuPone Sit Down for 'Actors on Actors' Series
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-22 13:25:12
Video: Audra McDonald and the Cast of GYPSY Perform Tiny Desk Concert
by Stephi Wild - 2025-04-22 08:59:26
Video: Audra McDonald Reflects on Kamala Harris' Visit to GYPSY on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-04-03 14:32:49
News
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 9, 2026
Nantucket Performing Arts Center revealed two more additions to the Summer 2026 season, adding Emmy Award-winning comedian JB Smoove and a performance from Grammy Award winner Colbie Caillat.
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 8, 2026
Once again, Broadway's biggest night has come and gone! With the 79th Annual Tony Awards now behind us, we have compiled a list of some of the most memorable moments from the evening, including standout wins, performances, and more.
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 7, 2026
The 79th Annual Tony Awards have come and gone! As winners took the stage at the big event, BroadwayWorld brought you full text of all of the acceptance speeches; from the emotional to the humorous, and everything in between.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2026
Nantucket Performing Arts Center is expanding its Summer 2026 season, adding Emmy Award-winning writer and comedian Seth Meyers and a new production of Craig Lucas' beloved play Prelude to a Kiss, directed by Mark Shanahan.
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 1, 2026
Black Women on Broadway (BWOB) recently held its fifth annual awards celebration, honoring Debra Martin Chase, Whitney White, Alana Raquel Bowers, and Destiny Lilly for their contributions to the theater industry. The event was hosted by BWOB co-founders Danielle Brooks, Amber Iman, and Jocelyn Bioh.
by Joni Lorraine - Jun 1, 2026
Austin audiences will have plenty of opportunities to travel the world without leaving their seats during Texas Performing Arts' newly announced 2026/27 season.
by Michael Gioia - Jun 1, 2026
Grab a tissue — these Tony Awards speeches may make you teary-eyed!
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 7, 2026
Ragtime has won the 2026 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical.
by Oliver Oliveros - May 27, 2026
The Maria Callas, the famed soprano, of Terrence McNally’s Master Class is, in many ways, the extreme opposite of the real-life 'La Divina.'
by Josh Sharpe - May 26, 2026
Fans eager to return to the glamorous world of The Gilded Age won't have to wait too much longer. In a new HBO Max spot, the streamer previewed several titles from their upcoming slate, confirming that Season 4 of the hit series will return sometime this year. Check it out now.
by Michael Major - May 26, 2026
Schmackary’s is hosting their 7th Broadway Bakes fundraiser this week. Confirmed participants this year include Sara Chase, Alex Brightman, Josh Rivera, Harvey Guillén, Betsy Wolfe, Christopher Sieber, Max Clayton, Marty Lauter, and more!
by Michael Gioia - May 25, 2026
BroadwayWorld breaks down why some actors are choosing not to stage door at Broadway shows as safety concerns continue to rise.
by Michael Gioia - May 19, 2026
Lea Michele exclusively tells BroadwayWorld about auditioning for her first Broadway show, the 1987 production of 'Les Miserables,' on a whim.
by - May 19, 2026
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 19, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by Josh Sharpe - May 18, 2026
Filming on the forthcoming season of The Gilded Age is currently underway, with recent videos revealing a transformed Financial District for what appears to be a large-scale parade sequence. Check out the videos here.
by Michael Major - May 18, 2026
Watch a new video of Gabrielle Mariella's impressions of Lea Michele, Patti LuPone, Kristin Chenoweth, Jenn Colella, Audra McDonald, Idina Menzel, Bernadette Peters, Mickey Mouse, and Julie Andrews singing 'Sarah Come Down to Me' from 'New Music.'
by Josh Sharpe - May 14, 2026
On May 13, the WNET Group hosted its 2026 gala at The Edison Ballroom in New York City, honoring Neal Shapiro. Take a look at photos from the evening, which included a special performance from six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald.
by Stephi Wild - May 13, 2026
On Monday May 11, WP Theater celebrated their annual gala honoring extraordinary achievement by women+ artists and industry leaders. Check out photos here!
by A.A. Cristi - May 11, 2026
The Kurt Weill Foundation for Music announced Lila Chrisp as the First Prize winner of the Lenya Competition, taking home $25,000. Claire Griffin and Ilanna Starr each received $20,000 Second Prizes.
by A.A. Cristi - May 7, 2026
The Soraya announced its 2026-27 season featuring 45 performances, eight major debuts including Sutton Foster, Snarky Puppy, Audra McDonald, and Dance Theatre of Harlem, plus the introduction of incoming Executive & Artistic Director Chad Hilligus.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Audra McDonald has appeared on Broadway in 18 shows.
Audra McDonald has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
Audra McDonald's first West End show was Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill which opened in 2017
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Gypsy, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Gypsy, Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Ohio State Murders, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Best Actress (Olivier Awards) for Lady Day At Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Lady Day at emerson's Bar & Grill, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Porgy and Bess, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess , Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess , Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Porgy and Bess , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shad, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for 110 in the Shade, Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin In The Sun, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun, Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Marie Christine, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine, Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Ragtime , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.
Audra McDonald has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her career. These include: - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Gypsy - Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill - Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Porgy and Bess - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (tie) (Drama Desk Awards) for 110 in the Shade - Best Featured Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Marie Christine - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Ragtime - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Master Class.
Videos
