Lillias White Headshot

Lillias White

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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Lillias White BIO

Lillias White is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for her performance in The Life. She has appeared on Broadway in Barnum, Dreamgirls, Cats, Carrie, Once on this Island, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Fela! (Tony Award nomination) and most recently in Chicago in the Fall of 2021 as Matron “Mama” Morton having first appeared in the Broadway production in 2006. Other Off-Broadway and Regional credits include the musical Black No More in Winter 2022, the Public Theater’s Romance in Hard Times for which she won the Obie Award, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (directed by Phylicia Rashad) for which she won the NAACP Award, and the Carnegie Hall Concert version of South Pacific which was also broadcast on PBS’ “Great Performances.” She received the Daytime Emmy Award for her role as Lillian Edwards in “Sesame Street” and is beloved by audiences for voicing the lead muse Calliope in Disney’s animated feature Hercules. Her most recent television appearances include the Baz Luhrmann-directed Netflix series “The Get Down,” as well as “Russian Doll” and “Search Party.” She has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world. Her first solo studio album Get Yourself Some Happy! is available now at lilliaswhite.com and on all streaming platforms.

Lillias White Photos

Lillias White STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Production, 2022

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Hermes [Replacement]

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
East Coast Premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse, 2018
Bea

[Chicago]
Chicago Pre-Broadway Production, 2015
Bea

[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 0
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Funmilayo

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 2005
Bloody Mary

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2005
Missy

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Other Roles

Performer

[Los Angeles]
World Premiere, 2003
Featured Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Velma

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Fanny Brice

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 2002
Special Guest

[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Effie Melody White

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Dinah Washington [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Sonja

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Matron “Mama” Morton [Replacement]

Matron "Mama" Morton [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1995
Miss Jones

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1990
Asaka [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1990
Sonja

Sonja

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1989
Hennie

Performer

Hennie

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Miss Gardner (Standby)

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Effie Melody White

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1986
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Grizabella [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Effie Melody White (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Joice Heth [Replacement]

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1988
Performer


Lillias White Movies

Me and Him
[ 1988 ] Dancing Secretary
Bleeding Hearts
[ 1994 ] Neighbor Woman
North
[ 1994 ] Operator
Hercules
[ 1997 ] Calliope
Anastasia
[ 1997 ] Ensemble and Character Vocals
Gloria
[ 1999 ] Transit Cop #1
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
[ 2000 ] Shopper
Interview with the Assassin
[ 2002 ] Nurse
Pieces of April
[ 2003 ] Evette
Game 6
[ 2005 ] Toyota Moseby
Then She Found Me
[ 2007 ] Sheila
Nasty Baby
[ 2015 ] Cecilia
The Chaperone
[ 2018 ] Singer
Melinda
[ 2018 ] Madam Magda
The Drummer
[ 2020 ] Roberta

Lillias White TV Shows

Big Bird's Birthday or Let Me Eat Cake
Lillian
Sesame Street
[ 1990-1994 ] Lillian, Singer, Rhonda
NYPD Blue
Lila Edmonds
Law & Order
[ 1990-1996 ] Susan Monroe, Ms. Purvis, Streetwalker
Hercules
Calliope
Pryor Offenses
Grandma Irene
The Jury
Teresa Scott
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Xavier
Gotham
Choir Member
Person of Interest
Hon. R. Reginald
The Get Down
[ 2016-2017 ] Fat Annie
Search Party
Wilma
Russian Doll
[ 2019-2022 ] Dr. Zaveri

Lillias White Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical

Lillias WhiteTexas in Paris

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Lillias White, Fela!


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Lillias White, The Life


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Featured Actress - Musical

Lillias White The Life


winner
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Lillias White, The Life


winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Performance

Lillias White, Romance in Hard Times

Lillias White Videos

Lillias White News


AT THIS PERFORMANCE… Returns To The Green Room 42 This Month


Join the much-anticipated return of AT THIS PERFORMANCE at The Green Room 42 on Monday, April 22, 2024. Experience an unforgettable night of Broadway magic.

The Green Room 42 Presents The Return Of Josie De Guzman This May


Join two-time Tony Award nominee JOSIE DE GUZMAN as she returns to THE GREEN ROOM 42. Known for her roles in GUYS AND DOLLS and WEST SIDE STORY, don't miss her performances on 5/4-5.

Andrew Bova Debuts Solo Show TAKING NOTES: LESSONS IN AND OUT OF CLASS At The Green Room 42


Join Andrew Bova at The Green Room 42 for his debut solo show, TAKING NOTES: LESSONS IN AND OUT OF CLASS. Experience a night of reflection, humor, and self-acceptance as he shares his journey through life's lessons. Proceeds will be donated to youth arts education.

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.

The Green Room 42 Presents A Cabaret Celebration Of CINDERELLAS OF WEST 53RD STREET


In celebration of the 2023 release of Bear Manor Media's title, Cinderellas of West 53rd Street:  Stories from the Legendary Rehearsal Club, and this year's release with Blythe Danner and each writer reading their own story for the audiobook, published by Blackstone and available on Audible.com, The Green Room 42 will present “Circle of Cinderella Friends,” in cabaret, May 7, 2024, 7:00pm.  

Video: Lillias White and Lola Tung Take Final Bows in HADESTOWN


Hadestown stars Lilias White and Lola Tung played their final performance on Sunday, March 17th. Tung stepped into the role of Eurydice on February 9 for a limited run. White became the first woman to play Hermes on September 13, 2022, and has been with the production since. Watch as they take their final bows in this video.

Industry Pro Newsletter: Public Declines to Recognize Union


As the unionization wave continues to move through theatrical workers across the country, two developments last week highlighted the movement: the Public Theatre declined to voluntarily recognize the unionization effort of their workers, and workers at the Goodman Theatre sought their own union affiliation.

Lola Tung Leads to Standing-Room-Only Crowds at HADESTOWN


Throughout my career, I’ve tried to stay attuned to the ticket-buying experience. I walk through the process online at the major retailers. I’ll stop by rush lines or in-person lotteries to talk to folks. And, last week, I woke up early a few days to talk to people on/participate in the standing-room-only line for Hadestown.

Lillias White and Lola Tung Play Final HADESTOWN Performance Today


Hadestown stars Lilias White and Lola Tung will play their final performance on Sunday, March 17th. Tung stepped into the role of Eurydice on February 9 for a limited run. White became the first woman to play Hermes on September 13, 2022, and has been with the production since.

The Green Room 42 To Present SWINGIN' WITH SARA: A Jazz Soirée Of Sara Bareilles Hits


Join Madeline Dalton at The Green Room 42 for Swingin' with Sara, a jazz soirée featuring Sara Bareilles hits reimagined in retro genres.

The Green Room 42 To Present Carolyn Bacon's WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT WOMEN VOL. 2


Carolyn Bacon returns to The Green Room 42 with her feminist solo show WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT WOMEN VOL. 2 on March 25. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Video: Julie Benko Performs 'Luck Be A Lady' at BROADWAY BACKWARDS


On Monday night, Julie Benko opened the 2024 edition of Broadway Backwards with a flirty and fierce rendition of “Luck Be a Lady” from Guys and Dolls. She rolled the dice alongside an ensemble of women, for a fun and empowering dance number. Check out the video here!

Photos: Alex Newell, Shoshana Bean, and More Perform at BROADWAY BACKWARDS


Tony Award winners, Broadway legends and newcomers alike spectacularly shared LGBTQ+ stories through show tunes at Broadway Backwards at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre on March 11, 2024. Check out photos from the event here!

Setlist Revealed for BROADWAY BACKWARDS Featuring Shoshana Bean, Tituss Burgess & More


The setlist has been revealed for Broadway Backwards! See who is performing.

Rising Star Kelsey Seaman To Make Solo-Show Debut At The Green Room 42 With POSTPARTUM, April 8


Rising star Kelsey Seaman makes her solo-show debut with POSTPARTUM at The Green Room 42 on April 8. Inspired by her work as a doula, the show explores the joy and fear of birthing something new.

Tribute to Tony Bennett Comes to the Green Room 42 This Summer


The Green Room 42 will present Nelson Aspen & Allyson Briggs in 'Tony Bennett: A Tribute,' Sundays July 21 & August 4 at 1pm and Wednesdays July 24 & August 7 at 7pm. 

Limited Tickets Remain for BROADWAY BACKWARDS Hosted by Jenn Colella


Only a few seats remain for Broadway Backwards, the star-studded annual evening of reimagined show tunes that share LGBTQ+ love stories. Learn how to purchase tickets.

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns To The Green Room 42 Next Month


The show will feature standbys, understudies, and alternates from various Broadway hits like DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, BACK TO THE FUTURE-THE MUSICAL, and more.

The Green Room 42 to Present CONFESSIONS OF A PROFESSIONAL PRINCESS


The Green Room 42 will present Victoria Elena in 'Confessions of a Professional Princess' in March. Learn about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Julie Benko, Norbert Leo Butz, Joshua Henry and More Set For BROADWAY BACKWARDS


Stars of Broadway and beyond have joined the lineup for this year's Broadway Backwards. Learn more about who is joining the event, set for March 11!

Lillias White FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Lillias White been in?

Lillias White has appeared on Broadway in 16 shows.

How many West End shows has Lillias White been in?

Lillias White has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Lillias White been nominated for?

Lillias White has been nominated for several awards including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical at The Lortels for "Texas in Paris," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Fela!," Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Life," Best Featured Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Life," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Life," and Performance at the Obie Awards for "Romance in Hard Times."

What awards has Lillias White won?

Lillias White has won several awards for her performances including Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Life, Best Featured Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Life, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for The Life, and a Performance award at the Obie Awards for Romance in Hard Times.

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