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Lillias White

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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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.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Production, 2022


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

[Replacement]

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


[Chicago]
Chicago Pre-Broadway Production, 2015


[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 0
Performer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Funmilayo


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

[Replacement]

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


[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2005
Missy


[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Other Roles

Performer

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]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Sonja


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

Matron "Mama" Morton [Replacement]

Matron “Mama” Morton [Replacement]

Matron "Mama" Morton [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1995
Miss Jones


[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1990
Asaka [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1990
Sonja




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


Performer

Hennie


Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Miss Gardner (Saint Tome (Sao Tome) and Principe)

(St. Louis, MO (Regional))

(Standby)

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


[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1986
Performer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982


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

[Replacement]

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

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

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

[Replacement]

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1988
Performer


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

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
Grotesquerie
Glorious McKall

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

Videos

News


CAST PARTY: LIVE Returns to The Green Room 42 with Broadway Stars and Alumni
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 17, 2026

CAST PARTY: LIVE, a unique series of live interviews and performances, will feature Broadway stars and Jimmy Awards alumni at The Green Room 42 on March 21 and April 9.
Amber Gray-Led HEARTWORM Sets World Premiere in Silicon Valley
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 16, 2026

Heartworm, a new sci-fi drama featuring Tony Award nominee Amber Gray, will make its World Premiere at the 2026 Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, running March 10 through March 22, 2026 in Silicon Valley.
Plaza Theatre's rePLAY Series Continues After Sold-Out Show
by Stephi Wild - Feb 11, 2026

Following a successful sold-out performance of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (IN NEW YORK), Plaza Theatre will present THE TALE OF THE ALLERGIST'S WIFE on March 13-14 as part of their ongoing rePLAY Series.
Jasmine Forsberg to Star in FUSONG Concert at The Green Room 42 to Benefit AALDEF
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 5, 2026

The Green Room 42 will present a special concert featuring highlights from the new musical FUSONG on March 23, starring Jasmine Forsberg of SIX. Proceeds will support the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Rachel Green & Mark Benjamin to Perform GREEN EGGS & WHAM! at The Green Room 42
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2026

The Green Room 42 will present Rachel Green & Mark Benjamin in Green Eggs & Wham!. Rachel Green & Mark Benjamin bring you a comedic, heartfelt and creative tribute to Pop Legend & LGBTQ Icon, George Michael.
Lillias White and Karen Akers to be Honored at 40th Annual MAC Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2026

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets will present the upcoming 40th Annual MAC Awards. At the event, MAC will present Lifetime Achievement Awards to two stars of Broadway, television, film and cabaret: Lillias White and Karen Akers. 
Christine Ebersole, Judy Kaye, Lillias White, And Michael Urie To Lead rePLAY Series At Plaza Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 27, 2026

The Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs launches rePLAY, a new script-in-hand performance series benefiting the historic venue. The series opens with The Importance of Being Earnest (in New York), adapted and directed by David Zippel and featuring a Tony Award–winning cast.
Will Kelley Set to Debut at 54 Below with 'FOR THE RECORD' on February 5
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 23, 2026

Will Kelley will make his debut at 54 Below with his solo show 'FOR THE RECORD' on February 5, 2026. Directed by Faith Prince and Michael Kirk Lane, with musical direction by John Bronston, the show promises an evening rich with Broadway and cabaret influences.
Photos: On the Red Carpet at GOING BACHARACH Opening Night
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 17, 2026

Check out opening night photos from the world premiere of GOING BACHARACH: THE SONGS OF AN ICON, now playing at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater.
Photos: Tony-Winner Jak Malone New Year's Eve Show  At The Laurie Beechman Theatre Raises $5,000 For Broadway Cares
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 6, 2026

Tony Award winner Jak Malone marked New Year’s Eve with their New York cabaret debut at Laurie Beechman Theatre, raising $5,000 for Broadway Cares through ticket sales and online donations. Check out photos of the show.
Seth Rudetsky, Lillias White, and Arielle Jacobs Come to Miramar Cultural Center
by Stephi Wild - Jan 2, 2026

The David Posnack Jewish Community Center's The Overlap has announced that tickets are on sale for Speaking Up in Every Key: A Musical Celebration featuring Broadway stars Seth Rudetsky, Lillias White, and Arielle Jacobs.
Last Chance to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards; URINETOWN Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 29, 2025

This is the last chance to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Beechman Theatre to Present Andrea McArdle, Lillias White and More in Residency
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 22, 2025

As 2026 approaches, the Laurie Beechma Theare is launching the “Legends In Residency,” featuring monthly performances in the first half of the year from Broadway’s original Annie Andrea McArdle, Tony winner Lillias White and more.
Final Weeks to Vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards; Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 22, 2025

We're in the final weeks to vote for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns to the Green Room 42 in January
by Stephi Wild - Dec 22, 2025

AT THIS PERFORMANCE… will return to The Green Room 42 featuring standbys, understudies and alternates from Ragtime; Hell's Kitchen; Oh, Mary!; The Baker's Wife; The Book Of Mormon; Vape! The Grease Parody; and Romy & Michele The Musical.
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards; URINETOWN Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 15, 2025

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Photos: DOWN FOR THE COUNT At The Green Room 42
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 9, 2025

The Green Room 42 presented Needs More Work Productions’ “Down For The Count” on November 29, 2025. Check out photos of the ensemble performing a variety of Broadway hits.
Latest Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards; Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble Leads Favorite Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 8, 2025

The latest standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns to the Green Room 42 With CHESS, & JULIET, and More
by Stephi Wild - Dec 4, 2025

AT THIS PERFORMANCE… will return to The Green Room 42 featuring standbys, understudies and alternates from Chess; & Juliet; Moulin Rouge!; Hadestown; The Baker’s Wife And Bat Boy: The Musical.
First Standings Announced for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards; IN THE HEIGHTS Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 1, 2025

The first standings have been released for the 2025 BroadwayWorld San Francisco / Bay Area Awards! Voting ends on 12/31/2025 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

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?

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical (The Lortels) for Texas in Paris, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Fela!, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Life, Best Featured Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Life , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Life and Performance (Obie Awards) for Romance in Hard Times.

What awards has Lillias White won?

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

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