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Mercedes Ruehl Headshot

Mercedes Ruehl

Birth Place: USA

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BIO

Mercedes J. Ruehl is an American screen, stage, and television actress. She is the recipient of several accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award, two Obie Awards, and two Outer Critics Circle Awards.

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STAGE CREDITS

Torch Song Torch Song
[Broadway]
Second Stage Broadway Revival Production, 2018
Mrs. Beckoff
Torch Song Torch Song
[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Revival, 2017
Ma
The American Plan The American Plan
[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2009
Lily Adler
The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Stevie
The Vagina Monologues
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]
[Replacement]
The Rose Tattoo
[Broadway]
1995
Serafina Delle Rose
The Shadow Box
[Broadway]
1994
Beverly
Lost in Yonkers
[Broadway]
1991
Bella
I'm Not Rappaport
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Clara

Movies

The Warriors
[ 1979 ] Policewoman
Four Friends
[ 1981 ] Woman in Taxi
Twisted
[ 1986 ] Cybelle
Heartburn
[ 1986 ] Eve
Radio Days
[ 1987 ] Ad Man
84 Charing Cross Road
[ 1987 ] Kay
Leader of the Band
[ 1987 ] Miss Cooper
The Secret of My Success
[ 1987 ] Sheila
Married to the Mob
[ 1988 ] Connie Russo
Big
[ 1988 ] Mrs. Bkin
Slaves of New York
[ 1989 ] Samantha
Crazy People
[ 1990 ] Dr. Liz Baylor
The Fisher King
[ 1991 ] Anne
Another You
[ 1991 ] Elaine
Lost in Yonkers
[ 1993 ] Bella
Last Action Hero
[ 1993 ] Mom
Roseanna's Grave
[ 1997 ] Roseanna
The Minus Man
[ 1999 ] Jane
Out of the Cold
[ 1999 ] Tina
What's Cooking?
[ 2000 ] Elizabeth Avila
The Amati Girls
[ 2000 ] Grace
More Dogs Than Bones
[ 2000 ] VictoriaVicGalletti
Spooky House
[ 2002 ] Boss
Zeyda and the Hitman
[ 2004 ] Esther
Chu and Blossom
[ 2014 ] Mrs. Fefterg
Hustlers
[ 2019 ] Mother

TV Shows

Bull
Judge Tessa Hudson
Entourage
Rita Chase
Frasier
Kate Costas
Law & Order
Judge Clara Lloyd, Zina Rybakov
Power
Connie Teresi
The Doctors
Nurse Ursula
Accused
Connie

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Mercedes Ruehl , Woman Before a Glass


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Mercedes Ruehl, The Goat


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2002 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Mercedes Ruehl, The Goat

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Mercedes Ruehl, The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Mercedes Ruehl, The Rose Tattoo

Tony Awards - 1995 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Mercedes Ruehl , The Shadow Box


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Mercedes RuehlLost In Yonkers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Mercedes Ruehl, Lost in Yonkers


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Actress - Play

Mercedes Ruehl, Lost in Yonkers


winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Mercedes Ruehl , Lost in Yonkers

Videos

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News


​Catherine Curtin and Marcia Cross to Join PEN PALS Off-Broadway Photo
​Catherine Curtin and Marcia Cross to Join PEN PALS Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2025

The Off-Broadway play Pen Pals at the DR2 Theatre with its moving portrayal of enduring friendship—and this fall, the production welcomes acclaimed actresses Catherine Curtin and Marcia Cross. Learn more!
HEISENBERG Comes to the Chain Theatre Next Month Photo
HEISENBERG Comes to the Chain Theatre Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Apr 4, 2025

New Music Theatre Project & Rapeteta Theatre Company will present Heisenberg, a new play, by Simon Stephens, directed by Tony and Oscar award-winning Mercedes Ruehl in her directorial debut.
L.A. Theatre Works Releases Four Audio Plays By Tennessee Willams Photo
L.A. Theatre Works Releases Four Audio Plays By Tennessee Willams
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 11, 2024

L.A. Theatre Works has announced the availability of four audio theater productions of classic plays by Tennessee Williams.
Video: Christine Ebersole Stars in Exclusive Clip of Fox's ACCUSED Photo
Video: Christine Ebersole Stars in Exclusive Clip of Fox's ACCUSED
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 19, 2024

BroadwayWorld is excited to debut an exclusive clip from a new episode of Accused, which stars Christine Ebersole. In the episode, a widow finds herself on trial after becoming mixed up in a dance teacher’s shady dealings. Watch the clip now!
Photos: Michael Urie Unveils Sardi's Caricature Photo
Photos: Michael Urie Unveils Sardi's Caricature
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 28, 2024

Michael Urie, the star of Once Upon a Mattress, received his very own caricature at the legendary Sardi's! Check out photos here.
Mercedes Ruehl and Christine Ebersole Appearing in Season 2 of ACCUSED Photo
Mercedes Ruehl and Christine Ebersole Appearing in Season 2 of ACCUSED
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 19, 2024

Tony Award-winners Mercedes Ruehl and Christine Ebersole will both appear in the second season of Fox's Accursed, playing Connie and Deb, respectively. They will appear alongside Debra Winger and Matthew James Thomas (who will play a new role) in the 'Margot's Story' episode.
A Brief History of Movie Stars in Their Broadway Debuts Photo
A Brief History of Movie Stars in Their Broadway Debuts
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 11, 2024

This time, the reader question was: What is the history of established movie stars making their Broadway debuts?
Harvey Fierstein's TORCH SONG to be Presented at Marin Theatre Company Photo
Harvey Fierstein's TORCH SONG to be Presented at Marin Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 10, 2024

Marin Theatre Company will close out its 2023/24 season with Torch Song, the seminal comic drama by Harvey Fierstein, directed by Evren Odcikin. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Larry Owens to Direct Sherie Rene Scott & More in THE DYING GAUL Staged Reading Photo
Larry Owens to Direct Sherie Rene Scott & More in THE DYING GAUL Staged Reading
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2024

Co-Founders Patrick Reilly and Tucker Aust have launched The Queer Ensemble. The collective's inaugural event will be a staged reading of Craig Lucas' The Dying Gaul. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Jeff Cohen's SQUEAKY Will Receive Developmental Readings This Month Photo
Jeff Cohen's SQUEAKY Will Receive Developmental Readings This Month
by Stephi Wild - Nov 7, 2023

As part of its new Building the Box Developmental Reading Series, Out of the Box Theatrics will present readings of SQUEAKY, a poignant autobiographical comedy by Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen.
Playwrights' Theatre Of East Hampton to Present Concert Staging Of A MILONGA FOR GABR Photo
Playwrights' Theatre Of East Hampton to Present Concert Staging Of A MILONGA FOR GABRIEL ISSACS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 13, 2023

Join in for a concert staging of the new comedy with music 'A Milonga for Gabriel Issacs' on October 21 at 7:30 p.m. Written by John McCaffrey and Mark Singer, directed by Paul Lincoln, and featuring music by The Oscar Feldman Trio and live tango by Sandra Antognazzi. Tickets available online.
The Hispanic Organization of Latino Actors Reveals HOLA Awards Nominees Photo
The Hispanic Organization of Latino Actors Reveals HOLA Awards Nominees
by Stephi Wild - Sep 7, 2023

The Hispanic Organization of Latino Actors (HOLA) announced this year’s HOLA Awards nominees. Learn more about this year's nominees here!
Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts Summer Gala 2023 Photo
Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts Summer Gala 2023
by James Blinken - Jul 13, 2023

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts held its Summer Gala on Saturday, July 8, at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor with Lifetime Achievement Awards honoring Julie Andrews, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick.
Jeffrey Carlson, Star of TABOO and THE GOAT, Has Passed Away at 48 Photo
Jeffrey Carlson, Star of TABOO and THE GOAT, Has Passed Away at 48
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 9, 2023

According to various reports, Jeffrey Carlson, best known for originating the role of Marilyn in TABOO and Billy in Edward Albee's THE GOAT on Broadway, has passed away. He was 48.
The Ensemble Company To Present Explosive WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? Photo
The Ensemble Company To Present Explosive WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 24, 2023

The Ensemble Company, now in their fifth year in residence at Penguin Point Productions located within the Oviedo Mall, continues its 2023 season with a production of Edward Albee's masterpiece, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, which celebrated 60 years in 2022.  Virginia Woolf is rescheduled from The Ensemble Company's 2022 season.
¡AMERICANO! THE MUSICAL, Emilio Sosa, Caesar Samayoa & More to Receive 2022 HOLA Awa Photo
¡AMERICANO! THE MUSICAL, Emilio Sosa, Caesar Samayoa & More to Receive 2022 HOLA Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 31, 2022

The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors has announced the 21st. Annual HOLA Awards Gala Benefit which honors top Latino and Hispanic talents who have shown excellence in film, television, and theatre.
Photos: Bay Street Honors Harris Yulin and Mercedes Ruehl at A NIGHT IN THE TROPICS Photo
Photos: Bay Street Honors Harris Yulin and Mercedes Ruehl at A NIGHT IN THE TROPICS
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 22, 2022

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts has shared photographs from its Mini Gala Dinner and Reception, A Night In The Tropics, held Saturday, July 16, at the home of Bay Street Theater Board of Trustee Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley.
Feature: Bay Street Honors Mercedes Ruehl and Harris Yulin with The Joel Grey Lifetim Photo
Feature: Bay Street Honors Mercedes Ruehl and Harris Yulin with The Joel Grey Lifetime Achievement Award at Bay Street
by James Blinken - Jul 20, 2022

Board Member Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley hosted the event! On Saturday, July 16, 2022, Bay Street Board Member Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley hosted a celebration at their East Hampton estate for Bay Street Theater, honoring Mercedes Ruehl and Harris Yulin. Ruehl and Yulin were honored with Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center For The Arts's Joel Grey Lifetime Achievement Award as actors and for their many years of support for the East End's arts community.
Bay Street Theater Announces Two Mini Gala Dinners In Support Of Educational Program Photo
Bay Street Theater Announces Two Mini Gala Dinners In Support Of Educational Programs
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 30, 2022

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is hosting a series of summertime Mini Gala Dinners and Cocktail Receptions honoring performers, artists, and patrons of the arts, including Harris Yulin, Mercedes Ruehl, and Jules Feiffer.
Mercedes Ruehl & Harris Yulin to Star in Suffolk Theater's LOVE LETTERS By A.R. Gurne Photo
Mercedes Ruehl & Harris Yulin to Star in Suffolk Theater's LOVE LETTERS By A.R. Gurney
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 23, 2022

Suffolk Theater will present Academy Award winner Mercedes Ruehl and Harris Yulin starring in a production of Love Letters, written by A.R. Gurney, directed by Harris Yulin, and produced by Josh Gladstone on Saturday, July 9 at 8PM and Sunday, July 10 at 3PM.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Mercedes Ruehl been in?

Mercedes Ruehl has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.

How many West End shows has Mercedes Ruehl been in?

Mercedes Ruehl has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Mercedes Ruehl been nominated for?

Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Woman Before a Glass, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Goat, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Goat, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Goat or Who Is Sylvia?, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Rose Tattoo, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Shadow Box, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Lost In Yonkers, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Lost in Yonkers, Best Actress - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lost in Yonkers and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Lost in Yonkers.

What awards has Mercedes Ruehl won?

Mercedes Ruehl has won several prestigious awards throughout her career. She received the Outstanding Actress in a Play award from the Drama Desk Awards for her performances in both The Goat and Lost in Yonkers. She won the Outstanding Actress in a Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for The Goat and the Best Actress in a Play award from the same organization for Lost in Yonkers. Additionally, Ruehl earned the Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production award at the Helen Hayes Awards for Lost in Yonkers. Her accolades also include the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for Lost in Yonkers.

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