Audra McDonald's Main TV Roles Show Character(s) Private Practice Dr. Naomi B… The Good Fight Liz Reddick… The Bedford Diaries Professor C… Mister Sterling Jackie Brock

Main Movie Roles

BIOGRAPHY:

Audra Ann McDonald is a German-born American actress and singer, known for Mister Sterling, The Bedford Diaries, Private Practice and The Good Fight.


TRIVIA:

• Husband 'Peter Donovan (I)' (qv) also graduated from Juilliard, where they met. He is her bass player, and they do a number together called "Beat My Dog." [Audra has also made several appearances with _"Evening at Pops" (1970)_ (qv), and her concert "Live at the Donmar," (with Peter) was broadcast on PBS, as were three appearances on "Live From Lincoln Center."].
• In 2009, she won Grammys in the Best Classical Album category and the Best Opera Recording category for her work in Weill: Rise And Fall Of The City Of Mahagonny.
• At her final "Carousel" audition, Audra fainted on stage while singing. She still got the part and went on to win her first Tony Award in 1994.
• She almost didn't graduate from Juilliard because of her lack of interest in classical music, but with the help of a fellow student, impressed her teachers and went on to become a huge Broadway star.
• Has won four Tony Awards in 11 years: as Best Actress (FeaturedRole-Musical) in 1994 for a revival of "Carousel," in 1998 for playing Sarah in Ragtime," as Best Actress (Featured Role-Play) in 1996 for playing Sharon in 'Terence McNally (I)' (qv)'s "Master Class," and in 2004 for her portrayal of Ruth Younger in a revival of 'Lorraine Hansberry' (qv)'s "A Raisin in the Sun." She was also nominated in 2000 as Best Actress (Musical) for playing the title role in "Marie Christine" and in 2007 for playing Lizzie Curry in a revival of "110 in the Shade.".
• Graduated from the Juilliard School for the Performing Arts in 1993.
• "Marie Christine," her first starring role on Broadway, was written specifically for her by 'Michael John LaChiusa' (qv) after he saw her audition for "Carousel.".
• Five of her aunts toured in the 1970s as the McDonald Sisters. They sang gospel music.