Audra Ann McDonald is a highly celebrated American actress and singer best known for her Broadway career. She holds the record for most Tony Awards for acting, having won six across all four acting categories. In addition to her Tony Awards, she has won two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, the National Medal of Arts (2016), and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame (2017).
1921: Original 'Shuffle Along' Musical
The original 'Shuffle Along' musical, which inspired the 2016 production starring Audra McDonald, was created in 1921.
July 3, 1970: Audra McDonald is born
On July 3, 1970, Audra Ann McDonald was born.
1992: Audra McDonald makes Broadway debut in "The Secret Garden"
Audra McDonald made her Broadway debut as a replacement portraying Ayah in the musical "The Secret Garden" from 1992 to 1993.
1993: Audra McDonald finishes run in "The Secret Garden"
Audra McDonald concluded her run as a replacement portraying Ayah in the musical "The Secret Garden" in 1993.
1993: Audra McDonald Graduates from Juilliard School
Audra McDonald graduated from the Juilliard School in 1993, where she studied classical voice under Ellen Faull.
1994: Audra McDonald stars in "Carousel"
Audra McDonald played the role of Carrie Pipperidge in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Carousel" in 1994.
1994: Audra McDonald becomes the first black woman to perform in "Carousel" on Broadway
Audra McDonald's performance as Carrie Pipperidge in Nicholas Hytner's 1994 revival of "Carousel" made her the first black woman to portray the traditionally white role in a major Broadway production.
1994: Audra McDonald wins Tony Award for "Carousel"
In 1994, Audra McDonald won her first Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in "Carousel".
1995: Audra McDonald stars in "Master Class"
In 1995, Audra McDonald played Sharon Graham in the Terrence McNally play "Master Class".
1996: Audra McDonald makes film debut in "Seven Servants"
Audra McDonald made her film acting debut in 1996 in "Seven Servants" by Daryush Shokof.
1996: Audra McDonald wins Tony Award for "Master Class"
Audra McDonald won her second Tony Award in 1996 for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in "Master Class".
1997: Audra McDonald stars in "Ragtime"
From 1997 to 1999, Audra McDonald played Sarah in the 20th Century musical "Ragtime", written by McNally, at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts.
1997: Recording of 'I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky'
In 1997, Audra McDonald can be heard on the recording of the world premiere of John Adams' opera 'I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky'.
1998: McDonald Releases Debut Album, "Way Back to Paradise"
In 1998, Audra McDonald released her first solo album, "Way Back to Paradise," featuring songs by contemporary musical theatre composers.
1998: Audra McDonald wins Tony Award for "Ragtime"
In 1998, Audra McDonald won her third Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in "Ragtime".
1999: Audra McDonald appears in "The Object of My Affection", "Cradle Will Rock", "Homicide: Life on the Street", and "Annie"
In 1999, Audra McDonald appeared in the films "The Object of My Affection" and "Cradle Will Rock". That same year, she appeared on the television series "Homicide: Life on the Street", in the television remake of "Annie" as Daddy Warbucks's secretary & soon-to-be wife, Miss Farrell, and in the television film "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years".
1999: Audra McDonald finishes run in "Ragtime", performs in "Marie Christine" and "Sweeny Todd"
In 1999, Audra McDonald finished her run in "Ragtime". The same year, she played Marie Christine L'Adrese in the musical "Marie Christine" on Broadway and The Beggar Woman in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center.
May 2000: McDonald Appears in Concert Version of "Sweeney Todd"
Audra McDonald appeared as "The Beggar Woman" in a concert version of Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" in May 2000 at Avery Fisher Hall.
September 2000: McDonald Marries Peter Donovan
Audra McDonald married bassist Peter Donovan in September 2000.
2000: "How Glory Goes" Released
Audra McDonald's second studio album, "How Glory Goes," featuring a mix of old and new works, was released in 2000.
2000: Audra McDonald performs in "Marie Christine"
In 1999, Audra McDonald played Marie Christine L'Adrese in the musical "Marie Christine" on Broadway.
2000: Audra McDonald appears in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "The Last Debate"
In 2000, Audra McDonald acted in two episodes of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and in the television film "The Last Debate".
2001: Audra McDonald nominated for Emmy Award for "Wit"
In 2001, Audra McDonald received her first Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for the HBO film "Wit".
2001: Audra McDonald is nominated for an Emmy
In 2001, she received her first Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for the HBO film "Wit", which starred Emma Thompson and was directed by Mike Nichols.
2002: McDonald Explores Big Band Sound with "Happy Songs"
In 2002, Audra McDonald released "Happy Songs," an album featuring big band music from the 1920s to the 1940s.
2003: Audra McDonald appears in "It Runs in the Family" and "Mister Sterling"
In 2003, McDonald starred as Sarah Langley in "It Runs in the Family", and as Jackie Brock in nine episodes of short-lived "Mister Sterling".
June 2, 2004: Performance at Carnegie Hall
On June 2, 2004, Audra McDonald performed 'The Seven Deadly Sins: A Song Cycle' at Carnegie's Zankel Hall.
2004: Audra McDonald wins Tony Award for "A Raisin in the Sun"
Audra McDonald won her fourth Tony Award in 2004 for her role in "A Raisin in the Sun".
2004: Audra McDonald wins her fourth Tony Award
In 2004, Audra McDonald won her fourth Tony Award for her role in "A Raisin in the Sun", placing her in the company of then four-time winning actress Angela Lansbury.
2005: Audra McDonald stars in "The Bedford Diaries" and "Kidnapped"
From 2005 to 2006, Audra McDonald acted in several television series and films, such as "The Bedford Diaries" and "Kidnapped".
2006: "Build a Bridge" Showcases Jazz and Pop Influences
Audra McDonald's album "Build a Bridge," featuring songs from jazz and pop, was released in 2006.
December 31, 2006: Audra McDonald performs with the New York Philharmonic
Audra McDonald sang with the New York Philharmonic in the annual New Year's Eve gala concert on December 31, 2006, featuring music from the films; it was televised on Live from Lincoln Center by PBS.
February 10, 2007: Performance in 'Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny'
On February 10, 2007, Audra McDonald starred with Patti LuPone in the Los Angeles Opera production of Kurt Weill's opera 'Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny', directed by John Doyle.
April 29, 2007: Audra McDonald's father dies in a plane crash
On April 29, 2007, while Audra McDonald was in previews for the show, her father was killed when an experimental aircraft he was flying crashed north of Sacramento, California.
2007: Audra McDonald performs in "110 in the Shade"
Audra McDonald appeared as Lizzie in the Roundabout Theatre Company's 2007 revival of "110 in the Shade".
2007: Audra McDonald becomes the first black woman to perform in "110 in the Shade" on Broadway
Audra McDonald's performance as Lizzie Curry in Lonny Price's 2007 revival of "110 in the Shade" made her the first black woman to portray the traditionally white role in a major Broadway production.
2007: Audra McDonald begins role as Dr. Naomi Bennett in "Private Practice"
From 2007 to 2011, Audra McDonald portrayed Dr. Naomi Bennett in the ABC series "Private Practice".
2007: Audra McDonald begins role in "Private Practice"
From 2007 to 2013 she played Dr. Naomi Bennett in "Private Practice", a spinoff of "Grey's Anatomy", replacing Merrin Dungey, who played the role in the series pilot.
2007: Performance in 'Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny'
In 2007, Audra McDonald performed the role of Jenny Smith in Kurt Weill's 'Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny' at the Los Angeles Opera.
September 2008: Michael John LaChiusa Considers McDonald for Carmen Role
In September 2008, it was reported that composer Michael John LaChiusa was considering Audra McDonald for a role in his adaptation of Bizet's Carmen.
2008: Role in 'A Raisin in the Sun'
In 2008, Audra McDonald starred as Ruth Younger in the critically acclaimed television film 'A Raisin in the Sun', earning nominations at the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards and the NAACP Image Awards.
2008: Audra McDonald nominated for Emmy Award for "A Raisin in the Sun"
Audra McDonald earned her second Emmy Award nomination in 2008 for a television adaptation of "A Raisin in the Sun".
2008: Audra McDonald wins Grammy Awards for "Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny"
Her recording of Kurt Weill's "Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny" (2008) with the Los Angeles Opera won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Album and the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording.
2008: Audra McDonald is nominated for an Emmy
Audra McDonald reprised her "Raisin" role for a 2008 television adaptation, earning her a second Emmy Award nomination.
February 2009: Grammy Awards for 'Mahagonny'
In February 2009, the recording of 'Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny', featuring Audra McDonald, won two Grammy Awards for Best Opera Recording and Best Classical Album.
2009: McDonald and Donovan Divorce
In 2009, Audra McDonald and Peter Donovan divorced.
2009: Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording
In 2009, Audra McDonald's performance in 'Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny' was recorded and won the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording.
2010: McDonald Performs at BCS National Championship Game
Audra McDonald performed "America the Beautiful" at the 2010 BCS National Championship Game on January 7.
September 2011: Performance in 'Porgy and Bess' at American Repertory Theatre
In September 2011, Audra McDonald performed in a revised version of George Gershwin's opera 'Porgy and Bess' at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
2011: Audra McDonald finishes role as Dr. Naomi Bennett in "Private Practice"
Audra McDonald concluded her role as Dr. Naomi Bennett in the ABC series "Private Practice" in 2011.
January 12, 2012: Broadway Opening of 'Porgy and Bess'
On January 12, 2012, Audra McDonald recreated her role in the revised version of George Gershwin's opera 'Porgy and Bess' on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
June 10, 2012: Audra McDonald wins her fifth Tony Award
On June 10, 2012, McDonald scored her fifth Tony Award win for her portrayal of Bess in Broadway's The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess.
September 23, 2012: Closing of 'Porgy and Bess'
On September 23, 2012, the Broadway production of 'Porgy and Bess' starring Audra McDonald closed at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
October 6, 2012: McDonald Marries Will Swenson
Audra McDonald married Will Swenson on October 6, 2012.
2012: Audra McDonald wins Tony Award for "Porgy and Bess"
In 2012, Audra McDonald won her fifth Tony Award for her portrayal of Bess in "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess".
2012: Host of PBS Series 'Live from Lincoln Center'
Since 2012, Audra McDonald has served as the host for the PBS series 'Live from Lincoln Center'.
2012: McDonald Awarded Golden Plate Award
Audra McDonald received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 2012.
May 2013: "Go Back Home" Marks McDonald's Return with New Album and Concert
May 2013 saw the release of "Go Back Home," Audra McDonald's first solo album in seven years. It featured the title track from the musical "The Scottsboro Boys." A concert at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City coincided with the release and aired on PBS's "Live from Lincoln Center."
October 2013: "Audra McDonald in Concert" Tour Resumes
After a break, Audra McDonald resumed her concert tour, "Audra McDonald in Concert," in October 2013, following work on her album and television projects.
2013: "Audra McDonald in Concert" Tour Begins
Audra McDonald embarked on her concert tour, "Audra McDonald in Concert," in 2013.
2013: Audra McDonald finishes role in "Private Practice"
Audra McDonald finished her role as Dr. Naomi Bennett in "Private Practice" in 2013.
March 2014: McDonald Reprises "Sweeney Todd" Role
Audra McDonald reprised her role as "The Beggar Woman" in the March 2014 Lincoln Center concert production of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street."
March 25, 2014: Previews Begin for 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill'
Previews for 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill' began on March 25, 2014, with Audra McDonald playing Billie Holiday.
April 13, 2014: Opening of 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill'
On April 13, 2014, 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill', starring Audra McDonald as Billie Holiday, opened at the Circle in the Square Theatre.
August 10, 2014: End of 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill'
On August 10, 2014, the limited engagement of 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill', where Audra McDonald played Billie Holiday, ended on Broadway.
September 7, 2014: McDonald Performs at Joan Rivers' Funeral
Audra McDonald sang "Smile" at Joan Rivers' funeral on September 7, 2014.
2014: "An Evening with Audra McDonald" Tour Commences
Audra McDonald launched a new concert tour, "An Evening with Audra McDonald," in 2014.
2014: Audra McDonald wins Tony Award for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"
Audra McDonald won her sixth Tony Award in 2014 for her performance as Billie Holiday in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill".
2014: Audra McDonald makes history with her sixth Tony Award
Her 2014 performance as Billie Holiday in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill" earned McDonald her sixth Tony award and made her the first person to win all four acting categories.
2014: McDonald Joins Covenant House Board
Audra McDonald joined the board of directors of Covenant House in 2014.
2014: Performance in 'Poof!'
In 2014, Audra McDonald was featured in Lynn Nottage's short play 'Poof!' alongside Tonya Pinkins. The play was produced for radio and podcast by Playing On Air.
August 2015: Performance in 'A Moon for the Misbegotten'
In August 2015, Audra McDonald appeared at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts, performing in Eugene O'Neill's play 'A Moon for the Misbegotten' alongside her husband Will Swenson.
November 2015: "Audra McDonald Sings Broadway" at Sydney Opera House
In November 2015, Audra McDonald performed three concerts titled "Audra McDonald Sings Broadway" at the Sydney Opera House.
2015: National Medal of Arts Recognizes McDonald's Contributions
Audra McDonald received the National Medal of Arts in 2015 for her work in musicals, concerts, operas, and recordings.
2015: Audra McDonald wins Emmy Award for "Live from Lincoln Center"
Audra McDonald won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Program for hosting "Live from Lincoln Center" in 2015.
March 12, 2016: HBO Broadcast of 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill'
On March 12, 2016, Audra McDonald's performance in 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill' was filmed at Cafe Brasil in New Orleans and broadcast on HBO. McDonald was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role.
July 24, 2016: Closing of 'Shuffle Along' and Maternity Hiatus
On July 24, 2016, Audra McDonald starred on Broadway as Lottie Gee in 'Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed' which closed on this date, and she began a maternity hiatus.
September 2016: Postponement of West End Debut Due to Pregnancy
In September 2016, Audra McDonald postponed her planned West End debut in 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill' due to pregnancy.
September 22, 2016: McDonald Receives National Medal of Arts
Audra McDonald was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama on September 22, 2016, for her contributions to Broadway.
October 19, 2016: McDonald Welcomes Daughter, Sally
Audra McDonald gave birth to her daughter, Sally James McDonald-Swenson, on October 19, 2016.
2016: Audra McDonald receives National Medal of Arts
In 2016, Audra McDonald was honored with the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama.
2016: McDonald Receives National Medal of Arts
Audra McDonald was honored with the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama in 2016.
2016: Audra McDonald nominated for Emmy Award for "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill"
Audra McDonald received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2016 for her role in "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill".
June 2017: West End Debut in 'Lady Day'
In June 2017, Audra McDonald made her West End debut as Billie Holiday in 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill' at Wyndham's Theatre.
August 1, 2017: Cast Announcement for 'The Good Fight'
On August 1, 2017, it was announced that Audra McDonald had been added to the main cast for the second season of 'The Good Fight', reprising her role as Liz Lawrence from 'The Good Wife'.
September 9, 2017: End of 'Lady Day' West End Run
On September 9, 2017, Audra McDonald's West End run of 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill' ended at Wyndham's Theatre.
2017: Audra McDonald appears in "Beauty and the Beast"
Audra McDonald acted in the film "Beauty and the Beast" in 2017.
2017: Audra McDonald inducted into American Theater Hall of Fame
Audra McDonald was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2017.
2017: McDonald Joins American Theater Hall of Fame
Audra McDonald was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2017.
2017: McDonald Inducted into American Theater Hall of Fame
In 2017, Audra McDonald was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
2018: McDonald Contributes to "Singing You Home" Album
Audra McDonald joined other Broadway stars in 2018 to record "Singing You Home," a bilingual children's album created to support families separated at the border.
2018: McDonald Receives Covenant House's Beacon of Hope Award
Audra McDonald received the Beacon of Hope Award from Covenant House in 2018.
2019: Role in 'Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune'
In 2019, Audra McDonald played Frankie in 'Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune' at the Broadhurst Theatre, earning her ninth Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Play.
June 2020: Black Theatre United Launched
In June 2020, Audra McDonald co-founded Black Theatre United (BTU), an organization dedicated to addressing systemic racism in the theater industry.
October 2020: McDonald Participates in Virtual Voter Education Event
Audra McDonald joined other Broadway stars in October 2020 for a virtual voter education and letter-writing party sponsored by VoteRiders.
2020: Audra McDonald performs in "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune"
In 2020, Audra McDonald performed in "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune".
2021: Audra McDonald appears in "Respect"
Audra McDonald acted in the film "Respect" in 2021.
2021: Role in 'The Bite' and Hosting 74th Tony Awards
In 2021, Audra McDonald portrayed Rachel Boutella in the television series 'The Bite' and hosted the television ceremony of the 74th Tony Awards.
2022: Role in 'The Gilded Age'
In 2022, Audra McDonald starred as Dorothy Scott in HBO's television series 'The Gilded Age'.
December 2023: McDonald Narrates Disney's Candlelight Processional
Audra McDonald was a guest narrator at Disney's Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World in late December 2023.
2023: Audra McDonald appears in "Rustin"
Audra McDonald acted in the film "Rustin" in 2023.
2023: Audra McDonald performs in "Ohio State Murders"
Audra McDonald performed in "Ohio State Murders" in 2023.
2023: Role in 'Rustin' and Other Films
In 2023, Audra McDonald portrayed civil rights activist Ella Baker in the Netflix biographical drama 'Rustin'. She also acted in the comedy 'Down Low' and the drama 'Origin' directed by Ava DuVernay.
2024: McDonald Serves as Grand Marshal of Rose Parade
Audra McDonald served as the grand marshal of the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade.