History of Sutton Foster in Timeline
Sutton Foster is a celebrated American actress renowned for her work in Broadway musicals. She has won two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical for her roles in "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "Anything Goes." Foster has starred in a variety of other Broadway productions including "Grease," "Little Women," and "The Music Man." Beyond the stage, she has appeared in television shows such as "Bunheads" and "Younger."
March 18, 1975: Birth of Sutton Foster
Sutton Lenore Foster was born on March 18, 1975, in Statesboro, Georgia.
1995: Tours as Sandy in "Grease"
Sutton Foster began touring as Sandy Dumbrowski in the musical "Grease" in 1995.
1996: Broadway Debut in "Grease"
Sutton Foster made her Broadway debut in 1996, reprising her role as Sandy in "Grease" after touring with the production.
1997: Joins "The Scarlet Pimpernel"
After finishing her run in "Grease", Sutton Foster joined the ensemble of the Broadway musical "The Scarlet Pimpernel" in 1997.
1998: Appears in "What the World Needs Now"
Sutton Foster appeared in the production "What the World Needs Now" at the Old Globe Theatre in 1998.
2000: Understudies Eponine in "Les Miserables"
After touring with "Les Miserables" as Eponine Thenardier, Sutton Foster understudied the same role on Broadway in 2000.
2002: Tony Award for "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
In 2002, Sutton Foster won her first Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as Millie Dillmount in "Thoroughly Modern Millie."
2002: "Thoroughly Modern Millie" Premieres on Broadway
The musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie", starring Sutton Foster as Millie Dillmount, premiered on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre in 2002, receiving positive reviews for Foster's performance.
2004: Foster Departs "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Sutton Foster left the Broadway production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" in 2004 after winning a Tony Award for her performance.
May 2005: Stars as Jo March in "Little Women"
Sutton Foster co-starred as Jo March alongside Maureen McGovern as Marmee in the musical adaptation of "Little Women" in May 2005 and received a Tony Award nomination for her performance.
December 2005: "The Drowsy Chaperone" Premieres in Los Angeles
Prior to its run on Broadway, the musical "The Drowsy Chaperone", starring Sutton Foster, premiered at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles in November to December of 2005.
May 2006: Stars in "The Drowsy Chaperone"
Sutton Foster returned to Broadway at the Marquis Theatre in May 2006 for the musical "The Drowsy Chaperone", playing the role of Janet van de Graaff. She received her third Tony nomination for this performance.
September 18, 2006: Marriage to Christian Borle
Sutton Foster married actor Christian Borle, whom she met in college, on September 18, 2006.
October 2007: Stars in "Young Frankenstein"
Sutton Foster joined the cast of Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" as Inga, originating the role at the Paramount Theatre before moving to Broadway in October 2007.
2007: Guest Stars on Television
In 2007, Sutton Foster made guest appearances on the children's show "Johnny and the Sprites" and the HBO sitcom "Flight of the Conchords".
July 2008: Concludes Role in "Young Frankenstein"
Sutton Foster completed her run in the Broadway production of "Young Frankenstein" in July 2008.
December 14, 2008: "Shrek the Musical" Premieres on Broadway
Sutton Foster originated the role of Princess Fiona in "Shrek the Musical" which opened on Broadway on December 14, 2008.
February 2009: Releases Debut Solo Album "Wish"
Sutton Foster's debut solo album titled "Wish" was released in February 2009 by Ghostlight Records. The album features a variety of musical styles including jazz, pop, cabaret, and Broadway.
June 2009: Participates in Reading of "Bonnie and Clyde: A Folktale"
Sutton Foster participated in a reading of the musical "Bonnie and Clyde: A Folktale" in June 2009, a project that her brother was composing the music for.
2009: Divorce from Christian Borle
Sutton Foster and Christian Borle divorced in 2009 but maintained a positive relationship.
January 3, 2010: Foster Leaves "Shrek the Musical"
Sutton Foster gave her final performance in "Shrek the Musical" on January 3, 2010, after being nominated for a Tony Award for her performance.
January 2010: Master Class at NYU and Ball State University
Sutton Foster kicked off January 2010 by teaching master classes at both New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and Ball State University.
March 3, 2010: Guest Appearance on "Law & Order: SVU"
On March 3, 2010, Sutton Foster made a guest appearance on the NBC legal drama "Law & Order: SVU" alongside comedian Kathy Griffin.
July 23, 2010: Stars in Off-Broadway Production "Trust"
Sutton Foster made her Off-Broadway debut in Paul Weitz's comedy "Trust", alongside Zach Braff, Bobby Cannavale, and Ari Graynor. Previews for the play began on July 23, 2010 at Second Stage Theatre.
August 30, 2010: Performs in "They're Playing Our Song"
Sutton Foster and Seth Rudetsky co-starred in a one-night-only benefit concert version of "They're Playing Our Song" at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater in New York on August 30, 2010.
September 12, 2010: "Trust" Concludes Off-Broadway Run
The Off-Broadway production of "Trust", starring Sutton Foster, concluded its run at Second Stage Theatre on September 12, 2010.
September 2010: "An Evening With Sutton Foster" Concert Tour Begins
Sutton Foster embarked on her concert tour, "An Evening With Sutton Foster," in September 2010, treating audiences to songs from her Broadway career and solo album until May 2011.
September 2010: Continued Collaboration with Ball State University
Sutton Foster furthered her relationship with Ball State University in September 2010, engaging with students in the Department of Theatre and Dance through classroom work, master classes, and workshops.
March 10, 2011: "Anything Goes" Revival Premieres
The highly anticipated Broadway revival of "Anything Goes," starring Sutton Foster as Reno Sweeney, premiered at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on March 10, 2011.
April 7, 2011: "Anything Goes" Revival Officially Opens
The Broadway revival of "Anything Goes," featuring Sutton Foster in the iconic role of Reno Sweeney, officially opened on April 7, 2011, at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
May 2011: "An Evening With Sutton Foster" Concert Tour Concludes
In May 2011, Sutton Foster concluded her successful concert tour, "An Evening With Sutton Foster," having shared her musical talents with audiences across various venues.
2011: Tony Award for "Anything Goes"
Sutton Foster won her second Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Reno Sweeney in the Broadway revival of "Anything Goes" in 2011.
March 11, 2012: Sutton Foster's Final Performance in "Anything Goes" Revival
On March 11, 2012, Sutton Foster gave her final performance as Reno Sweeney in the acclaimed Broadway revival of "Anything Goes," before departing to film the television series "Bunheads."
May 2012: Receives Honorary Doctorate from Ball State University
Sutton Foster received an honorary doctorate from Ball State University in May 2012 in recognition of her successful career in theater, television, and music.
June 11, 2012: "Bunheads" Premieres on ABC Family
"Bunheads," a comedy-drama television series starring Sutton Foster as a former Las Vegas showgirl turned ballet teacher, premiered on ABC Family on June 11, 2012.
October 2012: Performance and Continued Collaboration with Ball State University
Sutton Foster returned to Ball State University in October 2012, performing in a staged reading of the musical "The Circus in Winter" at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals.
2012: Stars in "Bunheads"
Sutton Foster landed the lead role in the ABC Family comedy-drama series "Bunheads" which aired from 2012 to 2013.
September 19, 2013: Engagement to Ted Griffin
Sutton Foster announced her engagement to screenwriter Ted Griffin on September 19, 2013.
2013: Television Appearances and Film Role
In 2013, Sutton Foster showcased her versatility with a guest appearance on the television series "Psych" and a starring role as Kerry in the comedic thriller film "Gravy," directed by and starring James Roday.
2013: Third Kennedy Center Honors Appearance
Sutton Foster graced the Kennedy Center Honors stage for the third time in 2013, delivering a captivating performance as part of the tribute to the legendary Shirley MacLaine.
2013: "Bunheads" Ends
The television series "Bunheads", starring Sutton Foster, concluded after airing for one year.
August 2014: "Violet" at the American Airlines Theatre Concludes
Sutton Foster's run in the Roundabout Theatre Company production of the musical "Violet" at the American Airlines Theatre concluded in August 2014.
October 25, 2014: Marriage to Ted Griffin
Sutton Foster and Ted Griffin were married on October 25, 2014.
January 13, 2015: "Younger" Pilot Originally Scheduled for Release
The pilot episode of "Younger," a TV Land comedy-drama series starring Sutton Foster as Liza Miller, was initially slated for release on January 13, 2015, but experienced a delay.
March 31, 2015: "Younger" Premieres on TV Land
The highly anticipated TV Land comedy-drama "Younger," featuring Sutton Foster in the lead role of Liza Miller, finally premiered on March 31, 2015, captivating audiences with its unique premise.
April 2015: Carnegie Hall Debut
Sutton Foster achieved a significant career milestone in April 2015 with her highly acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut, featuring guest appearances by Joshua Henry and Megan McGinnis, as part of her "An Evening With Sutton Foster: Broadway In Concert" tour.
July 2015: Return to Encores! in "The Wild Party"
Sutton Foster returned to the Encores! stage in July 2015, captivating audiences with her portrayal of Queenie in Andrew Lippa's acclaimed musical "The Wild Party."
2015: Stars in "Younger"
Sutton Foster began her starring role in the TV Land comedy-drama "Younger" in 2015.
January 2016: "Younger" Season Two Premieres
The second season of the TV Land comedy-drama "Younger," starring Sutton Foster, premiered in January 2016, further exploring the life and adventures of Liza Miller as she navigated the world of publishing.
June 2016: Appearance on "Match Game"
Sutton Foster showcased her quick wit and game show skills in June 2016 as a contestant on the popular ABC program "Match Game."
July 2016: "Younger" Season Three Begins Filming
Filming for the third season of "Younger," the successful TV Land comedy-drama series starring Sutton Foster, commenced in July 2016, promising more engaging storylines and character development.
November 2, 2016: "Sweet Charity" Revival Premieres Off-Broadway
Sutton Foster returned to the Off-Broadway stage on November 2, 2016, in a revival of "Sweet Charity," taking on the lead role of Charity Hope Valentine at the Pershing Square Signature Center.
January 8, 2017: "Sweet Charity" Revival Concludes Off-Broadway
Sutton Foster's run as Charity Hope Valentine in the Off-Broadway revival of "Sweet Charity" at the Pershing Square Signature Center concluded on January 8, 2017.
March 5, 2017: Birth of Daughter, Emily
Sutton Foster and Ted Griffin's adopted daughter, Emily, was born on March 5, 2017.
April 2017: Announcement of Daughter's Adoption
Sutton Foster publicly announced the adoption of her daughter, Emily, in April 2017.
December 2017: Performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Sutton Foster joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as a guest artist for their annual Christmas concerts in December 2017, lending her exceptional vocal talents to the festive celebration.
2017: "Younger" Season Four Premieres to Positive Reviews
The fourth season of "Younger," featuring Sutton Foster, aired in the summer of 2017, garnering positive reviews and continuing the show's success.
April 20, 2018: Performance with Jonathan Groff Airs on PBS
Sutton Foster and Jonathan Groff's performance at The Appel Room at Lincoln Center, featuring a selection of songs from various shows, aired on PBS's "Live From Lincoln Center" on April 20, 2018, captivating audiences with their musical chemistry and stage presence.
May 2019: Receives Honorary Doctorate from Boston Conservatory at Berklee
In May 2019, Sutton Foster was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. The institution also introduced a merit scholarship in her name.
2019: Crocheted Gift for Hilary Duff's Wedding
In 2019, Sutton Foster combined her love for crafting and her close friendship with "Younger" costar Hilary Duff by crocheting a unique and thoughtful wedding gift: an octopus toilet paper cover.
October 2021: Publication of Memoir "Hooked" and London Theatre Debut in "Anything Goes"
October 2021 marked a significant period for Sutton Foster, with the publication of her memoir, "Hooked," in which she candidly shared her experiences with crafting as a coping mechanism. This month also saw her make her highly anticipated London theatre debut, reprising her Tony Award-winning role as Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes" at the Barbican Theatre, garnering rave reviews from British critics.
December 2021: "Anything Goes" Broadcast in UK Cinemas
Sutton Foster's performance as Reno Sweeney in the London production of "Anything Goes" was recorded and broadcast in UK cinemas on November 28 and December 1, 2021, allowing wider audiences to enjoy her acclaimed portrayal.
December 2021: The Music Man Broadway Revival
Sutton Foster returned to Broadway in December 2021, starring as Marian Paroo in a revival of "The Music Man" alongside Hugh Jackman.
December 2021: COVID-19 Diagnosis
Sutton Foster tested positive for COVID-19 in December 2021, causing her to miss performances of "The Music Man."
2021: Reprises Role in London's "Anything Goes"
Sutton Foster reprised her role as Reno Sweeney in a production of "Anything Goes" in London in 2021. Her performance earned her a nomination for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
2022: US Cinema Broadcast and PBS Special of "Anything Goes"
The filmed performance of Sutton Foster in the London production of "Anything Goes" made its way to US cinemas on March 27 and 30, 2022, and was later featured on the renowned PBS series "Great Performances," further solidifying her international recognition.
January 15, 2023: The Music Man Final Performance
Sutton Foster's run in the Broadway revival of "The Music Man" as Marian Paroo concluded on January 15, 2023.
March 2023: Ball State University Faculty Appointment
As of March 2023, Sutton Foster joined the faculty of Ball State University as an Instructor of Theatre, focusing on internships.
February 2024: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Sutton Foster stepped into the role of Mrs. Lovett in the Broadway revival of "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" in February 2024 for a 12-week limited engagement.
May 2024: Once Upon a Mattress Broadway Transfer Announcement
In May 2024, the concert production of "Once Upon a Mattress," starring Sutton Foster as Princess Winnifred, announced its transfer to Broadway's Hudson Theatre after a successful run at the New York City Center Encores! series.
October 2024: Divorce Filing
Sutton Foster filed for divorce from Ted Griffin in October 2024.