Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is an American singer and actress.

Related Topics:
American - Singer - Actress

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McDonald was born on July 3, 1970 in Berlin, Germany, and was raised in Fresno, California.

Related Topics:
July 3 - 1970 - Berlin - Germany - Fresno, California

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The older of two daughters, she began to study acting at a young age to counteract her diagnosis as "hyperactive." She studied classical voice at the Juilliard School of Music, graduating in 1993.

Related Topics:
Juilliard - 1993

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McDonald became a three-time Tony Award winner by the age of 28, placing her alongside Shirley Booth, Gwen Verdon, and Zero Mostel by accomplishing this feat within five years.

Related Topics:
Tony Award - Shirley Booth - Gwen Verdon - Zero Mostel

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In 2004 she won her fourth Tony for her role in A Raisin in the Sun. She is now in the company of other four-time Tony Award winning actresses Angela Lansbury, Verdon, and Mary Martin.

Related Topics:
Angela Lansbury - Mary Martin

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In addition to her long list of stage credits, McDonald has acted in film and on television. She has also recorded three solo albums, in which she performs the works of the new generation of Broadway theatre composers, particularly Michael John LaChiusa, Adam Guettel, and Jason Robert Brown. She frequently appears in concert and has performed with a number of the most prestigious orchestras worldwide.

Related Topics:
Michael John LaChiusa - Adam Guettel - Jason Robert Brown

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McDonald married bassist Peter Donovan in 2000. They have one daughter, Zoe Madeline, named after Zoe Caldwell and Madeline Kahn.

Related Topics:
Peter Donovan - 2000 - Zoe Caldwell - Madeline Kahn

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