Entertainment • Musician

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is an American actress and singer known for her Broadway performances, television roles, and concert work.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Audra McDonald is an American actress and singer known for her Broadway performances, television roles, and concert work. She is the first person to win six Tony Awards for acting and the only performer to win in all four acting categories.

Early life and education

McDonald was born in West Berlin in 1970 and raised in Fresno, California. She studied classical singing at Juilliard, graduating in 1993.

Broadway career

She built her reputation on Broadway through acclaimed performances in musicals and plays. Her Tony-winning roles made her one of the most decorated performers in Tony history. Her Broadway credits include Carousel, Ragtime, Master Class, A Raisin in the Sun, Porgy and Bess, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, and Gypsy.

Television and film

McDonald has appeared in television dramas including Private Practice and The Good Fight. Her screen credits also include film and live television productions.

Recording and concert work

Alongside acting, McDonald has maintained a career as a recording artist and concert performer. Sources describe her as a soprano with a broad repertoire spanning classical and contemporary material.

Key facts

She is a leading Broadway performer with major roles in musicals and plays.
She became the first person to win six Tony Awards for acting.
She is the only performer to win Tony Awards in all four acting categories.
Her Broadway credits include Carousel, Ragtime, Master Class, A Raisin in the Sun, Porgy and Bess, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, and Gypsy.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Audra McDonald?

Audra McDonald is an American actress and singer best known for her Broadway work and television roles.

How many Tony Awards has she won?

She has won six competitive Tony Awards for acting.

What is she known for on Broadway?

She is known for acclaimed performances in productions including Carousel, Ragtime, Master Class, A Raisin in the Sun, Porgy and Bess, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, and Gypsy.

Has she won awards outside the Tony Awards?

Yes. Sources list a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and the National Medal of Arts among her honours.

What is her connection to television?

She appeared in series such as Private Practice and The Good Fight.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Audra-McDonald
Supports: Birth name, birth date and place, American actress and singer, six Tony Awards, major Broadway roles, National Medal of Arts.
Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audra_McDonald
Supports: Winning Tony Awards in all four acting categories and additional career overview.
Official website — https://audramcdonald.com/bio/
Supports: Career overview, record-setting Tony nominations/wins, Broadway revival of Gypsy, advocacy work, recording career.
TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/audra-mcdonald/bio/3030389632/
Supports: Juilliard education, Broadway debut, early career and concert/orchestral work.
The Academy of Achievement — https://achievement.org/achiever/audra-mcdonald/
Supports: Raised in Fresno, Juilliard study, Broadway achievements, opera and concert career.
Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/gb/person/audra-mcdonald/umc.cpc.1tu723zxkynsxc8j22ijj73qi
Supports: Biography summary, early performing career, and selected film/television credits.
IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0567653/bio/
Supports: Birth information, marriage to Will Swenson, and biographical basics.