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Audra McDonald Biography

Birth Name:Audra Ann McDonald

Birth Place:Berlin, Germany

Profession Actress, Soundtrack, Producer

Fast Facts

  • Is the first person to win Tony Awards for all four acting categories
  • Was awarded a 2015 National Medal of Arts
  • Graduated from the Julliard School in 1993 after studying undergraduate voice under soprano Ellen Faull
  • Made her Broadway debut as an original cast member of "Ragtime․"
  • Started acting with the Good Company Players Junior Company at the age of nine
  • Her tours as a classically trained soprano have paired her with such musical organizations as the Boston Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and she has recorded several solo albums as well
  • Fainted on stage while singing at her final audition for "Carousel," but still got the part

Awards

  • 2001OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: nominated
  • 2001Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2008Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Actress: nominated
  • 2008Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2008OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture or Miniseries: winner
  • 2008Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
  • 2009Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 2009Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2010Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Supporting Actress of the Decade: nominated
  • 2010Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2013Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Special Class Programs: nominated
  • 2014Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actress, TV Movie or Mini-Series: nominated
  • 2014Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2015Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Special Class Program: winner
  • 2016Gold Derby TV Award-TV Movie/Mini Lead Actress: nominated
  • 2016Image Award-Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television or Theatrical): nominated
  • 2016OFTA Television Award-Best Female Performance in a Variety Program: nominated
  • 2016Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie: nominated
  • 2017Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series: nominated
  • 2017Black Reel-Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series: nominated
  • 2017Image Award-Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited Series or Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 2017Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
  • 2018Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2019INOCA TV-Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2020Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2022Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Actress, Drama Series: nominated
  • 2022Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2022Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: nominated
  • 2023Critics Choice Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2023Gracie-Actress in a Supporting Role - Drama: winner
  • 2024Actor-Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2024Black Reel-Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 2025CinEuphoria-Best Supporting Actress - International Competition: nominated
  • 2025CinEuphoria-Best Ensemble - International Competition: nominated
  • 2026Image Award-Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: nominated