The Official Website of Singer and Actress Audra McDonald
For the first time in 75 years, the Theatre World Awards, which typically recognize debut performances, will bypass its annual ceremony and instead present a one-night-only virtual event honoring Broadway’s best. This year’s honorees are Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, and André De Shields. On July 11, LuPone and De Shields receive the 8th Annual John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement vent in the Theatre, while Audra will be honored with the Dorothy Loudon Special Award for Excellence in Theatre in recognition of her overall excellence and contribution to the field. All proceeds from this virtual event go towards presenting next year’s Awards, set for June 2022. The stream will be available to watch for free on BroadwayWorld.com on July 11 at 7pm ET.
Audra McDonald has been included in Variety’s 2021 Inclusion Report. Released annually, this list showcases top creatives pushing forward the needle on diversity and inclusion. Audra is recognized this year for her role in the co-founding of Black Theatre United, an organization created to address the systemic racism in the country and theater community. Founded by 21 artists including Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Porter and Vanessa Williams, BTU is currently working towards creating mentorships, fighting voter suppression and ensuring safe and anti-racist spaces as theatre reopens. Read the full inclusion report here.
Audra McDonald recently appeared on CBS’s The Talk to discuss several of her upcoming TV and film appearances. She returns in season 5 to CBS’ hit show “The Good Fight” premiering on Paramount+ on June 24. Audra then talks about her role in the new Spectrum Originals drama series “The Bite” and what it was like to film during quarantine. Finally, on her portrayal of Barbara Franklin in the upcoming biopic Respect, Audra says, “”It was an honor to be asked to be a part of it. There’s not a lot that is known about Barbara Franklin…She was a singer. If you look at Aretha Franklin, you’re looking at Barbara…”
Watch segments from the interview below!
On May 17, Audra McDonald co-hosts the virtual gala, “Night of Covenant House Stars” alongside CBS “60 Minutes” Correspondent John Dickerson. This special concert brings together some of today’s biggest stars of the stage and screen in celebrating the resilience of the young people experiencing homelessness at Covenant House, the international charity providing housing, food and healthcare to children and youth facing homelessness. Performers from Hollywood to Broadway will unite to sing and share a message of inspiration. This free event begins at 8pm ET on May 17, and will be streamed live on CovenantHouse.org, Amazon Prime Video, Broadway On Demand, Facebook, YouTube, WNBC and TodayTix. Watch a trailer below, and click here to RSVP.
On April 27, Audra McDonald appears on PBS’s hit series “Finding Your Roots” alongside fellow Broadway veteran Mandy Patinkin. Now in its seventh season, the show follows some of today’s most compelling personalities as they discover the surprising stories buried within their own families. In this episode, host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. investigates the family histories of Audra and Mandy, discovering ancestors whose struggles laid the groundwork for their success. This episode premieres on April 27 at 8pm ET (check your local listings). Click here to watch a trailer.
