Introduction
Audra McDonald is one of the most talented actresses and singers in the entertainment industry. She has won six Tony Awards, making her the most decorated Broadway performer in history. In addition to her incredible stage career, McDonald has also appeared in a number of movies and TV shows. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at her biography, family, husband, movies, and more.
Biography
Early Life
Audra McDonald was born on July 3, 1970, in Berlin, Germany. Her parents, Stanley McDonald Jr. and Anna Kathryn McDonald, were both American expatriates. When Audra was two years old, her family moved back to the United States and settled in Fresno, California.
As a child, McDonald showed a talent for singing and acting. She began taking voice lessons at the age of nine and performed in local musical productions. In high school, she was a member of the choir and drama club. After graduating, McDonald attended The Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied drama and voice.
Career
McDonald’s career began in the early 1990s when she appeared in several Broadway productions, including “The Secret Garden” and “Carousel.” In 1994, she won her first Tony Award for her role in “Carousel.” She went on to win five more Tony Awards for her performances in “Master Class,” “Ragtime,” “A Raisin in the Sun,” “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess,” and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.”
In addition to her stage work, McDonald has also appeared in several movies and TV shows. Some of her notable film credits include “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Object of My Affection,” and “Ricki and the Flash.” On TV, she has appeared in “Private Practice,” “The Good Wife,” and “The Sound of Music Live!”
Family and Husband
Parents
McDonald’s father, Stanley McDonald Jr., was a high school principal, and her mother, Anna Kathryn McDonald, was a university administrator. Her parents were both very supportive of her career and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
Husband
McDonald has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Peter Donovan, and they were married from 2000 to 2009. In 2012, she married actor Will Swenson, and they have two children together. However, in October 2021, McDonald and Swenson announced that they were separating after nine years of marriage.
Movies
Beauty and the Beast
In 2017, McDonald lent her voice to the character of Garderobe in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast.” The movie was a box office success and received positive reviews from critics.
The Object of My Affection
McDonald had a small role in the 1998 romantic comedy “The Object of My Affection.” The movie starred Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd and was a moderate success at the box office.
Conclusion
Audra McDonald is a true talent in the entertainment industry. Her incredible voice and acting abilities have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Despite her recent separation from her husband, McDonald continues to inspire audiences with her performances on stage and screen.
