Andrea Martin, American-Canadian actress, singer, and screenwriter

Andrea Martin: A Multifaceted Canadian-American Entertainment Icon

Andrea Louise Martin, a celebrated Canadian-American talent, has captivated audiences across various entertainment mediums as an accomplished actress, distinctive singer, and hilarious comedian. Her remarkable career spans decades, marked by iconic performances in television, film, and notably, on the Broadway stage, where she holds a distinguished record.

Television Contributions: From Sketch Comedy to Sitcom Success

Martin is perhaps most widely recognized for her groundbreaking work on the sketch comedy series SCTV (Second City Television). This highly influential show, which aired from 1976 to 1984, showcased her immense versatility and comedic genius, allowing her to create a memorable gallery of characters, including the sharp-witted station manager Edith Prickley and the passionate Pirini Scleroso. Her contributions to the series were critically acclaimed, earning her two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program (1982 and 1983) alongside the SCTV ensemble. More recently, Martin charmed viewers as Carol Wendelson in the NBC sitcom Great News (2017-2018), a sharp, Tina Fey-produced comedy where she portrayed the overbearing yet endearing mother of a news producer, showcasing her enduring comedic timing.

A Versatile Filmography: From Horror to Rom-Coms and Animation

Andrea Martin's film career demonstrates her impressive range, encompassing a diverse array of genres. She appeared in the chilling 1974 slasher classic Black Christmas, a pioneering film in the horror genre. Later, she showcased her dramatic and comedic chops in the critically acclaimed political satire Wag the Dog (1997), starring alongside Robert De Niro and Dustin Hoffman. Her role as Phyllis Stein in the cult musical film Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001) further solidified her reputation for embracing unique projects. Martin is especially beloved for her portrayal of the boisterous Aunt Voula in the blockbuster romantic comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002), a film that became the highest-grossing independent film of all time. She reprised this iconic role in the equally popular sequel, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016), and continued her romantic comedy work in Little Italy (2018). Beyond live-action, Martin has lent her distinctive voice to a number of popular animated features, including the acclaimed Anastasia (1997) as the voice of the manipulative Baba Yaga, The Rugrats Movie (1998), and the Academy Award-nominated Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001).

Distinguished Career on the Broadway Stage

Andrea Martin's contributions to live theater are equally profound, establishing her as a revered figure on Broadway. She is a two-time Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, a testament to her commanding stage presence and vocal prowess. Her first win came in 1993 for her unforgettable performance as Alice Miller in My Favorite Year. Two decades later, she earned her second Tony in 2013 for her show-stopping portrayal of Berthe, the grandmother, in the critically acclaimed revival of Pippin, a role famously featuring a show-stopping trapeze act that showcased her physical comedy and fearlessness. Martin's extensive Broadway credits also include notable appearances in Stephen Sondheim's Candide (1997 revival), Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic Oklahoma! (2002 revival), the enduring musical Fiddler on the Roof (2004 revival), Mel Brooks's uproarious Young Frankenstein (2007), Eugène Ionesco's absurdist play Exit the King (2009), and the biographical drama Act One (2014).

Tony Award Recognition: A Record-Setting Performer

Andrea Martin holds a unique distinction in Tony Award history. She has received an unparalleled five nominations for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, more than any other actress in the award's history. These nominations include her two wins for My Favorite Year and Pippin, as well as nods for Candide, Oklahoma!, and Young Frankenstein. In 2016, she garnered her first nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her exceptional performance in the acclaimed revival of Michael Frayn's farce, Noises Off, further cementing her status as a theatrical powerhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions About Andrea Martin

What are Andrea Martin's most famous television roles?
Andrea Martin is widely celebrated for her work on the sketch comedy series SCTV, where she created iconic characters like Edith Prickley. More recently, she was praised for her role as Carol Wendelson in the NBC sitcom Great News.
How many Tony Awards has Andrea Martin won?
Andrea Martin has won two Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Musical: one in 1993 for My Favorite Year and another in 2013 for Pippin.
What is Andrea Martin's connection to the "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" films?
Andrea Martin played the memorable character of Aunt Voula in the highly successful romantic comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) and reprised her role in the sequel, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016).
Does Andrea Martin hold any Tony Award records?
Yes, Andrea Martin holds the record for the most nominations for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, with a total of five nominations in this category.