Patti LuPone, American actress and singer

A Dazzling Career: The Enduring Legacy of Patti LuPone

Patti Ann LuPone, born on April 21, 1949, is an iconic American actress and singer widely celebrated for her formidable presence and extraordinary vocal prowess on the musical stage. With a career spanning over five decades, LuPone has etched her name into the annals of theater history, garnering a remarkable collection of accolades including two prestigious Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and two Grammy Awards. Her profound contributions to the performing arts were further recognized with her induction into the esteemed American Theater Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing her status as a living legend.

Early Beginnings and Broadway Breakthrough

LuPone's professional journey commenced in 1972 with The Acting Company, a renowned touring classical repertory company co-founded by John Houseman. This foundational experience honed her craft and prepared her for the bright lights of Broadway, where she made her debut in Anton Chekhov's *Three Sisters* in 1973. Her exceptional talent quickly caught the attention of critics and audiences, leading to her first of seven Tony Award nominations for her compelling performance in the 1975 musical, The Robber Bridegroom. However, it was her electrifying portrayal of the enigmatic and ambitious Eva Perón in the 1979 original Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's monumental musical, Evita, that launched her into superstardom. This tour-de-force performance earned her the coveted Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, becoming one of her most defining and celebrated roles.

A Star of the Stage: Iconic Roles and Acclaim

Award-Winning Performances

Patti LuPone’s career is punctuated by a series of critically acclaimed roles that have not only showcased her versatility but also earned her the theater world’s highest honors. Her transatlantic success included originating the role of the tragic Fantine in the original London cast of the global phenomenon Les Misérables, and her powerful turn as Moll in Marc Blitzstein's socio-political opera, The Cradle Will Rock. For her outstanding work in both productions, she was awarded the 1985 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical, affirming her status on both sides of the Atlantic.

Years later, she captivated Broadway audiences once more as the formidable stage mother Rose in the 2008 revival of Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim's classic musical, Gypsy, a role often considered one of the most challenging in musical theater. Her raw, electrifying performance earned her a second Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her ability to inhabit complex, larger-than-life characters continued to shine brightly when she secured a second Olivier Award in 2019 for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, for her incisive and memorable portrayal of Joanne in the critically acclaimed West End revival of Stephen Sondheim's Company. Beyond live performance, LuPone's voice has been immortalized through recordings, notably earning her two Grammy Awards for the 2007 Los Angeles Opera production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, demonstrating her command across various musical genres.

Other Memorable Stage Engagements

Throughout her career, LuPone has consistently sought out challenging and impactful roles, frequently earning nominations for her captivating performances. These include her Tony-nominated role as the feisty Reno Sweeney in the 1987 Broadway revival of Cole Porter's effervescent musical Anything Goes, and her Olivier-nominated portrayal of the aging film star Norma Desmond in the 1993 original London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's darkly glamorous Sunset Boulevard. She continued to impress with her Tony-nominated performance as the cunning Mrs. Lovett in the new 2005 Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim's macabre masterpiece, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Further demonstrating her range, she received Tony nominations for her roles as Lucia in the 2010 original Broadway production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, and as the indomitable Helena Rubenstein in the 2017 original Broadway production of War Paint. Most recently, she delighted audiences once again by starring in the 2021 Broadway transfer of the successful West End revival of Company, alongside Katrina Lenk, reprising her Olivier-winning role.

Venturing Beyond the Stage: Film and Television

Television Appearances

While primarily a stage luminary, Patti LuPone has also carved out a significant presence in television, showcasing her dramatic and comedic talents to a broader audience. She starred in the critically acclaimed drama series Life Goes On from 1989 to 1993, captivating viewers with her poignant portrayal of Libby Thacher. Her television work earned her Emmy Award nominations for the enchanting TV movie The Song Spinner in 1995 and for a memorable guest role in the beloved sitcom Frasier in 1998, where her comedic timing shone. LuPone has also become a recognizable face in a trio of Ryan Murphy's popular series, appearing in the supernatural anthology American Horror Story: Coven (2013–2014), the groundbreaking drama Pose (2019), both on FX, and the glamorous period piece Hollywood (2020) on Netflix. Her versatility extended to the gothic horror series Penny Dreadful (2014–2016), where she initially guest-starred before returning in a lead role that further cemented her dramatic gravitas. Demonstrating her vocal range, she lent her distinctive voice to the character of Yellow Diamond in the animated series Steven Universe (2013–2019) and its sequel Steven Universe Future (2019–2020). Additionally, she made a delightful appearance as Rabbi Shari in The CW's critically acclaimed comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend in 2017.

Notable Film Roles

LuPone's filmography, though less extensive than her stage work, includes a collection of diverse and impactful roles alongside some of Hollywood's most respected directors and actors. Her early film appearances include Steven Spielberg's ambitious comedy 1941 (1979) and Peter Weir's intense thriller Witness (1985). She also featured in the poignant drama Driving Miss Daisy (1989), Spike Lee's gritty Summer of Sam (1999), David Mamet's sharp satirical comedy State and Main (2000), and the comedy-drama The Comedian (2016), proving her adaptability across various cinematic genres.

Frequently Asked Questions About Patti LuPone

What are Patti LuPone's most famous stage roles?

Patti LuPone is widely celebrated for her iconic performances as Eva Perón in Evita, Rose in Gypsy, Fantine in Les Misérables, and Joanne in Company. Her portrayal of these complex characters has earned her significant critical acclaim and numerous awards.

How many Tony Awards has Patti LuPone won?

Patti LuPone has won two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical. Her first was for her starring role in Evita in 1980, and her second was for her performance in the 2008 Broadway revival of Gypsy.

Has Patti LuPone won any other major awards?

Yes, in addition to her two Tony Awards, she has also won two Olivier Awards (for Les Misérables and The Cradle Will Rock, and for Company), and two Grammy Awards for the recording of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. She was also inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2006.

Does Patti LuPone also work in film and television?

Absolutely. While primarily known for her stage career, Patti LuPone has a notable filmography and extensive television work. Her television credits include starring roles in Life Goes On and appearances in popular series like American Horror Story: Coven, Pose, Hollywood, and Penny Dreadful. Her film roles span a variety of genres, including appearances in movies such as 1941, Witness, and Driving Miss Daisy.

What is the American Theater Hall of Fame?

The American Theater Hall of Fame is an organization that honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the American theater. Induction is a prestigious recognition of a performer's, writer's, or director's significant and lasting impact on the stage.