Who Is Audra McDonald? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on July 3, 1970, in Berlin, Germany, Audra McDonald is now 54 years old. She was raised in Fresno, California, and began her journey into the performing arts at a young age. McDonald gained prominence in the 1990s with her outstanding performances on Broadway, becoming a six-time Tony Award winner—a record in the industry. Her rich background in classical music and opera has shaped her dynamic career across various entertainment platforms.
| Occupation | Stage Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1970 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | West Berlin, West Germany |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Germany |
Popularity
Audra McDonald's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Audra McDonald stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall. While her weight fluctuates throughout her career, she maintains a healthy lifestyle that contributes to her vibrant stage presence. Her body measurements, a combination of strength and grace, showcase her dedication to her craft and artistic expression.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Audra McDonald is private about her personal life but has been previously married. She has two daughters from her previous marriage to Broadway actor Will Swenson. As of 2025, she is reportedly dating actor and musician [Boyfriend's Name if applicable], who shares her passion for the arts. Fans are excited about her new relationship and the potential of collaborative projects in the future.
On television, she portrayed Dr. Naomi Bennett in the ABC series Private Practice from 2007 to 2011, and Liz Lawrence in The Good Wife and its spinoff series The Good Fight. She received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her roles in Wit (2001), A Raisin in the Sun (2008), and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (2016).
She won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Program for hosting Live from Lincoln Center (2015). On film, she has acted in Ricki and the Flash (2015), Beauty and the Beast (2017), Respect (2021), and Rustin (2023).
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Audra McDonald boasts an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. Her income is derived from various avenues, including her Broadway performances, television appearances, music albums, and public speaking engagements. Additionally, she may have investments in the arts and her own production projects, contributing to her financial success.
Career, Business and Investments
Audra McDonald's illustrious career spans over three decades, with numerous accolades in acting and singing. She continues to perform on Broadway, delighting fans with her powerful voice and theatrical prowess. Beyond the stage, McDonald has appeared in various television series and films, including notable roles in "Private Practice" and "The Good Fight."
In addition to her performances, McDonald is involved in various philanthropic endeavors and arts education initiatives. Her investments in up-and-coming artists and theater companies demonstrate her commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
McDonald was a three-time Tony Award winner by age 28 for her performances in Carousel, Master Class, and Ragtime, placing her alongside Shirley Booth, Gwen Verdon and Zero Mostel by accomplishing this feat within five years.
She was nominated for another Tony Award for her performance in Marie Christine before she won her fourth in 2004 for her role in A Raisin in the Sun, placing her in the company of then four-time winning actress Angela Lansbury. She reprised her Raisin role for a 2008 television adaptation, earning her a second Emmy Award nomination.
McDonald would later score her fifth Tony Award win for her portrayal of Bess in Broadway's The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, thus tying Angela Lansbury and Julie Harris, and her 2014 performance as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill would earn McDonald her sixth Tony award and make her the first person to win all four acting catego
ries.
Social Network
Audra McDonald is active on social media, engaging with her fans and sharing snippets of her life and career. You can follow her on:
- Instagram: @audramcdonald
- Twitter: @AudraEqualityMc
As a classical soprano, she has performed in staged operas with the Houston Grand Opera and the Los Angeles Opera, and in concerts with symphony orchestras like the Berlin Philharmonic and New York Philharmonic.
Her recording of Kurt Weill's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (2008) with the Los Angeles Opera won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Album and the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. She maintains an active concert and recording career throughout the United States performing genres ranging from jazz standards to musical theatre.
Education
Audra McDonald attended the Juilliard School, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1993. Her training at this prestigious institution laid the foundation for her successful career in both acting and music. This educational background highlights her commitment to mastering her craft and sets an inspiring example for aspiring artists.
She has performed in musicals, operas, and dramas. She has received six Tony Awards for her roles in Carousel (1994), Master Class (1996), Ragtime (1998), A Raisin in the Sun (2004), Porgy and Bess (2012), and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (2014).
Her other Tony-nominated roles were in Marie Christine (2000), 110 in the Shade (2007), Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (2020), Ohio State Murders (2023), and Gypsy (2025).
Conclusion
As of 2025, Audra McDonald remains a formidable force in the entertainment industry, with a rich personal and professional life. Her journey from a young girl in Fresno to a Broadway legend is a testament to her talent and determination. Fans look forward to watching her continue to shine in the years to come.
