It was not until the late 1970s and 1980's that Black performers, especially women, began to fill lead roles in Broadway shows designed to showcase their multiple talents as actresses, rather than just as "black actresses". Ziegfeld Florenz (Ziegfeld Florenz) is a legendary American entrepreneur, Broadway impresario, a talented director of a series of theatrical shows "Ziegfeld Follies" (1907-1931). #BrittneyJohnson #Broadway #WickedTheMusical #Wicked #Glinda #GlindaTheGood #BlackBroadway #BlackHistory #BlackGirlsRock #StrongBlackLead #StrongFemaleLead #NYC @wicked_musical, A post shared by Brittney Johnson (@sunnybrittney) on Sep 11, 2019 at 8:21pm PDT. Last nightPart One Still gliding. You are now signed up for BroadwayBox discount alerts. She refused to perform for segregated audiences in America and is. . This Broadway Theater Is the First Ever to Be Named After a Black Woman The Brooks Atkinson Theatre now honors Lena Horne, a New York-borne singer, dancer, actress, and civil right activist. ", A photo posted by Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton) on Mar 30, 2014 at 9:03am PDT. Following is a list of notable actors and actresses from Broadway musicals This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. The songstress plays Roxie Hart in "Chicago." Nina Mae McKinney "The Negro artists went to Europe because we were recognized and given a chance. 4 Lupita Nyong'o (Named One of Africa's "50 Most Powerful Women" by Forbes in 2020) 45 14 Birthdate: March 1, 1983 Sun Sign: Pisces Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico Sophie Okonedo 54 11. 1. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources . . She was the first African-American to play Cinderella on Broadway. A Broadway theater was officially named on Tuesday after Lena Horne, the iconic Brooklyn actress, singer and civil rights activist who died in 2010. ), where she earned a bachelor's in English/technical communication, with a minor in magazine journalism. We want to hear from you! Nicolette Robinson made history as the first woman of color to play Jenna in Waitress on Broadway. While not many things make me feel as strong as I do playing Tina, Adrienne, on the other hand doesnt always feel that strong. 1954: Harry Belafonte, John Murray Andersons Almanac, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 1962: Diahann Carroll, No Strings, Best Actress in a Musical. Viola Davis made her Broadway debut as Vera in the 1996 play, "Seven Guitars." Karen Blanche Black (ne Ziegler; July 1, 1939 - August 8, 2013) was an American actress, screenwriter, singer, and songwriter. Callum Francis (Lola in Kinky Boots) After starring in the London and Australian productions, Callum brings his award-winning Lola to Broadway, and the children are LIVING for this fierce debut. She also directed "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (2008) and choreographed "Carrie" (1988). HAPPY NEW YEAR What a blessing to ring in the New Year with this amazing cast, crew, and orchestra! Debbie Allen is a Broadway legend with titles under her belt like "Sweet Charity" (1986), "West Side Story" (1980), "Alice" (1978), "Aint Misbehavin" (1978) and more. James Monroe Iglehart is Genie in "Aladdin." Laverne Cox Laverne Cox jumped to stardom in 2013 when she played a transgender inmate in a women's prison on Netflix's Orange Is the New Black. Film and. Previously, he has starred in "Miss Saigon" (1999) and "Grease" (1994). 3 Kerry Washington - Scandal (2012) & American Son (2019) Kerry Washington is not only a much-beloved American TV actress but also a Black female lead legend. . Watch Broadway's History-Making Christine, Emilie Kouatchou, Shine in New 'Phantom of the Opera' Footage, 'Phantom' 's First Black Christine, Emilie Kouatchou, Almost Changed Careers During the Pandemic, Maya Hawke and Sadie Sink Surprise Gaten Matarazzo at His First Performance of 'Dear Evan Hansen', When 'Into the Woods' ' Lead Actor Was Out on Opening Night, It Was an Understudy's Time to Shine, Lea Michele Will Join Broadway's 'Funny Girl' as Fanny Brice After Beanie Feldstein's Early Exit, A Complete Timeline of the 'Funny Girl' Casting Saga, 'Funny Girl' Producers Set the Record Straight on Beanie Feldstein's Exit as Lea Michele Steps In, Jane Lynch Says Lea Michele Will Make 'Funny Girl' 'Her Own': 'So Glad She's Getting the Opportunity', Pamela Anderson Receives Roses for Her Broadway Debut as Roxie Hart in 'Chicago', Ramin Karimloo on Romancing Beanie Feldstein in Broadway's 'Funny Girl' : 'I've Been Blown Away', Pamela Anderson Receives Sweet Support from Her Sons at Her Broadway Debut in 'Chicago', Jesse Tyler Ferguson Takes Time to 'Brag' on Husband Justin Mikita as He Wins at 2022 Tony Awards, Meet the 21 Actors Making Their Broadway Debuts in Hugh Jackman's 'The Music Man', Pamela Anderson Visits Times Square 'Chicago' Billboard After Her Debut as Roxie Hart, 'ER' 's Anthony Edwards Joins Wife Mare Winningham in 'Girl from the North Country' as Last-Minute Understudy. recent study by Actors Equity Association, 5 Black Actors on Broadway You'll Want To Follow, Broadway Actors Share Their Harsh Realities As POC In The Theatre Industry, 5 Black Actresses on Broadway You'll Want To Follow, Celebrate These 30 Queer Playwrights of Color Through Their Work, 20+ Plays You Must Read By Black Playwrights, 10+ Causes To Donate To In Support of Black Lives Matter. In 2013, Deborah Cox starred as the feisty Lucy in "Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical." Her singing voice is regarded as one of the best in the industry. She made her debut in 1994 starring in the role of Carrie Pipperidge in "Carousel." Delroy Lindo 69 12. "I just remember getting so choked up I couldn't finish the song," she said. It includes news about Broadway shows and actors/actresses. During the 1960's, Black females were cast in shows, such as Hair 1968, in supporting roles. Jones was the first African American winner in any play category. NeNe Leakes played Cinderella's wicked stepmother "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" in 2014. / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5) Naomi is an English model, actress, and businesswoman - a jack of all trades. Last week, black star power unexpectedly filled the room at the 2013 Tony Awards. Known for her ability to become any character, Bassett paved the way for many Black actresses. Cox was nominated for three Emmy awards for her role and became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a . Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, Get our latest stories in the feed of your favorite networks. Actress Lena Horne has become the first black woman to have a Broadway theatre named in her honour. 1970: Cleavon Little, Purlie, Best Actor in a Musical, 1970: Melba Moore, Purlie, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1972: Linda Hopkins, Inner City, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1973: Ben Vereen, Pippin, Best Actor in a Musical, 1974: Virginia Capers, Raisin, Best Actress in a Musical, 1975: Ted Ross, The Wiz, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 1975: Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Wiz, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1977: Delores Hall, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1977: Trazana Beverley, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, Best Featured Actress in a Play, 1978: Nell Carter, Aint Misbehavin, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1981: Hinton Battle, Sophisticated Ladies, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 1982: Ben Harney, Dreamgirls, Best Actor in a Musical, 1982: Jennifer Holliday, Dreamgirls, Best Actress in a Musical, 1982: Cleavant Derricks, Dreamgirls, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 1982: Zakes Mokae, Master Haroldand the Boys, Best Featured Actor in a Play, 1984: Hinton Battle, The Tap Dance Kid, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 1985: Ron Richardson, Big River, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 1985: Leilani Jones, Grind, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1987: James Earl Jones, Fences, Best Actor in a Play, 1987: Mary Alice, Fences, Best Featured Actress in a Play, 1988: L. Scott Caldwell, Joe Turners Come and Gone, Best Featured Actress in a Play, 1989: Ruth Brown, Black and Blue, Best Actress in a Musical, 1991: Hinton Battle, Miss Saigon, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 1992: Gregory Hines, Jellys Last Jam, Best Actor in a Musical, 1992: Tonya Pinkins, Jellys Last Jam, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1992: Laurence Fishburne, Two Trains Running, Best Featured Actor in a Play, 1994: Audra McDonald, Carousel, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1994: Jeffrey Wright, Angels in America: Perestroika, Best Featured Actor in a Play, 1995: Gretha Boston, Show Boat, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1996: Ann Duquesnay, Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1996: Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Seven Guitars, Best Featured Actor in a Play, 1996: Audra McDonald, Master Class, Best Featured Actress in a Play, 1997: Chuck Cooper, The Life, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 1997: Lillias White, The Life, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 1997: Lynne Thigpen, An American Daughter, Best Featured Actress in a Play, 1998: Audra McDonald, Ragtime, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 2000: Brian Stokes Mitchell, Kiss Me, Kate, Best Actor in a Musical, 2000: Heather Headley, Aida, Best Actress in a Musical, 2001: Viola Davis, King Hedley II, Best Featured Actress in a Play, 2004: Phylicia Rashad, A Raisin in the Sun, Best Actress in a Play, 2004: Anika Noni Rose, Caroline, or Change, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 2004: Audra McDonald, A Raisin in the Sun, Best Featured Actress in a Play, 2005: Adriane Lenox, Doubt, Best Featured Actress in a Play, 2006: LaChanze, The Color Purple, Best Actress in a Musical, 2009: Roger Robinson, Joe Turners Come and Gone, Best Featured Actor in a Play, 2010: Denzel Washington, Fences, Best Actor in a Play, 2010: Viola Davis, Fences, Best Actress in a Play, 2011: Nikki M. James, The Book of Mormon, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 2012: Audra McDonald, Porgy and Bess, Best Actress in a Musical, 2013: Billy Porter, Kinky Boots, Best Actor in a Musical, 2013: Patina Miller Pippin, Best Actress in a Musical, 2013: Cicely Tyson, The Trip to Bountiful, Best Actress in a Play, 2013: Courtney B. Vance, Lucky Guy, Best Featured Actor in a Play, 2014: Audra McDonald, Lady Day at Emersons Bar & Grill, Best Actress in a Play, 2014: James Monroe Iglehart, Aladdin, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 2014: Sophie Okonedo, A Raisin in the Sun, Best Featured Actress in a Play, Photo by Bridgette Lacombe & Bruce Glikas, 2016: Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple, Best Actress in a Musical, 2016: Leslie Odom Jr, Hamilton, Best Actor in a Musical, 2016: Renee Elise Goldsberry, Hamilton, Best Featured Actress in a Musical, 2016: Daveed Diggs, Hamilton, Best Featured Actor in a Musical, 2019: Andr De Shields, Hadestown, Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Nell Benjamin brought the "bend and snap" to Broadway in the musical adaptation of the comedy Legally Blonde, which landed the unapologetically and unintentionally successful heroine Elle Woods center stage. The list of Audra McDonald's Broadway credits are endless. What was previously called the Brooks . Last week, she earned a Best Actress Tony for her portrayal of Leading Player in Pippin, a role originated by the legendary Ben Vereen. Horne, who passed away at 92 years old in 2010, is the. A woman of many talents, this TV (Private Practice) and film (Wit) chanteuse is also a stage veteran. Today, I found myself getting nervous about doing something Ive never done before and stumbled across this shot from the show. She's slated to return to the stage in "The Gin Game" starring as Fonsia Dorsey this October. Get exclusive, new Broadway and Off-Broadway discount offers and ticket alerts straight to your inbox. The legendary Cicely Tyson received a standing ovation while accepting her first Tony in decades, proving that age aint nothing but a number when it comes to true talent. Meanwhile, Brandy -- another of one our favorites -- will soon end her run as Roxie in"Chicago" on August 2. She continues to portray Felicia to this day, proving that if it aint broke, dont fix it.. 2. Other Broadway credits include: Shuffle Along, and Bring It On. Oklahoma! Actress Lena Horne has become the first black woman to have a Broadway theatre named in her honour. Kouatchou stepped into the role of Christine full time in Broadway's longest-running musical last month after first performing as an understudy. As the musicals lead actress, she sashays and sangs her way into everyones heart. The 19th - Nadra Nittle 10h. Courtney B. Vance (Lucky Guy) , Patina Miller (Pippin) and Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) dominated in the acting categories, further solidifying that the Broadway stage can be colorblind. Georgia has produced a number of Actresses who have made it big. Part of HuffPost Black Voices. Diahann also won a Golden Globe Award. Eamonn Walker 60 13. MORE: NYC entertainment industry workers worry about future amid show cancellations The Brooks Atkinson theater at 256 W. 47th Street now displays a glittering marquis with the name of Lena Horne, the late dancer, actress, singer and civil rights activist -- becoming the first Broadway theater to be named after a Black actress. Carroll was the first African American actor or actress to win in a leading role. Her last show is scheduled for August 2. Chiwetel Ejiofor 45 6. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Here Are 30 Of Those Black British Actors We Believe Are Super Talented 1. She had already made Broadway history in 2015 as a cast member in Les Misrables - as the first Black woman to play both Eponine and Fantine, and as the first woman to play both in the same day. 1968: Leslie Uggams, Hallelujah, Baby!, Best Actress in a Musical 1968: Lillian Hayman, Hallelujah, Baby!, Best Featured Actress in a Musical 1969: James Earl Jones, The Great White Hope, Best Actor in a Play More later!! Sandy Kenyon has the story. Anthony Jackson Anthony . On this website, you can also purchase tickets to Broadway shows. BIPOC actors are using social media to share their stories of racism in the theatre industry - and their visions for change. Since then, she has conquered roles in "Mule Bone" (1991), "Kiss of the Spider Woman" (1993), "The Trip to Bountiful" (2013), "After Midnight" (2013) and more. "They were the people that gave me hope that I could have a career in this.". Her most successful run was in 1996, which won her a . The theatre, on West 47th Street, was built in 1926 and is currently hosting the hit. The Broadway actress and advocate is joining the revival for its national tour. Since then, she's appeared in seven Broadway performances. Her Broadway credits include: Exit the King (DD, OCC nom), Young Frankenstein (Tony, DD nom),Oklahoma (Tony, DD, OCC nom),Candide, (Tony, DD nom), My Favorite Year (Tony, DD, TW Awards). In December, she told PEOPLE that she felt immense pressure in the days leading up to her debut: "There were a lot of nights just feeling like maybe I'm not good enough for this, or feeling like I have the weight of all these people who are looking up to me [on my shoulders], and I wanted to do the best that I could. Amplifying Black voices through news that matters. Other Broadway credits include: Waitress, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. A popular Broadway theater has been renamed after one of the most prolific entertainers in American history. Kouatchou made her debut on the Great White Way on Oct. 27, first performing as Christine three times a week at the Majestic Theatre. Her life and career were depicted in many stage shows, where she was portrayed by actresses like Leslie Uggams, Nikki Crawford, and Ryan Jillian. Kingsley Ben-Adir 36 10. A Broadway theater was renamed to honor Black actress and activist Lena Horne. However, this role may be helping me find my own WW poses. For George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, and the countless black lives lost before and after them. June 3, 1906 - April 12, 1975 Josephine Baker was the first black woman to star in a major motion picture, Zouzou, in 1934. Lackawanna Blues. In 2014, Black actors broke ground on Broadway when Norm Lewis became the first Black male to play the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, and Keke Palmer played Rodger and Hammerstein's first. Multiple Black artists were nominated in every single performance category, including three of five featured actors in a musical, four of six featured actresses in a play, two of seven leading . On January 10, 2019, Brittney Johnson made history as the first person of color to play Glinda in Wicked on Broadway. Sis, the performer and activist behind the recent Trans March on Broadway, will be joining a year-long national tour for the Tony Award-winning revival of Oklahoma! The height of Lexi Underwood is 5.1 Feet with a weight of 52 kg and Brown eyes and dark brown hairs. So let me hit a few of my poses, take a breath, and Lets Go! Pages in category "All-Black cast Broadway shows" The following 43 pages are in this category, out of 43 total. "I want a chance to show everybody everything." Follow their journeys as they continue to make history on Broadway. The legacy of success of black women in Broadway started with Ethel Waters in 1927. Black Broadway provides an entertaining, poignant history of a Broadway of which few are aware. She had already made Broadway history in 2015 as a cast member inLes Misrables - as the first Black woman to play both Eponine and Fantine, and as the first woman to play both in the same day. Until next time! Anna Kendrick Rated - Custom 7.9 1188 Rated 4. She added, "No matter what I do on stage, me in that costume and me wearing that wig and me singing those songs and just my face as a face of Phantom [is] so important.". Originally a soap opera actress, Miller made the leap to Broadway as Deloris Van Cartier in Sister Act. He also starred in "Fences" in 2010 and "Julius Ceasar" in 2005. Ariana Grande Rated - Custom 7.6 824 Rated 5. Stories that matter delivered to your inbox, premiered in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" on July 22, A photo posted by The Next Brandy (@4everbrandy), Denzel Washington stared as Walter Lee Younger, Vanessa Williams's first Broadway performance. I am blessed beyond measure to do what I love Lets do it again tonight. Juanita Hall was an American musical theatre and film actress. Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Music, silver screen and Broadway legend Lena Horne broke another barrier Tuesday with the naming of the Lena Horne Theatre. Toni Braxton made her Broadway debut as Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" in 1998. and collaborated with white Broadway producers on several musicals. Zarinah Reed Actress | Snowfall Zarinah Reed is known for Snowfall (2017) and Insecure (2016). Off-Broadway credits includeInvisible Thread(Second Stage) andBrooklynite (Vineyard). Her leading Broadway debut was in 2014 as Aida. LeGallienne's first American role in 1915 was as a black maid in a Harrison Fiske production of Mrs. Boltay's Daughters. Dominic Cooper Rated - When asked by Jones about how she views the importance of "someone to see themselves on a stage sometimes in a show," the actress and singer, who graduated from the University of Michigan in 2019, said, "I think it makes all the difference. Explore the New York shows that are currently playing in the greatest city in the world. These actors and actresses slayed the stage! I love you all!#BrittneyTheGood . People in the United States would not give us that chance." Nina Mae McKinney Known as "Hollywood's first black movie goddess," Nina Mae McKinney was a dazzling actress, singer, and dancer. This list may not reflect recent changes . Her performance as political strategist Olivia Pope in the Shonda Rhimes Scandal garnered her great critical acclaim. It has been updated to note that Allen is her sister. What was previously called the Brooks. Helena Bonham Carter (birthdate: 05/26/66) After starring in 2015's "Cinderella," this Oscar nominee reprised a different Disney role as the Red Queen in "Alice Through the Looking Glass." And then. She was the first African American actress to win a Tony Award and one of the first black actresses to be nominated for an Oscar Award. Jennifer Holliday. Naomi Campbell Naomi Campbell - By The original uploader was Jgro888 at English Wikipedia. 25. Learn about LGBTQ experiences through theatre and support queer playwrights of color. NEW YORK The Lena Horne Theatre was officially unveiled in New York City on Tuesday, becoming the first Broadway theater named after a Black woman. Ann Reinking played Roxie multiple times throughout her life, with the first time being in 1977 when she replaced Gwen Verdon. History was made in the Theater . Abbie Mitchell (1884-1960) emerged as a definitive operatic singer, musical theater star, and dramatic actress in the early 20th century. These include Julia Roberts, Joanne Woodward, Brittany Murphy, Marla Maples, Halle Bailey and others. In Europe they had your name up in lights. Thandiwe Newton 50 9. She returned to the stage in "After Midnight" in 2014. Photo Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images, We were introduced to this Vixen by way of Memphis. The Jordans have another son, George Foreman Jordan, who appeared in "Gavin Volure" and "The Bubble" (played by Jalani McNair), and had his first speaking role in the season 6 . Most-influential black artists in musical theater . Jen Juneau is a digital news writer for PEOPLE. NEW YORK The Lena Horne Theatre was officially unveiled in New York City on Tuesday, becoming the first Broadway theater named after a Black woman. Watch 'The Voice' artist Jay Allen break down as tribute song to his mom skyrockets on iTunes: 'These are happy tears' . ", "I grew up seeing people like Audra McDonald and Heather Headley onstage, being excellent," Kouatchou said. The theatre, on West 47th Street, was built in 1926 and is currently hosting the hit British . : Good ol portrait mode + self timer , A post shared by Aisha Jackson (@gifted2sing) on Jan 2, 2019 at 2:43pm PST. Photo Credit: Sarah Crulwich/The New York Times. Raven-Symon made her Broadway debut as Deloris Van Cartier in 2012's "Sister Act. . Denzel Washington stared as Walter Lee Younger in 2014's "A Raisin In The Sun." Idina Menzel Rated - Custom 7.1 215 Rated 2. By Wren Sanders. . Making her debut in "Hallelujah, Baby!," Leslie Uggams' legacy on Broadway extends from 1967 to 2005. #FirstShowOf2019 #PrincessAnna . Horne, called a "fearless agent for change" by New York's governor, was a Brooklyn . Tanisha Grant Righteous Kill TANISHA LAVERNE GRANT a 2018 distinguished BLACK WOMEN IN MEDIA honoree single-handedly gets the exclusive! Courtney B. Vance (Lucky Guy) , Patina Miller ( Pippin) and Billy Porter ( Kinky Boots) dominated in the acting categories, further solidifying that the Broadway stage can be colorblind. Though most of the emphasis in the early to mid-1970s was on the hero, talented African American actresses did become fan favorites: Diana Sands, Rosalind Cash, Vonetta McGee, Denise Nicholas,. Get familiar with 6 of our favorite Broadway actresses below. She's also taken the lead in "Aida" and performed alongside singer Babyface during "After Midnight" in 2014. Viola Davis made her Broadway debut as Vera in the 1996 play, "Seven Guitars." Her most recent role was Rose in "Fences," opposite of Denzel Washington in 2010. . Born in Swaziland to South African parents, Dumezweni arrived in England as a refugee at just 8 years old. Michael Obiora 36 14. 0 100/1 153.Regina Spektor 0 100/1 154 .. Thank you, @jennyandersonphoto for capturing what I would struggle to accurately put into words! Taye Diggs premiered in "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" on July 22 as Hedwig, making him the first African-American to star in this role. Published May 9, 2022 Updated June 12, 2022 The Tony Award nominations were announced Monday by the actors Adrienne Warren, who won a Tony Award for portraying Tina Turner in "Tina," and.. Billy Porter in his current role as Lola in "Kinky Boots," which will run through August 2. Great news: we have all of the last minute Broadway tickets and more available for you, all in one place. Naomie Harris 46 7. Sutton Lenore Foster (born March 18, 1975) is an American actress, singer and dancer. Other Broadway credits include: Motown, Sunset Boulevard, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Rege-Jean Page 32 8. Other Broadway credits include: Motown, Sunset Boulevard, Beautiful: The Carole . Alex Webster. If you have the means, please consider donating. Vibe is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Amy Ryan Rated - Custom 6.9 96 Rated 7. John Boyega 30 4. At age 13, she won a starring role in Will Marion Cook's Broadway musical, "In . When science-fiction writer Octavia Butler was growing up in the 1950s and '60s, school was a struggle. She realized the role would be hers when she sang "Think of Me" with the orchestra for the first time. Diahann Carroll In her 60+ years career, Diahann Carroll has crafted a resume that many could only dream of. Young Nees) made her Broadway debut in Lin-Manuel Miranda and Anthony Veneziale's high-energy improvisational show Freestyle Love Supreme. Shonda Rhimes, Year if Yes, stays talking about the power of hitting your Wonder Woman poses and keeping it moving. Emilie Kouatchou is making history as the first Black actress to portray Christine Daa in Broadway 's production of The Phantom of the Opera . It was later adapted as a television movie that aired in 2005. Horne was a ground-breaking performer who garnered numerous Tony and Grammy nominations. Originally known as the Mansfield Theatre, the theater on West 47th Street was constructed in 1926. Carroll was the first African American actor or actress to win in a leading role. With the statistics leaning against them, these 5 actresses defied all odds. andA Little More Alive(Barrington Stage). She has also portrayed some iconic women including Rosa Parks, Katherine Jackson, Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz. At times when I'm just so in my head about what I'm doing in the show, it's a great reminder that this is something," Kouatchou told PEOPLE. Secure your spot in the theatre and get cheap . 1. Jackie Brown actress Pam Grier also made this list, as did the striking Think Like a Man beauty, Meagan Good. 2. "I think my mindset was still that this role was not for me, which is just a sad reality. February 6th, 2015 This post is part of a weekly series celebrating #ThrowbackThursday with reflections of our favorite childhood memories, past pop culture moments and more! A Pasadena school is the nation's first named after Octavia Butler - and it's her alma mater. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Lackawanna Blues is an American play written by Ruben Santiago-Hudson that premiered in 2001. Buy their scripts. And it look a lot of unlearning just to be able to say, 'No, I can do this,' " Kouatchou recalled. Her most recent performance was the leading role in 2014's "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill.". 1950, Hall became the first Black actor to win a Tony Award, for her portrayal of Bloody Mary in the original Broadway production of . Lexi Underwood's net worth is around $800k US Dollars. Benjamin's nuanced takes on gender roles are both intelligent and hilarious. Although she may be best known for . I encourage everyone to grab a copy, listen, learn, and continue to educate others. See ya there!