Lillias White Headshot

Lillias White

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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Lillias White BIO

Lillias White is a Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for her performance in The Life. She has appeared on Broadway in Barnum, Dreamgirls, Cats, Carrie, Once on this Island, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Fela! (Tony Award nomination) and most recently in Chicago in the Fall of 2021 as Matron “Mama” Morton having first appeared in the Broadway production in 2006. Other Off-Broadway and Regional credits include the musical Black No More in Winter 2022, the Public Theater’s Romance in Hard Times for which she won the Obie Award, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (directed by Phylicia Rashad) for which she won the NAACP Award, and the Carnegie Hall Concert version of South Pacific which was also broadcast on PBS’ “Great Performances.” She received the Daytime Emmy Award for her role as Lillian Edwards in “Sesame Street” and is beloved by audiences for voicing the lead muse Calliope in Disney’s animated feature Hercules. Her most recent television appearances include the Baz Luhrmann-directed Netflix series “The Get Down,” as well as “Russian Doll” and “Search Party.” She has appeared in cabarets and concert halls around the world. Her first solo studio album Get Yourself Some Happy! is available now at lilliaswhite.com and on all streaming platforms.

Lillias White Photos

Lillias White STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
World Premiere Production, 2022

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Hermes [Replacement]

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
East Coast Premiere at Paper Mill Playhouse, 2018
Bea

[Chicago]
Chicago Pre-Broadway Production, 2015
Bea

[Off-Broadway]
Primary Stages Production, 0
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2009
Funmilayo

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 2005
Bloody Mary

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2005
Missy

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2004
Other Roles

Performer

[Los Angeles]
World Premiere, 2003
Featured Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Velma

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Fanny Brice

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 2002
Special Guest

[Broadway]
New York Concert, 2001
Effie Melody White

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Dinah Washington [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1997
Sonja

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Matron “Mama” Morton [Replacement]

Matron "Mama" Morton [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1995
Miss Jones

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1990
Asaka [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Showcase, 1990
Sonja

Sonja

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1989
Hennie

Performer

Hennie

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Miss Gardner (Standby)

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1987
Effie Melody White

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1986
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1982
Grizabella [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Effie Melody White (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1980
Joice Heth [Replacement]

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1988
Performer


Lillias White Movies

Me and Him
[ 1988 ] Dancing Secretary
Bleeding Hearts
[ 1994 ] Neighbor Woman
North
[ 1994 ] Operator
Hercules
[ 1997 ] Calliope
Anastasia
[ 1997 ] Ensemble and Character Vocals
Gloria
[ 1999 ] Transit Cop #1
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
[ 2000 ] Shopper
Interview with the Assassin
[ 2002 ] Nurse
Pieces of April
[ 2003 ] Evette
Game 6
[ 2005 ] Toyota Moseby
Then She Found Me
[ 2007 ] Sheila
Nasty Baby
[ 2015 ] Cecilia
The Chaperone
[ 2018 ] Singer
Melinda
[ 2018 ] Madam Magda
The Drummer
[ 2020 ] Roberta

Lillias White TV Shows

Big Bird's Birthday or Let Me Eat Cake
Lillian
Sesame Street
[ 1990-1994 ] Lillian, Singer, Rhonda
NYPD Blue
Lila Edmonds
Law & Order
[ 1990-1996 ] Susan Monroe, Ms. Purvis, Streetwalker
Hercules
Calliope
Pryor Offenses
Grandma Irene
The Jury
Teresa Scott
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Xavier
Gotham
Choir Member
Person of Interest
Hon. R. Reginald
The Get Down
[ 2016-2017 ] Fat Annie
Search Party
Wilma
Russian Doll
[ 2019-2022 ] Dr. Zaveri

Lillias White Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2015 - Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical

Lillias WhiteTexas in Paris

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Lillias White, Fela!


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Lillias White, The Life


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Featured Actress - Musical

Lillias White The Life


winner
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Lillias White, The Life


winner
Obie Awards - 1990 - Performance

Lillias White, Romance in Hard Times

Lillias White Videos

Lillias White News


Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Charlotte d'Amboise & More to Star in REUNION OF BARTERSVILLE Reading

LaChanze Productions has unveiled the cast for an industry reading on June 13 at Pershing Square Signature Center of Reunion in Bartersville. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Alicia Keys, Linda Twine, and Maxine Williams Will Be Honored at the 2024 Black Theatre United Gala

Black Theatre United will host its second annual Gala on Monday, September 30, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York. Learn more about how to attend here!
Review: Seth Rudetsky presents Tony Winner Lillias White at OC's Segerstrom Center

To close out their 2023-2024 Series, Segerstrom Center welcomed theater aficionado Seth Rudetsky to serve as an interviewer/pianist for Tony Award winner Lillias White for three shows May 16-18, 2024 in one of the most incredibly wonderful, fan-favoring shows that the OC arts campus has ever hosted at the intimate Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa, CA.
Lillias White to Perform at TDF's Wendy Wasserstein Project Year End Ceremony

TDF will host its annual Wendy Wasserstein Project ceremony at The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College. Learn more and see how to attend.
GOTTA SING Comes to the Green Room 42 in June

The Green Room 42 will present “Gotta Sing with Kenneth Gartman” on Monday, June 17th at 9:30 pm.  Host and Music Director Kenneth Gartman shines a light on some of NYC's best musical theatre talent each month in a new cabaret series - Gotta Sing.
Beverly Baker Makes NYC Debut In One-Woman Show, HAG

After over a decade of stage and theater performances across the U.S., Beverly Baker will make her New York stage debut with her new one-woman show, HAG.
How Often Do Shows Tour Before Coming to Broadway?

This time, the reader question was: How often do shows like The Wiz start on tour before coming to Broadway?
West End CABARET Star Mason Alexander Park to Celebrate Pride at The Green Room 42 in June

THE GREEN ROOM 42 – the intimate concert venue dubbed Broadway's “off-night hotspot” by The New York Times – will present the return of Mason Alexander Park, direct from playing the Emcee in the West End production of Cabaret, on Friday, June 14 at 9:30 PM.
SONDHEIM UNPLUGGED & More Set for 54 Below Next Week

Discover the exciting lineup of performances at 54 Below next week, featuring a variety of talented artists and captivating shows. Don't miss out on the vibrant entertainment scene at this iconic venue.
BROADWAY SINGS: HEROES FORGED IN THE FLAME to be Presented at The Green Room 42

Join Broadway's brightest stars at The Green Room 42 on June 8th, 2024, for a night of musical theater excellence in BROADWAY SINGS: HEROES FORGED IN THE FLAME. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Rubicon Theatre Company to Present VENTURA LIVE Series Featuring Concerts, Readings & More

Rubicon Theatre Company, celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season this year, launched its new summer concert series VENTURA LIVE!. Learn more about the lineup and see how to purchase tickets.
Niki Haris and Donna De Lory to Return to The Green Room 42 in June

Niki Haris and Donna De Lory will return to The Green Room 42 for an encore performance, following two sold-out shows. Don't miss this special event featuring the talented duo. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Listen: SINGULAR SENSATION Releases Miniseries on the Making of RENT

Broadway Podcast Network has released the second miniseries of the new podcast, “Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway,” hosted by journalist and Broadway columnist Michael Riedel. Listen now.
Photos: Rubicon Theatre Company Launches VENTURA LIVE Concert Series With Sold Out Premiere of 'Make Your Own Kind Of Music'

Opening weekend of Rubicon Theatre Company's VENTURA LIVE! concert series featured a sold out performance and premier of Make Your Own Kind of Music, an evening celebrating the 60s and 70s’ most iconic women in music, starring Heather Youmans and special musical guests. Check out photos here!
Special Guest Star Will Join Tony Bennett Tribute at the Green Room 42

The Green Room 42 will present Nelson Aspen & Allyson Briggs in 'Tony Bennett: A Tribute,' Sundays July 21 & August 4 at 1pm and Wednesdays July 24 & August 7 at 7pm.  The engagement marks the one year anniversary of Tony Bennett's passing and the 97th anniversary of his birth. 
AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns to The Green Room 42 on May 20th

 AT THIS PERFORMANCE… will return to The Green Room 42 featuring standbys, understudies and alternates from  The Wiz, The Notebook, Back To The Future, & Juliet, The Great Gatsby, and Lempicka.
Andrew Bova to Present TAKING NOTES: LESSONS IN AND OUT OF CLASS at The Green Room 42

Join THE GREEN ROOM 42 as they present TikTok and Instagram sensation ANDREW BOVA in his show TAKING NOTES: LESSONS IN AND OUT OF CLASS. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The Green Room 42 to Present Steffanie Leigh's MATRESCENCE: BECOMING A MOTHER

Join Broadway star Steffanie Leigh at The Green Room 42 as she shares her humorous and heartfelt journey into motherhood in MATRESCENCE: BECOMING A MOTHER. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Rubicon Theatre Company Kicks Off First Week of "Ventura Live!" Series

Rubicon Theatre Company has announced the launch of its new special event series, “VENTURA LIVE! Music, Laughter and Magic,” featuring one-night and short-run concerts, jam sessions, new play readings, magic nights, comedy, and much more.
Selda Sahin and Derek Gregor to Present WINE AND SING at The Green Room 42

THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present celebrated songwriters Selda Sahin and Derek Gregor in their special evening “Wine and Sing”. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Lillias White FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Lillias White been in?

Lillias White has appeared on Broadway in 16 shows.

How many West End shows has Lillias White been in?

Lillias White has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Lillias White been nominated for?

Lillias White has been nominated for several awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical at The Lortels for "Texas in Paris," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Fela!," Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Life," Best Featured Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Life," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Life," and Performance at the Obie Awards for "Romance in Hard Times."

What awards has Lillias White won?

Lillias White has won several awards for her performances, including Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Life," Best Featured Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Life," Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Life," and a Performance award at the Obie Awards for "Romance in Hard Times."

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