Patti LuPone: Broadway Legend, Stage Icon, and Unapologetically Herself
Patti LuPone is a name that evokes strong emotions. She embodies powerhouse vocals and stage presence. For fifty years, she has dominated Broadway and beyond. A two-time Grammy winner, a two-time Tony Award winner, she is first American to get a London Olivier Award. She's a theatre award collector.
Patti LuPone is theatre. Inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2006. She debuted on Broadway in 1973 with Three Sisters. 1973 was before many were born. Her career actually started in 1972 with The Acting Company. She is a Broadway mainstay for half a century, with thirty productions to her name. That's more costume changes than most have hot dinners.
Beyond the Stage: Patti LuPone's Filmography - More Than Just Theatre Royalty
Patti LuPone is stage royalty, but her talents extend beyond the stage. She has appeared in many films too. Perhaps you’ve seen her in Fighting Back or Witness. Animation fans may know her voice from Steven Universe: The Movie. She also stars in Just Looking, The Victim, Summer of Sam, and in Driving Miss Daisy. Talk about versatility! She's done crime dramas like King of the Gypsies and comedies like 1941 and Wise Guys. Nancy Savoca's The 24 Hour Woman and Union Square feature her too. If you love family dramas, check out Family Prayers and City by the Sea. Really, if you're browsing at night, you might find her in a film cameo.
Patti LuPone's Defining Broadway and Stage Roles: A Tony-Winning Tour de Force
Now, let’s explore the roles that made Patti LuPone a legend. She has given performances that won awards and became part of theatre history. One iconic role is from Evita. In 1980, this role earned her first Tony Award. Performing “Evita” in 1979 on Broadway with Mandy Patinkin was monumental. It boosted both their careers and forged a lifelong bond. In 2008, she won another Tony for Gypsy. Rumor has it she earned $40,000 a week for that role. A justified amount for a queen!
The Tony wins continued. In 2022, she added another for Company. Three Tonys in total. That is an achievement not many get. She excels consistently. Now, let's talk about Sunset Boulevard. In 1993, she originated the Norma Desmond role in London. She crushed it at the age of 44. Recently, she praised a Broadway revival featuring Nicole Scherzinger. That shows her appreciation for fresh talent. Speaking of legendary roles, she played Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. She did a concert version in 2001 with George Hearn, marking her familiarity with that world. Who remembers her as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes? The 1987 Broadway revival showcased her onstage again.
There’s more! Patti debuted in the West End as Fantine in Les Misérables in 1985. She claimed to be the only one with "musical theatre pedigree" in that original cast. In 2024, she starred in The Roommate. Her role is Robyn. Marvel fans can expect her in the heavily awaited series Agatha All Along. Let's not forget that her Broadway debut was in Three Sisters. She's also taken part in productions like The Robber Bridegroom and Agatha All Along. Other notable roles include Kitty Duval in The Time of Your Life, Prince Edward in Edward II, Helena Rubinstein in War Paint, and Cathy in The Anarchist. Also, her beginning stage role was as Iphigenia in London in 1971. Her concert performances with Mandy Patinkin in An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin should be highlighted too. Patti hasn't just performed roles; she's lived them, breathed them, and owned each one.
Vocal Virtuosity: Patti LuPone's Impressive Range
Patti LuPone's singing voice is powerful. Her vocal range stretches from B♭2 to D6. Those are some wide notes. She can rumble stages or shatter figurative glass. She handles roles that require deep emotion and vocal control with ease. Her vocal talent is legendary, much like her acting skill and direct personality.
Small Screen Star: Patti LuPone's Television Ventures
Patti LuPone's realm includes television too. Her notable role was in the series Life Goes On, airing from 1989 to 1993. She played a mother of a child with Down syndrome. The role was deep and nuanced, displaying her vast talent. She adeptly shifts between stage, screen, and TV, leaving a mark everywhere she goes.
Mandy and Patti: A Friendship for the Ages
Let’s return to Mandy Patinkin. Their professional relationship began with Evita. They have developed a unique friendship since then. Following their Broadway opening in 1979, they became lifelong friends. Their history together fosters mutual respect and undeniable chemistry. This connection endures amidst showbiz ups and downs. It's an inspiring friendship behind the scenes.
What's Patti Up To Now? Still Conquering Worlds.
Patti LuPone is busy today. She stars in the Broadway play The Roommate. She still loves the stage and maintains her stamina. Additionally, she will be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Disney+ series Agatha All Along. Who could have predicted Patti LuPone's presence in the MCU? She's also a concert performer. Shows like A Life in Notes and Don't Monkey With Broadway showcase her talents. Why limit herself? Patti conquers multiple mediums with skill. Her strong work ethic matches her powerful performances.
Equity Exit: Patti LuPone's Resignation and Return to Broadway – A Plot Twist
Patti LuPone made headlines after resigning from Actors' Equity Association in 2022. Her reasons reflect true Patti style.
Patti LuPone was blunt. She criticized the union’s support for actors. AEA "doesn't support actors at all." She refused to "give them any more money." It stings. But guess what? She resigned from Equity and is back on Broadway. How? Thanks to the Supreme Court's 1963 “financial core” ruling. This ruling lets her work on Broadway without full Equity membership. Patti LuPone knows how to navigate the system, while staying true to her beliefs. Bold and unconventional is her style.
Home Sweet Connecticut: Patti LuPone's Residence
Patti LuPone lives in Kent, Connecticut. Yes, Broadway royalty in a "sprawling home in the bucolic town of Kent, CT." It’s a quiet escape from the bright lights of Broadway. Imagine her trading stage makeup for gardening gloves sometimes. Knowing Patti, even gardening has its dramatic flair.
Awards and Accolades: A Trophy Shelf Overflowing with Tony Gold
Now, let’s talk awards. Patti LuPone has earned eight Tony Award nominations in her Broadway career. Eight! It’s like getting eight Oscar nominations. She didn't stop at nominations; she won three. Her wins were for Evita (1980), Gypsy (2008), and Company (2022). Each award reflects dedication, skill, and hard work. Her trophy shelf must need a spotlight.
Early Days: From Tap Shoes to Juilliard Dreams
Patti LuPone's path to stardom started young. Very young. She tapped her way onto the stage at just four years old. Some of us were still learning to walk. Patti was already performing. Clearly, destiny called early. Later, she joined Juilliard's drama division. Juilliard is the legendary conservatory for serious talent. Her training there shaped the powerhouse performer she is now.
Show Me the Money: Patti LuPone's Salary – Earning Her Worth
Let’s discuss money. Her salary for Gypsy was $40,000 per week. Although salaries stay private, Patti LuPone earns what her status commands. Talented performers deserve their weight in gold or Tony Awards. Her financial success reflects her talent, box office draw, and lasting audience appeal.
Voice Acting Adventures: Yellow Diamond and Beyond
Patti LuPone extends her talents into voice acting too. Fans know her as Yellow Diamond from Steven Universe. This role highlights her skills in infusing drama and depth into animated characters. Yellow Diamond showcases her abilities beyond singing. It adds another layer to her impressive career.
Sunset Boulevard Kudos: Patti's Take on the Revival – Scherzinger's Triumph
Now, let’s discuss Sunset Boulevard and Patti's thoughts on the revival. She gave it a "glowing review." She praised Nicole Scherzinger, saying she "Broke My Heart" with an "Unbelievable" performance. High praise from the original Norma Desmond! This shows Patti’s generosity and appreciation for talent, even when a new star takes on an iconic role. Legends can be fans too, fostering a legacy that inspires new performers.
Patti LuPone stands as an institution. From tap dancing as a child to Broadway giant, her journey embodies talent and hard work. Her unwavering commitment to her craft shines through. Thankfully for us, the show goes on.
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