Brenda Braxton
Brenda Braxton | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 7, 1956[1] Bronx, New York City, U.S. |
| Education | High School of Performing Arts |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Spouse | Anthony Van Putten |
Brenda Braxton (born August 7, 1956) is an American actress, singer, choreographer and stage director. She is best known for her performances on Broadway musicals. She received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in Smokey Joe's Cafe (1995). Braxton also received a NAACP Theatre Award, a Jefferson Award and a Grammy Award.[2]
Life and career
[edit]Braxton was born and raised in Bronx, New York City and graduated from the High School of Performing Arts.[3][4] She made her Broadway debut appearing as a replacement in the 1976-77 musical Guys and Dolls and later performed in But Never Jam Today, Reggae, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, Dreamgirls, Cats, Legs Diamond, and Jelly's Last Jam.[1] She made her screen debut appearing opposite Cleavant Derricks in the 1979 PBS filmed musical production of When Hell Freezes Over, I'll Skate.[5] In 1981 she appeared in the television adaptation of Purlie.
In 1995, Braxton received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in the Broadway musical Smokey Joe's Cafe.[6] She was choreographer and director for 2001 and 2007 productions of Dreamgirls.[7] In 2003, Braxton went to play Velma Kelly in Chicago. With an eight-time stint in the role, Braxton holds the record for having played 'Velma Kelly' on Broadway more than any other actress in the show's history with over 1,200 performances.[8]
On television, Braxton guest-starred in The Cosby Show, Third Watch, Smash and Nurse Jackie. From 2019 to 2022, she had a recurring role as Madeline Gilford in the legal drama series, The Good Fight.[4]
Braxton married fitness trainer Anthony Van Putten, as of 2006 they own a men's grooming salon in Harlem.[9][10][11]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Brenda Braxton – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com.
- ^ "Brenda Braxton Biography | Broadway Buzz | Broadway.com". www.broadway.com.
- ^ "Brenda Braxton – Broadway Theatre Project".
- ^ a b "The TV Dudes Podcast: Brenda Braxton, "The Good Fight" - The TV Dudes Interview". thetvdudes.libsyn.com.
- ^ "When Hell Freezes Over, I'll Skate (1979 Stage Play Drama)" – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ "Brenda Braxton – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com.
- ^ Moniz, Jessie (April 7, 2007). "Broadway star to direct 'Dreamgirls'". www.royalgazette.com.
- ^ "Broadway: Chicago: Brenda Braxton once again assumes the role of 'Velma Kelly'". New York Theatre Guide. October 19, 2017.
- ^ Hudelson, -Josh. "BBraxton". NYMag.com.
- ^ "Brenda Braxton: Credits, Bio, News & More | Broadway World". www.broadwayworld.com.
- ^ McGee, Celia (August 6, 2006). "The Loneliness of the Long Theatrical Run" – via NYTimes.com.