Biography
Patti LuPone, born April 21, 1949 in Northport, Long Island, New York, is a celebrated American actress and singer renowned for her commanding presence and powerful voice in musical theater. She began dancing at age four and later attended the newly formed Drama Division at Juilliard, where she studied under the guidance of John Houseman and Michel Saint-Denis. After graduating, she became a founding member of Houseman’s The Acting Company, launching her professional stage career in 1972.
LuPone’s breakthrough came with her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Eva Perón in 'Evita' (1979), establishing her as a leading Broadway star. She continued to earn acclaim for roles such as Fantine in the original London production of 'Les Misérables,' Reno Sweeney in 'Anything Goes,' Mrs. Lovett in 'Sweeney Todd,' and Rose in the 2008 revival of 'Gypsy.' Her versatility spans theater, film, and television, with notable appearances in 'Sunset Boulevard,' 'Company,' and TV series like 'Penny Dreadful' and 'Pose.' LuPone’s musical style is marked by dramatic intensity, emotional depth, and a signature vocal power, often portraying bold, resilient women.
Over her career, LuPone has received three Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and two Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2006. Her legacy is defined by her transformative performances, her influence on musical theater, and her mentorship of younger artists, securing her place as one of Broadway’s most enduring and influential figures.
Fun Facts
- LuPone was in the very first class (Group 1) of Juilliard’s Drama Division, alongside actors like Kevin Kline.
- She is a cousin of film director David Chase, creator of 'The Sopranos.'
- LuPone is known for her outspoken advocacy for theater etiquette, famously stopping performances to call out disruptive audience members.
- She authored a bestselling memoir, 'Patti LuPone: A Memoir,' detailing her career and backstage experiences.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- John Houseman - Juilliard drama division founder, director, and leader of The Acting Company; shaped her early training and professional discipline. (The Acting Company productions) [early 1970s]
- Michel Saint-Denis - Co-founder of Juilliard's drama division; contributed to her classical acting foundation. (Juilliard training) [late 1960s–early 1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Stephen Sondheim - Composer and lyricist; LuPone starred in multiple Sondheim musicals, becoming a definitive interpreter of his work. (Sweeney Todd, Company, Passion, A Little Night Music) [1980s–2020s]
- Andrew Lloyd Webber - Composer of major musicals in which LuPone starred. (Evita, Sunset Boulevard) [1979, 1993]
- Mandy Patinkin - Frequent stage partner and co-star, notably in 'Evita' and concert performances. (Evita, concert tours) [1979–present]
Artists Influenced
- Audra McDonald - Cited LuPone as an inspiration for her own career in musical theater. (Broadway performances) [1990s–present]
- Ben Platt - Inspired by LuPone’s vocal and dramatic approach to musical theater. (Dear Evan Hansen, concert performances) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| A Life in Notes | 2024-07-19 | Album |
| Don't Monkey with Broadway | 2017-09-29 | Album |
| Patti LuPone at Les Mouches (Live) | 2008-11-28 | Album |
| Patti LuPone Live | 1993-06-08 | Album |
| Gypsy | 2008-08-26 | Album |
Top Tracks
- The Ballad of the Witches' Road (Sacred Chant Version)
- Let Us Adore You (feat. Christine Ebersole, Lisa Hannigan, Patti LuPone & Sarah Stiles) - Reprise (Steven Universe The Movie (Original Soundtrack))
- The Ballad of the Witches' Road (Cover Version)
- What's the Use of Feeling (Blue)? [feat. Patti LuPone & Deedee Magno Hall] (Steven Universe, Vol. 1 (Original Soundtrack))
- Let Us Adore You (feat. Christine Ebersole, Lisa Hannigan, Patti LuPone & Zach Callison) (Steven Universe The Movie (Original Soundtrack))
- The Ballad of the Witches' Road (Agatha Through Time Version)
- I Dreamed A Dream (Les Misérables (Original 1985 London Cast Recording))
- The Tale of Steven (feat. Christine Ebersole, Lisa Hannigan & Patti LuPone) (Steven Universe The Movie (Original Soundtrack))
- Anything Goes (Anything Goes (New Broadway Cast Recording (1987)))
- Men R Trash (Extended Version) - Bonus Track (Why Am I So Single? (Original London Cast Recording))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
PATTI LUPONE has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2025 | 22:05 | EARLY AUTUMN | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |