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Anita Gillette

Birth Place: Baltimore, MD, USA

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Anita Gillette BIO

Anita Gillette is an American actress, singer, and dancer who has had a long and successful career in Broadway, television, and film. Born on August 16, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, Gillette grew up in a family of performers and began her own career in show business at a young age.
Gillette's Broadway debut came in 1959, when she appeared in the musical "Gypsy" as a member of the chorus. She went on to appear in several other Broadway productions throughout the 1960s, including "All American," "Carnival!," and "Jimmy."
In 1972, Gillette received critical acclaim for her performance in the Broadway production of "Cabaret," in which she played the role of Sally Bowles. Her performance earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
Gillette continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in productions such as "They're Playing Our Song," "Brighton Beach Memoirs," and "Chapter Two." In 1994, she received another Tony Award nomination for her performance in the musical "Mr. Wonderful."
In addition to her work on Broadway, Gillette has also had a successful career on television. She has appeared in numerous television shows throughout the years, including "Quincy M.E.," "The Love Boat," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."
Gillette is perhaps best known to television audiences for her recurring role on the hit show "The Cosby Show," in which she played the character of Cliff Huxtable's mother-in-law. She also appeared in the spin-off series "A Different World."
In film, Gillette has appeared in several movies throughout her career, including "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice," "Moonstruck," and "She's the One." She has also lent her voice to several animated films, including "The Emperor's New Groove" and "The Aristocats."
Gillette's talents extend beyond acting, as she is also an accomplished singer and dancer. She has performed in numerous cabaret shows and concerts throughout the years, showcasing her impressive vocal range and dancing skills.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Gillette is also a philanthropist and has been involved with several charitable organizations throughout her career. She has worked with organizations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Alzheimer's Association.
Gillette has been recognized for her contributions to the arts and entertainment industry with several awards and honors. In 2006, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, and in 2014, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs.
At the age of 85, Gillette continues to work in the entertainment industry and inspire audiences with her talent and dedication. Her impressive career and contributions to the arts have cemented her as a beloved and respected figure in the world of entertainment.

Anita Gillette Photos

Anita Gillette STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Second Stage Theatre Production, 2017
Bee4

Bee3

Bee2

[Boston]
Huntington Theatre Company, 2015
Irene Reilly

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

Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2008
Angelina

Clara

Chi Chi

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Angelina / Clara / Chi Chi

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2006
Eunice Miller

[New York]
Concert Reading, 2005
Catherine "Grandma Bingo" Baladucci

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Bridget Conway

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2001
Serena Applegate

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Rita

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Juno Boyle

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Bianca Broude

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Off-Off-Broadway Revival, 1986
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Blanche [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1979
Sonia Walsk [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1977
Jennie Malone

[Off-Broadway]
1976
Female Parts

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1969
Betty Compton

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Sally Bowles [Replacement]

Sally Bowles (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1966
Susan Hollander

[Broadway]
City Center Revival, 1965
Sarah Brown

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Angela Crane

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Performer

Leslie Henderson

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Susan

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1961
Lili [Replacement]

Gypsy

Lili (Standby)

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1959
Linda

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1959
Thelma [Replacement]

June (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1992
Performer

[Los Angeles]
World Premiere, 1965
Performer


Anita Gillette Awards and Nominations

The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actress

Anita GilletteThe Big Meal

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Anita Gillette , Chapter Two


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1960 - Performance

Anita GilletteRussell Patterson’s Sketchbook

Anita Gillette Videos

Anita Gillette News


Interview: Backstage Babble's Charles Kirsch Is Celebrating Flops at 54 Below


Charles Kirsch's podcast, Backstage Babble, gives a behind the scenes look at Broadway shows and the theater industry. On Monday April 29th at 7 pm, Kirsch will be hosting a special event at 54 Below paying tribute to 14 shows on the iconic “flop wall” at Joe Allen Restaurant with shows including Merrily We Roll Along, Nick and Nora, and Kelly.

Brenda Braxton, Amanda Green & More to Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES JOE ALLEN RESTAURANT


54 BELOW will present a special edition of Backstage Babble Live celebrating the iconic wall of Broadway flop posters at Joe Allen Restaurant. Learn how to purchase tickets.

BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup �" April 1 to April 7, 2024


Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week.

Marilyn Maye, Abby Mueller And More Take the Stage Next Month At 54 Below


Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Dancers Over 40 Brings a Roast of Lee Roy Reams to 54 Below


Dancers Over 40 will celebrate its 30th anniversary as an organization with its first ever – and 54 Below’s first ever roast. The event will focus on Mr. Broadway himself, DO40 member and former board member Lee Roy Reams! 

Book Review: MARY & ETHEL ...and MIKEY WHO? Is a Fun-filled Time-traveling Show Biz Adventure


Mary & Ethel...and Mikey Who? is a good read (or listen). Come travel through time in a new work of historical fiction and fun, full of Broadway and spice and sweetness.

The Museum Of Broadway Announces Three New Black History Month Events


The Museum of Broadway's has announced three new Black History Month events, including a panel on the history of minstrelsy with Ben West, offering insights into Broadway's past and its impact on American musical development.

Tony Winners Len Cariou, Judy Kaye & Penny Fuller to Join COMEDY TONIGHT! A ROAST OF LEE ROY REAMS


To celebrate their thirtieth anniversary Dancers Over 40 will commemorate this milestone with COMEDY TONIGHT: A ROAST OF LEE ROY REAMS on Monday, April 1st, 2024 at 7:00pm at 54 Below.

DORIS DEAR'S 10 YEAR CELEBRATION: MORE STARS THAN THERE ARE IN HEAVEN Is Coming To The Triad Theater This May


Join Doris Dear for a glamorous celebration of her 10-year career in entertainment at The Triad Theater on May 8th. Featuring a star-studded lineup including Sandy Duncan and Don Correia, this unforgettable evening promises nostalgia, showmanship, and pure entertainment.

Photos: Go Inside the Launch Party for Stephen Cole's New Novel MARY & ETHEL...AND MIKEY WHO?


On January 16, 2024, Moreclacke Publishers (Robert Armin, President) released the hardcover, Kindle and audio version (performed by the great Anita Gillette) of MARY & ETHEL...and Mikey Who? by Stephen Cole. Check out photos from the launch party here!

54 CELEBRATES MEL BROOKS, Alan H. Green, and More To Play 54 Below Next Week


Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. 

Encore Performance of JERRY ORBACH'S BROADWAY Set For This Month at 54 Below


On Thursday, January 25th at 7:00 PM, an encore performance of JERRY ORBACH'S BROADWAY will be presented at 54 Below, 254 West 54th Street, NYC 10019. Learn more about the show here!

Reviews: Catching Up on Shows Is a Whirlwind .... at Urban Stages & 54 Below


Dear Santa: Thanks for the gifts called music in NYC, letting us 'wrap' our ears around a touch of Oklahoma-bred sense and sensibility, lots of holiday cheer, and musical theatre projects that have a connection to a famous hotel ....all part of a week in the winter wonderland of Manhattan's live presentations.

Photos: The Gasp Collection


After four years at Broadway World Cabaret, quite a collection of photos has been amassed. These are the gasp-worthy pics.

JERRY ORBACH'S BROADWAY Will Receive a Special Encore Performance at 54 Below


On Thursday, January 25th at 7:00 PM, an encore performance of JERRY ORBACH'S BROADWAY will be presented at 54 Below.

Photos: The Broadway World Cabaret Studio Portraits


These are the Broadway World Cabaret studio portraits that stood out the most.

Cabaret Photographers: Bobby Patrick


Broadway World Cabaret gets photographic content from some of the best shutterbugs in the business. Here's a look at some of the captures they've shared with us.

Urban Stages to Present 15th Annual WINTER RHYTHMS Featuring 22 Shows and Over 100 Performers


Join Urban Stages for the 15th Annual WINTER RHYTHMS 2023, featuring 22 shows, over 11 days, and more than 100 performers. From cabaret to jazz and everything in between, this award-winning series is a must-see event for music and performance lovers. Don't miss out on this spectacular showcase!

Review: FOUR SHOWS Show the Variety Offered by the Venue That's 41 Years Old: Don't Tell Mama


Anita Gillette is hosted by Ricky Ritzel, Jason Henderson sparkles with Noel Coward songs, Therese Lee recalls encounters with Hollywood stars and her own dramas, and some kids and teens strut their stuff at Don't Tell Mama.

Winter Rhythms 2023 @ Urban Stages Will Present Two "Algonquin" Themed Events Hosted By Michael Colby


Winter Rhythms @ Urban Stages has announced two very special upcoming events as part of its “2023 Winter Rhythms” series, the award-winning music festival at Urban Stages Theater.

Anita Gillette FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Anita Gillette been in?

Anita Gillette has appeared on Broadway in 12 shows.

How many West End shows has Anita Gillette been in?

Anita Gillette has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Anita Gillette been nominated for?

Anita Gillette has been nominated for several awards throughout her career, including Outstanding Featured Actress at The Lortels for "The Big Meal," Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "Chapter Two," and a Performance accolade at the Theatre World Awards for "Russell Patterson’s Sketchbook."

What awards has Anita Gillette won?

Anita Gillette won a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for Russell Patterson’s Sketchbook.

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