Bernadette Peters

Throughout her illustrious career, Tony Award–winning actress Bernadette Peters has dazzled audiences and critics across stage, television, film, and concert performance. Widely regarded as one of Broadway’s defining performers, she has earned multiple Tony Awards, including wins for her performances in “Song and Dance” and the 1999 revival of “Annie Get Your Gun,” as well as numerous additional nominations for roles in “Gypsy,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Into the Woods,” “The Goodbye Girl,” “Mack and Mabel,” and “On the Town.” Her portrayal of Momma Rose in “Gypsy,” directed by Sam Mendes, remains one of her most acclaimed later-career performances.

A native of Ozone Park, Peters began performing at age three, appearing on television programs such as “Juvenile Jury,” “Name That Tune,” and “The Horn & Hardart Children’s Hour.” She made her Broadway debut in “Johnny No-Trump” (1967) and quickly rose to prominence with her award-winning performance in “George M!” alongside Joel Grey. Early success also included a Drama Desk Award for “Dames at Sea,” cementing her status as a leading figure in musical theatre.

Beyond the stage, Peters has maintained a prolific screen career. She won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in “Pennies from Heaven” opposite Steve Martin, with whom she also starred in “The Jerk.” Her film credits include “Silent Movie,” “Annie,” “Pink Cadillac,” “Alice,” and “It Runs in the Family.” In television, she earned Emmy nominations for her work on “The Muppet Show,” “Ally McBeal,” and the television film “Bobbie’s Girl.” More recently, she has appeared in series such as “Mozart in the Jungle,” “The Good Fight,” “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” and “High Desert,” demonstrating continued versatility well into her later career.

An accomplished recording artist, Peters has released multiple solo albums, including “Sondheim, Etc., Etc.: Live at Carnegie Hall,” “Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers & Hammerstein,” and “Now Playing,” in addition to her work on numerous Grammy-winning Broadway cast recordings.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Peters is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She co-founded the annual Broadway Barks event with Mary Tyler Moore, supporting adoption efforts for shelter animals across New York City. Her philanthropic work also extends to organizations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Gay Men’s Health Crisis.

Peters’ enduring legacy is reflected not only in her awards and accolades—including induction into the Theatre Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—but also in her continued influence as one of Broadway’s most beloved and respected performers.