Explore the legacy of the most celebrated actresses in the history of the Tony Awards, a recognition of excellence in Broadway theatre. This list honours performers who have accumulated multiple accolades for their exceptional performances in musicals and dramatic plays. From established legends to contemporary figures, discover who has left an indelible mark on the New York stages. It's an essential guide for theatre enthusiasts and performing arts students.
Received six Tony Awards
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Audra McDonald has won a record six Tony Awards, the most competitive wins by any actor in Broadway history. She is the only person to have received Tony Awards in all four acting categories, showcasing her exceptional versatility and stage mastery.
Most honored performer in Tony history
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Julie Harris is the most honored performer in Tony history, with a total of six awards, including five for Best Actress in a Play and a Special Tony for Lifetime Achievement. Her ten nominations also set a record, solidifying her status as a legendary figure in theater. Her wins include roles in plays such as "I Am a Camera" (1952), "The Lark" (1956), "Forty Carats" (1969), "The Last of Mrs. Lincoln" (1973), and "The Belle of Amherst" (1977).
Won two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical
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Chita Rivera won two Tony Awards for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her roles in "The Rink" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman". In addition to her wins, she received eight further nominations, accumulating a total of ten Tony Award nominations throughout her career. Her legacy also includes a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award in 2018, solidifying her status as one of the most decorated actresses in Broadway history.
Won three Tony Awards
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Glenn Close has won three Tony Awards throughout her career, solidifying her status as one of the most awarded actresses in Broadway history. Her victories include Best Actress in a Play for 'The Real Thing' (1984) and 'Death and the Maiden' (1992), and Best Actress in a Musical for 'Sunset Boulevard' (1995).
Won the 2001 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play
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Mary-Louise Parker has won two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Play, for her performances in 'Proof' and 'The Sound Inside'. Additionally, she has received a total of five Tony Award nominations, showcasing a distinguished career on Broadway.
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Won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Play
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Sarah Snook won a Tony Award for her outstanding performance in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' in 2025. Her portrayal of 26 characters in a one-woman play demonstrates exceptional theatrical skill and impressive stage mastery.
Won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical
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Nicole Scherzinger won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 2025 for her acclaimed performance as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard." This prestigious accolade recognizes her as one of the most distinguished actresses in musical theatre, solidifying her successful transition from music to the Broadway stage.
Received two Tony Awards
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Cynthia Nixon has been awarded two Tony Awards, solidifying her distinguished career in theatre. Her wins include the Tony for Best Actress in a Play for "Rabbit Hole" in 2006 and for "The Little Foxes" in 2017, showcasing her excellence and versatility on Broadway stages.
Two-time Tony Award winner
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Adrienne Warren has been honored with a prestigious Tony Award, specifically for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical in 2021 for her outstanding performance in 'Tina: The Tina Turner Musical'. This recognition highlights her excellence and contribution to musical theatre, placing her among the most awarded actresses in Tony history.
This ranking has been compiled with the aim of recognizing and celebrating the careers of the most awarded actresses in the history of the Tony Awards. The methodology focuses on verifying the achievements and impact of each performer in Broadway theater.