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Patti LuPoneAn actress who sings
Date of Birth: 21.04.1949
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Patricia LuPone: A Legendary Star
- Broadway and Stage Debut
- "Evita" and International Acclaim
- "Sunset Boulevard" and Controversy
- Musical Mastery and Solo Career
- Film and Television
- Personal Life
Patricia LuPone: A Legendary Star
Early Life and EducationPatti LuPone, born April 21, 1949, in New York City, comes from a family with a love for the arts. Her father, Orlando LuPone, was a school administrator, while her mother, Angela LuPone, worked as a librarian. At a tender age of four, Patti first graced the stage. In the 1960s, she joined her twin brothers, Robert and William, to form "The LuPone Trio."
LuPone's formal training came at the prestigious Juilliard School, where she was fortunate to join the newly established drama program founded by John Houseman and Michel Saint-Denis. She studied alongside Kevin Kline (whom she later married) and Mandy Patinkin.
Broadway and Stage Debut
LuPone's Broadway debut was in Chekhov's "Three Sisters" (1973 - 1974), followed by her first musical role in John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera" (1973-74). Her breakthrough came with the role of Rosamund in the musical "The Robber Bridegroom" (1975), which earned her her first Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations.
Other notable stage credits include "The Baker's Wife" (1976), "The Water Engine" (1978), "Les Misérables" (1985), and "The Old Neighborhood" (1997-1998).
"Evita" and International Acclaim
LuPone's career reached new heights with her portrayal of Eva Perón in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Evita" (1979). Initially reluctant to audition, LuPone's performance left an unforgettable mark on the musical theater world. She won both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Actress in a Musical.
In the mid-1980s, LuPone returned to musical theater, starring in "Oliver!" (1984) and "The Cradle Will Rock" (1985) in London. Her performance in "Les Misérables" (1985), for the Royal Shakespeare Company, made her the first American actress to be invited to the company and to win an Olivier Award.
"Sunset Boulevard" and Controversy
In 1992, LuPone portrayed Norma Desmond in the world premiere of Lloyd Webber's "Sunset Boulevard." Her performance brought her critical acclaim and an Olivier Award nomination. However, LuPone was bitterly disappointed when the role for the Broadway production was given to Glenn Close at the demand of a Paramount Pictures investor, despite LuPone's contractual right to play it.
Musical Mastery and Solo Career
While LuPone never had the opportunity to perform in a Sondheim musical on Broadway, she made up for it in 2000 with a concert version of "Sweeney Todd," playing Mrs. Lovett alongside George Hearn. She also played Desiree in "A Little Night Music" at the Ravinia Festival and Fosca in "Passion" in 2003.
LuPone has a successful solo career, releasing albums such as "Patti LuPone Live!" (1993), "Heat Wave" (1994), and "Patti LuPone on Broadway" (1995). She has performed in numerous concerts, including "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda" and "Matters of the Heart."
Film and Television
LuPone's film and television credits include "The Witness," "Driving Miss Daisy," "Summer of Sam," and "City by the Sea."
Personal Life
LuPone was first married to actor Kevin Kline from 1971 to 1979. She later married cameraman Matt Johnston in 1988, and they have one son, Joshua Luke Johnston.
