You may know her as Melissa Reed (HAPPY FACE), Mrs. Lovett (SWEENEY TODD), Paula Jones (IMPEACHMENT: AMERICAN CRIME STORY) or Betty Dimello (MASTERS of SEX). She is award-winning actress, singer and dancer Annaleigh Ashford. In your Zoom she will share what it takes to make it on stage, screen and film as well as behind-the-scenes stories.
Tony Award-winning and Emmy & Grammy nominated actor Annaleigh Ashford has collaborated with acclaimed directors and co-stars across stage, film, and television. Ashford currently stars in the Paramount+ series HAPPY FACE, opposite Dennis Quaid. She recently appeared on Broadway in ALL IN: COMEDY ABOUT LOVE opposite Lin-Manuel Miranda, David Cross, Tim Meadows, and Hank Azaria; directed by Alex Timbers; and, produced by Lorne Michaels.
Annaleigh earned her third Tony nomination as Mrs. Lovett opposite Josh Groban in the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET.
Ashford starred opposite Kumail Nanjiani in WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES, earning Ashford her first Emmy nomination. Ashford portrayed Paula Jones in Ryan Murphy's IMPEACHMENT: AMERICAN CRIME STORY as well as starred in Chuck Lorre's B POSITIVE and MASTERS OF SEX. Ashford played opposite Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney in BAD EDUCATION and co-starred in the series UNBELIEVABLE.
Additional television roles include THE BIG C, LAW & ORDER, NURSE JACKIE, SMASH, and THE GOOD FIGHT. Film credits include SEX AND THE CITY: THE MOVIE, Jonathan Demme’s RACHEL GETTING MARRIED, LOVE ON THE RUN, LATE NIGHT, and, most recently, HOLD YOUR BREATH.
On Broadway, Annaleigh garnered a Tony, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics’ Circle Award for her portrayal of Essie Carmichael in the revival of YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, starring James Earl Jones. She starred opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. Ashford made her debut in LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL, starred as ‘Glinda’ in WICKED, and Jeannie in the revival of HAIR. Ashford originated the role of Lauren in KINKY BOOTS (Tony nomination) and Maureen in the Off-Broadway revival of RENT (Drama League Award & Clive Barnes Award nominations).
Ashford starred in her critically acclaimed cabaret performance titled ANNALEIGH ASHFORD - LOST IN THE STARS at Live from Lincoln Center and ‘54 Below’ in NYC.