Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth by Gage Skidmore 2

Kristin Chenoweth (born July 24, 1968) is an American actress and singer, with credits in musical theatre, film, and television. She is known for her powerful soprano voice and her versatility across different genres of performance.

Early Life

Kristin Dawn Chenoweth was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She was adopted when she was five days old by Junie Smith Chenoweth and Jerry Morris Chenoweth. She has stated that she is of one-quarter Cherokee ancestry. Chenoweth began singing gospel music as a child in church, and she performed at the Southern Baptist Convention national conference at the age of 12.

Education

Chenoweth attended Oklahoma City University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in musical theatre and a master's degree in opera performance. She studied under voice instructor and mentor, Florence Birdwell.

Career

Theatre

Chenoweth made her Broadway debut in the 1997 production of Steel Pier, for which she won a Theatre World Award. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Sally Brown in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown in 1999, winning a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. In 2003, she originated the role of Glinda in the musical Wicked, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

Film and Television

Chenoweth has appeared in several films, including Bewitched (2005), The Pink Panther (2006), and RV (2006). On television, she is known for her roles in The West Wing and Pushing Daisies, the latter of which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2009. She also had a recurring role on the musical comedy-drama series Glee.

Music

In addition to her acting career, Chenoweth has released several albums, including Let Yourself Go (2001), As I Am (2005), and The Art of Elegance (2016). Her music spans various genres, including musical theatre, pop, and country.

Personal Life

Chenoweth is a Christian and has spoken openly about her faith. She has also been involved in various charitable activities, including supporting organizations like the Red Cross and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Awards and Honors

Chenoweth has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, including a Tony Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Drama Desk Award. She was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015.

See Also

• List of Tony Award winners
• List of people from Oklahoma
• List of Broadway musicals