tracking pixel
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Linda Lavin Headshot

Linda Lavin

Birth Place: Portland, ME, USA

read more news

Get Linda Lavin Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Linda Lavin (born October 15, 1937) is an American actress and singer. She is known for playing the title character in the sitcom Alice and for her stage performances, both on and off-Broadway.



After acting as a child, Lavin joined the Compass Players in the late 1950s. She began appearing on Broadway in the 1960s, earning notice in It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman in 1966 and receiving her first Tony Award nomination for Last of the Red Hot Lovers in 1970. She moved to Hollywood in 1973 and began to work on television, making recurring appearances on the sitcom Barney Miller before landing the title role on the hit comedy Alice, which ran from 1976 to 1985. She appeared in many telefilms and later she appeared in other TV works. She has also played roles in several feature films.

In 1987, she returned to Broadway, starring in Broadway Bound (winning a Tony Award), Gypsy (1990), The Sisters Rosensweig (1993), The Diary of Anne Frank (1997–1998) and The Tale of the Allergist's Wife (2000–2001), among others. In 2010, she appeared as Ruth Steiner in Collected Stories, garnering her fifth Tony nomination. She starred in NBC's short-lived sitcom Sean Saves the World as Lorna and the CBS sitcom 9JKL. She also starred in the CBS sitcom B Positive.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

You Will Get Sick You Will Get Sick
[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Off-Broadway Production, 2022
Performer
Candide Candide
[Off-Broadway]
New York City Opera Production, 2017
Old Lady
Our Mother's Brief Affair Our Mother's Brief Affair
[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Broadway Production, 2015
Abby
Too Much Sun Too Much Sun
[Off-Broadway]
Vineyard Theatre Production, 2014
Audrey Langham
The Lyons The Lyons
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2012
Performer
The Lyons The Lyons
[Off-Broadway]
Vineyard Theatre Production, 2011
Rita Lyons
Follies Follies
[Washington, DC (Regional)]
Kennedy Center Revival, 2011
Hattie Walker
Other Desert Cities Other Desert Cities
[Off-Broadway]
Lincoln Center Theater Production, 2011
Silda Gravman
Collected Stories Collected Stories
[Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2010
Ruth Steiner
The New Century
[Off-Broadway]
2008
Helene Nadler
Hollywood Arms
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Nanny
The Tale Of The Allergist's Wife
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2000
Marjorie
The Diary of Anne Frank
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1997
Mrs. Van Daan
Cakewalk
[Off-Broadway]
1996
Performer
Death Defying Acts
[Off-Broadway]
1995
Dorothy/Carol
The Sisters Rosensweig
[Broadway]
1993
Gorgeous Teitelbaum [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Gypsy
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1989
Rose [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Broadway Bound
[Broadway]
1986
Kate
The Comedy of Errors
[Off-Broadway]
1975
Courtesan
The Enemy Is Dead
[Broadway]
1973
Leah
Paul Sills' Story Theatre
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1970
Henny Penny [Replacement]
Mother [Replacement]
Old Woman [Replacement]
Countess [Replacement]
Rich Peasant [Replacement]
Robber [Replacement]
Venus [Replacement]
Farmer's Wife [Replacement]
Eldest Daughter [Replacement]
Farmer's Wife [Replacement]
Robber [Replacement]
Rich Peasant [Replacement]
Venus [Replacement]
Old Woman [Replacement]
Henny Penny [Replacement]
Eldest Daughter [Replacement]
Countess [Replacement]
Mother [Replacement]
Last of the Red Hot Lovers
[Broadway]
1969
Elaine Navazio
Little Murders
[Off-Broadway]
1969
Patsy Newquist
Something Different
[Broadway]
1967
Beth Nemerov
It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's Superman
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1966
Sydney
The Mad Show
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1966
Performer
Hotel Passionato
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Victoire/ Street Performer
On a Clear Day You Can See Forever
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Daisy Gamble/Melinda [Replacement]
Melinda [Replacement]
Daisy Gamble [Replacement]
Daisy Gamble/Melinda [Replacement]
Melinda [Replacement]
Daisy Gamble [Replacement]
The Game is Up
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Performer [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Wet Paint
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Wet Paint
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1965
Wet Paint
[Off-Broadway]
1965
Kiss Mama
[Off-Broadway]
1964
Evelyn [Replacement]
[Replacement]
The Riot Act
[Broadway]
1963
Barbara
A Family Affair
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Singer
Wilma
Quiet Girl
Fifi of Paris
Crying Daughter
Wilma
Singer
Quiet Girl
Fifi of Paris
Crying Daughter
Babs Sanditz (Understudy)
Babs (Understudy) [Replacement]
Babs Sanditz (Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Babs (Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
(Unknown) [Replacement]
Babs Sanditz (Unknown)
(Unknown)
(Unknown)
Oh, Kay!
[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 1960
Performer

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Distinguished Performance Award

Linda Lavin, You Will Get Sick


winner
- 2016 - Legend of Off Broadway Honoree

Linda Lavin


winner
- 2015 - Legend of off-Broadway Honoree

Linda Lavin

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Drama League Awards - 2012 - Distinguished Performance Award

Linda Lavin, The Lyons


winner
Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance

Linda Lavin, The Lyons


winner
Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Lyons

Drama Desk Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, Other Desert Cities

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, Other Desert Cities

The Lortels - 2011 - Outstanding Featured Actress

Linda Lavin, Other Desert Citites

Tony Awards - 2010 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, Collected Stories


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Linda Lavin, The New Century

Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, The Diary of Anne Frank

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Featured Actress - Play

Linda Lavin , The Diary of Anne Frank

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, The Diary of Anne Frank

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, The Diary of Anne Frank

Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Actress - Play

Linda Lavin, Death Defying Acts


winner
Obie Awards - 1995 - Performance

Linda Lavin, Death Defying Acts


winner
The Lortels - 1995 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Linda Lavin, Death Defying Acts


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1987 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Linda LavinBroadway Bound


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1987 - Best Actress

Linda Lavin, Broadway Bound


winner
Tony Awards - 1987 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Linda Lavin , Broadway Bound

Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play

Linda Lavin, Last of the Red Hot Lovers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1969 - Outstanding Performance

Linda Lavin, Little Murders


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1969 - Best Performance

Linda LavinCop-Out


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1969 - Best Performance

Linda Lavin, Little Murders


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1965 - Performance

Linda Lavin, Wet Paint

Videos

More Videos

News


Jasmine Amy Rogers and More to Perform at Hudson River Park's BROADWAY BY THE BOARDWA Photo
Jasmine Amy Rogers and More to Perform at Hudson River Park's BROADWAY BY THE BOARDWALK
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 23, 2025

 Hudson River Park has unveiled the lineup for Broadway by the Boardwalk, a free summertime series. See who is taking part and learn how to attend upcoming concerts!
Select Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights in Honor of William Finn Photo
Select Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights in Honor of William Finn
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 12, 2025

The Broadway In Memoriam Committee has announced that a select group of theatres will dim their marquee lights on Tuesday, June 17 at 6:45 PM in a special individual tribute to William Finn, the Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist behind Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
Industry Pro Newsletter: New Artistic Directors at Theater Mu and Almeida Theatre, Gr Photo
Industry Pro Newsletter: New Artistic Directors at Theater Mu and Almeida Theatre, Groban to Host 2025 Jimmy Awards
by Alex Freeman - Jun 10, 2025

This morning, we’re looking back at Sunday’s biggest moments, from Cynthia Erivo's powerful hosting to the well-deserved wins and unforgettable performances that capped a remarkable Broadway season. Beyond the awards, we’re looking at the newly announced Gavin Creel Fellowship and Josh Groban hosting the Jimmy Awards. While we celebrated a triumphant Broadway season on Sunday, we are also looking at challenges at Dallas Children’s Theater as well as some more musical chairs of leadership positions both in the U.S. and abroad.
Video: Sam Pinkleton Reacts to Tony Win for Best Director of a Play Photo
Video: Sam Pinkleton Reacts to Tony Win for Best Director of a Play
by Joey Mervis - Jun 9, 2025

Earlier tonight at the 78th Annual Tony Awards, Sam Pinkleton took home a Tony Award for 'Best Direction of a Play' for his outstanding work in Oh, Mary!. After leaving the stage at Radio City Music Hall, he checked in with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge to share his initial reaction!
Linda Lavin, William Finn, Gene Hackman and More to be Honored in Inaugural Marquee D Photo
Linda Lavin, William Finn, Gene Hackman and More to be Honored in Inaugural Marquee Dimming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 5, 2025

The newly formed Broadway In Memoriam Committee, composed of theatre owners in consultation with industry service organizations, has confirmed the inaugural marquee dimming. See who will be honored.
Otto’s Backstage Will Host Cabaret Night with Performer Billy Stritch Photo
Otto’s Backstage Will Host Cabaret Night with Performer Billy Stritch
by Stephi Wild - Jun 4, 2025

Grammy Award-winning writer, producer, and performer Billy Stritch will present an intimate Cabaret Night event at Otto's Full Service in Piermont, New York.
2025 Off Broadway Alliance Award Winners Revealed Photo
2025 Off Broadway Alliance Award Winners Revealed
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2025

The Off Broadway Alliance has revealed the winners of the 14th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Awards, honoring commercial and not-for-profit productions that opened Off Broadway during the 2024-2025 season.
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY is Coming to Catalina Jazz Club in May Photo
JIM CARUSO'S CAST PARTY is Coming to Catalina Jazz Club in May
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 22, 2025

The Manhattan phenomenon Jim Caruso’s Cast Party with Billy Stritch at the piano will return to the West Coast at Catalina Jazz Club. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Broadway Composer Charles Strouse Passes Away at 96 Photo
Broadway Composer Charles Strouse Passes Away at 96
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 15, 2025

Charles Strouse, 96, the celebrated and multi-award-winning American film, television, and Broadway musical composer, died at his home in New York City on May 15.
Writer and Director Robert Benton Passes Away at 92 Photo
Writer and Director Robert Benton Passes Away at 92
by Josh Sharpe - May 14, 2025

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of director and writer Robert Benton at the age of 92. In addition to his many films, he and his writing partner David Newman wrote the Broadway musical It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman.
Video: Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close & More Star in Teaser for Ryan Murphy's ALL FAIR Photo
Video: Sarah Paulson, Glenn Close & More Star in Teaser for Ryan Murphy's ALL FAIR
by Josh Sharpe - May 14, 2025

Hulu has dropped the first teaser trailer for All's Fair, a new legal drama series from TV guru Ryan Murphy. Soundtracked to a rendition of Chicago's 'Cell Block Tango,' the teaser also showcases the all-star cast, including Sarah Paulson and Glenn Close. Watch the teaser now!
Nicholas Barasch, Jessica Hecht and More to Receive Actors' Equity 2025 Performance A Photo
Nicholas Barasch, Jessica Hecht and More to Receive Actors' Equity 2025 Performance Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 12, 2025

The Actors’ Equity Foundation has revealed the recipients of its awards for performers for the 2024–2025 season. Learn more about the awards and the recipients here!
Nathan Lane Teases Broadway Return with Director Joe Mantello Photo
Nathan Lane Teases Broadway Return with Director Joe Mantello
by Josh Sharpe - May 9, 2025

With 3 Tony Awards and numerous Broadway credits under his belt, Nathan Lane is heading back to Broadway in a new production directed by Joe Mantello.
Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch to Return to 54 Below in December Photo
Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch to Return to 54 Below in December
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2025

54 BELOW will welcome back Broadway favorite Christine Ebersole and piano virtuoso Billy Stritch in December. Learn more about the concerts and see how to purchase tickets!
2025 Off Broadway Alliance Awards Nominations Photo
2025 Off Broadway Alliance Awards Nominations
by Nicole Rosky - May 7, 2025

The Off Broadway Alliance, an organization of Off-Broadway producers, theaters, general managers, press agents, and marketing professionals, has announced the nominees for the 14th Annual Off-Broadway Alliance Awards. We have the full list here!
Video: Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham Sing CHICAGO in MID-CENTURY MOD Photo
Video: Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham Sing CHICAGO in MID-CENTURY MODERN Clip
by Josh Sharpe - May 6, 2025

Hulu has shared a clip from Season 1 of Mid-Century Modern, which sees Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham break out in an impromptu rendition of Cell Block Tango from Chicago. Watch it now!
Video: Watch MID-CENTURY MODERN Bloopers with Nathan Lane, Linda Lavin & More Photo
Video: Watch MID-CENTURY MODERN Bloopers with Nathan Lane, Linda Lavin & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 5, 2025

Hulu has shared bloopers from all ten episodes of Mid-Century Modern Season 1, featuring Broadway alums Nathan Lane, Linda Lavin, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Nathan Lane, and more. Watch them now!
Nathan Lee Graham and Jeremy Katz to be Honored at the 13th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAN Photo
Nathan Lee Graham and Jeremy Katz to be Honored at the 13th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025

The 13th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys,” the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, has revealed their special honorees for this year’s event at Joe’s Pub. Learn more!
Linda Lavin Memorial Celebration to Take Place at Broadway's Ambassador Theatre Photo
Linda Lavin Memorial Celebration to Take Place at Broadway's Ambassador Theatre
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 29, 2025

Linda Lavin, Tony Award winner and beloved performer, will be honored and celebrated on Monday, May 5th from 1:00-3:00PM at the Ambassador Theater at a public memorial service. 
Linda Lavin, Cristin Milioti, & More Receive Nominations for 2025 Gotham Television A Photo
Linda Lavin, Cristin Milioti, & More Receive Nominations for 2025 Gotham Television Awards
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 29, 2025

The Gotham Film & Media Institute has announced the nominations in twelve competitive award categories for the 2025 Gotham Television Awards, recognizing performances from Linda Lavin, Cristin Milioti, and Michelle Williams, among others.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Linda Lavin been in?

Linda Lavin has appeared on Broadway in 17 shows.

How many West End shows has Linda Lavin been in?

Linda Lavin has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Linda Lavin been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for You Will Get Sick, Legend of Off Broadway Honoree (), Legend of off-Broadway Honoree () for , Outstanding Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lyons, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Lyons, Performance (Obie Awards) for The Lyons, Performance (Obie Awards) for The Lyons, Outstanding Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lyons, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Lyons, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Other Desert Cities, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Other Desert Cities , Outstanding Featured Actress (The Lortels) for Other Desert Citites, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Collected Stories, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The New Century, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank, Best Featured Actress - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank, Outstanding Featured Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Diary of Anne Frank, Outstanding Actress - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Death Defying Acts, Performance (Obie Awards) for Death Defying Acts, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Death Defying Acts, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Broadway Bound, Best Actress (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Broadway Bound, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Broadway Bound, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Little Murders, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Cop-Out, Best Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Little Murders and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Wet Paint.

What awards has Linda Lavin won?

Linda Lavin has received numerous awards throughout her career. She was honored as a Legend of Off Broadway. She won Obie Awards for her performances in The Lyons (twice) and Death Defying Acts. Her Drama Desk Awards include Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for The New Century, Outstanding Actress in a Play for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for The Diary of Anne Frank, and Outstanding Performance for Little Murders. Lavin received The Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actress for Death Defying Acts and won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Non-Resident Production for Broadway Bound. She also earned Best Actress honors from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Broadway Bound, Little Murders, and Cop-Out. Additionally, she won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for Broadway Bound and received a Theatre World Award for her performance in Wet Paint.

Get Linda Lavin Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos