Six-Time Tony Winner Audra McDonald Makes History (in Two Ways) with Lady Day Win

Five-time Tony winner no more! Audra McDonald made history tonight in two ways when she took home her sixth Tony Award for her performance as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Not only has she become the first person to win in all four performance categories, but she has also broken the record for the most Tony Awards won by a performer.

McDonald beats a record that she held with fellow winners Angela Lansbury and Julie Harris (Harris also received a Lifetime Achievement Special Tony in 2002). While McDonald is the first to win in all four performance categories, four other performers have been nominated in each category: Lansbury, Jan Maxwell, Boyd Gaines and Raul Esparza.

As Broadway.com previously reported, there was much speculation over whether or not Lady Day would even be deemed a play by the Tony Administration Committee. Both the Outer Critics Circle and Drama League put the show in the musical category this season.

McDonald has previously won Tony Awards for The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, A Raisin in the Sun, Ragtime, Master Class and Carousel. Her additional Broadway credits include 110 in the Shade, Henry IV Marie Christine, and The Secret Garden. On screen, McDonald has appeared in Private Practice, Annie and Wit.

Congratulations, Ms. McDonald! We can't wait to hear which random place you'll store this trophy in Eggfartopia.