Tonight, the legendary stage and screen actress, Patti LuPone is making her grand return to the West End! Stephen Sondheim’s gender-bending production of Company is opening so to celebrate the Olivier Award-winner treading the London boards once again, we’re going to share some little-known facts about the extraordinary Patti.
When was she born?
The Olivier, Tony and Grammy-winner was born on 21 April 1949 in Northport, New York. She was born to library administrator Angela Louise (née Patti) and school teacher Orlando Joseph LuPone. Though her parents had humble professions, Patti was far from the only performer in her family. Her great-great-aunt was a 19th-century opera singer named Adelina Patti who is often cited as one of the most famous sopranos of all time. Patti’s brother Robert is also an actor, dancer, and director who originated the role of Zach the director in A Chorus Line.
Who is Patti LuPone’s husband?
She’s married to cameraman, Matthew Johnston. The couple married at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre in 1988 and have remained together since. They have a son called Joshua Luke Johnston.
Which musicals has she appeared in?
Having acted on stage since 1972, Patti has an extensive theatre career. Her most famous roles include Eva Peron in Evita, which earned her her first Tony Award; Moll in The Cradle Will Rock; Fantine in the original 1985 production of Les Misérables, which also won her an Olivier Award; Mama Rose in Gypsy, which gave her her second Tony Award; and her role of Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes.
Her other notable roles include Nancy in the Broadway revival of Oliver!, Norma Desmond in the original London production of Sunset Boulevard, Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd, her Grammy-winning role as Begpick in Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, and Host in Company in concert.
Which movies and TV shows has she appeared in?
Like her stage career, Patti has had a long-standing and fruitful career on the screen, too. She started taking TV jobs in 1976 and movie roles in 1978.
If you want to see some of her past move performances, you can see her as Florine in Driving Miss Daisy, Helen in Summer Of Sam, Sherry Bailey in State And Main, and Joanne in Company.
Amongst Patti’s most notable TV appearances is Life Goes On which she starred in from 1989 to 1993. She was also nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards for her appearances in Fraiser and The Song Spinner. More recently, she’s been featured in shows like American Horror Story: Coven, BoJack Horseman, Girls, Glee, 30 Rock, and Penny Dreadful.
How much is Patti LuPone worth?
To us, she’s worth her weight in diamonds. But if we want to be crass and get down to brass tax, she’s estimated to have a net worth of $8 million.
What did she do before acting?
Just before hitting it big, Patti studied at Julliard and received a Bachelors degree in 1972. Prior to that, she used to put on shows with her older twin brothers Robert and William.
What’s that about chickens?
The dazzling star has been known to keep chickens in her Connecticut home.
You can see Patti in Company at the Gielgud Theatre from now until 22 December.