Patti LuPone: A Musical Force to Be Reckoned With
Born on April 21, 1949, in Northport, Long Island, New York, Patti LuPone was a fireball of talent, destined for greatness. With Italian heritage, she was christened Patti in honor of her great-grand-aunt, the renowned 19th-century opera singer Adelina Patti.
Trained in dance, Patti's early days were spent as part of the 60s sibling group "The Lupone Trio," alongside her older twin brothers William and Robert. After graduating from Northport High School, she attended the Drama Division of The Juilliard School, becoming part of its first graduating class, which included future stars Kevin Kline and David Ogden Stiers.
Patti's big break came in 1972 when John Houseman reshaped her graduating class and formed The Acting Company, a classical repertory group that toured extensively. She stayed with the company until 1975, making her NY theater debut in "The School for Scandal" and going on to play major roles in "The Hostage," "The Lower Depths," "The Three Sisters," and "Measure for Measure," among others.
Her Broadway debut came in 1973 with "The Beggar's Opera," followed by "The Robber Bridegroom" (Tony nomination),"The Baker's Wife," and "Working." However, it was her iconic performance as Argentina's Eva Peron in "Evita" (1979) that catapulted her to international stardom, earning her both the Tony and Drama Desk awards.
Patti's incredible pipes and assured countenance continued to earn her recognition, including a co-starring role with Tom Skerritt in "Fighting Back" (1982) and the role of Fantine in the London production of "Les Misérables." She became the first American to win the prestigious Olivier Award for her work in both "Les Miz" and "The Cradle Will Rock" in 1985.
With her versatility and range, Patti went on to impress in TV, earning two Emmy nominations for her roles in "LBJ: The Early Years" and "Life Goes On." Her groundbreaking performance as Libby Thatcher in the dramatic series "Life Goes On" (1989) earned her a strong reputation as a talented actress.
On film, Patti has appeared in a range of roles, including "Witness" (1985),"Driving Miss Daisy" (1989),"Sunset Boulevard" (1993),and "Master Class" (1996). Her concert stage has been a commanding venue, with successful one-woman singing showcases like "The Lady with the Torch," "Matters of the Heart," and "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda."
Throughout her illustrious career, Patti has earned numerous awards and nominations, including three Tony Awards, three Drama Desk Awards, and two Olivier Awards. She has also been recognized with Outer Critics Circle Awards, a Grammy Award nomination, and a Kennedy Center Honor.
Patti LuPone's enduring popularity is a testament to her incredible talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. With a career spanning over five decades, she remains one of America's contemporary singing immortals, continuing to captivate audiences with her powerful voice and captivating stage presence.
