45 Facts About Patti Lupone

Early Life and Family

Patti LuPone's journey to stardom began with a rich family heritage and early exposure to the performing arts.

1. Patti LuPone was born on April 21, 1949, in Northport, Long Island, New York.
2. Her parents, Angela Louise (née Patti) and Orlando Joseph LuPone, had humble professions; her mother was a librarian, and her father a school administrator.
3. LuPone is of Italian heritage, with her great-great-aunt, Adelina Patti, being a renowned 19th-century opera singer.
4. She began dancing at the age of four and later performed with her two elder brothers, William and Robert, as part of a 1960s sibling group called "The Lupone Trio".

Education and Early Career

LuPone's formal education and early career laid the foundation for her future success.

5. She graduated from Northport High School and 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.
6. In 1972, LuPone joined The Acting Company, a classical repertory group formed by John Houseman. She stayed with the company until 1975, gaining invaluable acting experience.
7. LuPone made her Broadway debut in 1973 as Irina in Anton Chekhov’s The Three Sisters.

Breakthrough Roles and Awards

LuPone's career is marked by iconic roles and numerous awards, showcasing her immense talent.

8. Her early career was marked by several Tony Award nominations, including for her roles in The Robber Bridegroom (1975), Anything Goes (1988), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2006), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (2010), and War Paint (2017).
9. LuPone has won three Tony Awards: two for Best Actress in a Musical for her roles as Eva Perón in Evita (1980) and Rose in Gypsy (2008), and one for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for playing Joanne in the Stephen Sondheim revival Company (2022).
10. For her performances on the West End stage, LuPone received three Laurence Olivier Awards: one for Best Actress in a Musical for her performances as Fantine in the original London cast of Les Misérables and Moll in The Cradle Will Rock in 1985, and the second for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Company in 2019.
11. LuPone has won two Grammy Awards for the recording of the 2007 Los Angeles Opera production of The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny.
12. In 2006, LuPone was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

Beyond the stage, LuPone's personal life is filled with interesting tidbits and family moments.

13. LuPone has been married to cameraman Matthew Johnston since 1988. The couple has a son, Joshua Luke Johnston.
14. She keeps chickens in her Connecticut home, a unique aspect of her personal life that adds to her charm.

Iconic Musical Roles

LuPone's performances in various musicals have left an indelible mark on theater history.

15. Some of her most famous roles include Eva Perón in Evita, Moll in The Cradle Will Rock, Fantine in Les Misérables, Mama Rose in Gypsy, and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd.
16. Her inventive spin on the monstrous Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street earned her another Tony nomination in 2005.
17. LuPone’s performance as Rose in Gypsy (2008) won her another Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
18. She played the role of Helena Rubinstein in War Paint (2017), a musical about rival cosmetic magnates Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein.
19. LuPone’s aggressive, scene-stealing role of Joanne in the film concert version of Company (2011) showcased her versatility and talent.

Film and Television Career

LuPone's talent extends beyond the stage to film and television.

20. LuPone started taking TV jobs in 1976 and movie roles in 1978. Notable film appearances include Driving Miss Daisy, Summer of Sam, State and Main, and Last Christmas.
21. She has had recurring roles on TV series such as Life Goes On (1989–1993), 30 Rock, American Horror Story, and Penny Dreadful.
22. LuPone has received numerous awards and nominations, including Emmy Award nominations for her appearances in Frasier and The Song Spinner.
23. She appeared in Anthem: Homunculus (2019), a TV series that further highlighted her versatility as an actress.
24. LuPone played a sturdy role in the mini-series Hollywood (2020), another testament to her enduring presence in television.

Discography and Live Performances

LuPone's voice has graced numerous recordings and live performances, cementing her status as a musical icon.

25. Selected recordings include The Baker's Wife (Original cast recording), Evita (Original Broadway cast recording), The Cradle Will Rock (The Acting Company recording), Les Misérables (Original London Cast recording), and Company (New York Philharmonic recording).
26. LuPone has performed in several live concert specials, including An Evening with Patti LuPone, which was filmed in July 2012 and released in November 2012 on SethTv.com.
27. She has released several solo albums, including Patti LuPone Live, Matters of the Heart, and The Lady with the Torch.
28. LuPone has performed in stage concert versions of Pal Joey, Passion, A Little Night Music, Can-Can, and Candide.
29. She has performed three solo evenings at Carnegie Hall, further adding to her enduring popularity.

Memorable Performances and Roles

LuPone's career is filled with memorable performances that have left a lasting impact on audiences.

30. LuPone’s performance in Master Class (1996) cemented her diva-like status as one of America’s contemporary singing immortals.
31. Although she received mixed reviews for her performance as Norma Desmond in Lloyd Webber’s London production of Sunset Boulevard, it led to her being replaced by Glenn Close in the Broadway production.
32. Her Grammy-winning role as Begpick in the 2007 Los Angeles Opera production of The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny highlighted her vocal prowess.
33. LuPone appeared in the supporting role of Florine in Family Prayers (1993), one of her early film appearances.
34. She played Helen in Summer of Sam (1999), another notable film role.
35. Sherry Bailey in State and Main (2000) was another significant film performance.
36. LuPone appeared as a supporting character in Union Square (2011), a film that showcased her ability to adapt to various roles.
37. She played a supporting role in Parker (2013), a crime thriller film.
38. In The Comedian (2016), LuPone demonstrated her range by playing a character in a comedy-drama film.
39. Her role in Last Christmas (2019) was another notable film appearance, showcasing her ability to perform in a variety of genres.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Patti LuPone that add to her fascinating persona.

40. Estimated to have a net worth of $8 million, LuPone’s financial success is a reflection of her hard work and dedication to her craft.
41. The Theatre Times featured an article about Evita, highlighting LuPone’s contribution to the musical’s success 45 years after its debut.
42. Her live performance of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" at the Grammy Awards was released on the 1994 album Grammy's Greatest Moments Volume IV.
43. LuPone’s 1985 recording of "I Dreamed a Dream" reached No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart and also charted on Billboard magazine’s Hot Digital Songs and Hot Singles Recurrents charts in the US.
44. She recorded a duet with Seth MacFarlane on the 2005 album Family Guy: Live In Vegas, further showcasing her ability to collaborate with other artists.
45. LuPone has performed in stage concert versions of Pal Joey, Passion, A Little Night Music, Can-Can, and Candide.

Celebrating Patti LuPone's Legacy

Patti LuPone's career is a testament to her incredible talent and dedication. From her early days performing with her brothers to her iconic roles on Broadway and the West End, she's left an indelible mark on musical theater. Winning multiple Tony and Olivier Awards, her performances in Evita, Gypsy, and Company have become legendary. Beyond the stage, LuPone's work in film and television, including American Horror Story and Penny Dreadful, showcases her versatility. Her influence extends to live concerts, solo albums, and even Grammy-winning recordings. With a career spanning over five decades, LuPone continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. Her legacy is not just in the awards she's won but in the hearts of those who have witnessed her extraordinary performances. Here's to celebrating Patti LuPone, a true icon of the stage and screen.