I find that I’m just drawn to anything that’s going to challenge me as an actress. So, anything that’s going to help me grow. Audra McDonald Read Quote
Maybe it’s because my uncle and my parents were always very involved with the civil rights movement, so I just grew up and I was raised that you have to speak out and look out for your fellow man, woman, and child. Audra McDonald Read Quote
When I wanted to audition for a dinner-theater junior troupe in my hometown, I needed to have a piece of musical theater music to sing. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to use. My mom and dad suggested that I sing ‘Edelweiss’ because I knew it from the music box. Audra McDonald Read Quote
I’ve spent my whole career trying to stay out of any box that anyone could put me in. ‘I’m going to do a play now.’ ‘Now I’ll do a musical.’ That was my instinct. So I don’t feel boxed in. But ‘African-American woman’ is part of my identity. I don’t want to relinquish that – especially as a mother, helping my daughter find her identity. Audra McDonald Read Quote
I never in a million years thought that my life would unfold the way it has. Audra McDonald Read Quote
I am always so excited to get to know a new audience. My concerts are very personal experiences. Audra McDonald Read Quote
I admire but don’t envy people who have children and also have big, wonderful perfect houses. Maybe Martha Stewart could do it; to me those two things aren’t compatible, but I know our children will grow up with a feeling that home is a place of comfort. Audra McDonald Read Quote
When I first was exposed to ‘Porgy and Bess’ many, many years ago, I was blown away by it – loved the music, overwhelmed by the production at the Met that I saw, and thought I want to play Bess someday. But I also knew they were stereotypes that were considered racist. Audra McDonald Read Quote
