Audra Mcdonald Quotes

Powerful Audra Mcdonald for Daily Growth

About Audra Mcdonald

Audra McDonald, born on July 31, 1970, in Fresno, California, is an accomplished American actress, singer, and recording artist who has made significant contributions to the world of Broadway and beyond. Raised in a musical family – her father was a doctor and her mother a piano teacher – McDonald's passion for music and acting was nurtured from an early age. She honed her skills at Juilliard School, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1993. McDonald made her Broadway debut in 'Carousel' as Carrie Pipperidge, a role that earned her a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. This was the first of six Tony Awards she would win throughout her career – more than any other performer – setting a record for the most wins by an individual in any category. Her notable works include 'Master Class' as Maria Callas, 'Ragtime' as Sarah, 'A Raisin in the Sun' as Ruth Younger, and 'Porgy and Bess' as Bess. Off-Broadway, she starred in the title role of 'Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill', for which she received a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play. In addition to her stage work, McDonald has released several albums, showcasing her versatile vocal range and interpretive skills. She is also known for her television appearances, including roles on 'Private Practice' and 'The Good Wife'. Throughout her career, McDonald has used her platform to advocate for social justice issues. She has been open about her experiences as a mixed-race woman in the entertainment industry and has been actively involved in LGBTQ+ rights advocacy. Audra McDonald's talent, passion, and dedication have solidified her place as one of the most influential figures in American theatre and music.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I want to be like a fine wine and continue to get better with age."

Audra McDonald's quote expresses her aspiration for continuous personal growth over time, much like how fine wine improves with age. This means she aims to develop new skills, maturity, wisdom, and grace as she gets older, rather than stagnating or declining. It also signifies a commitment to self-improvement, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in her chosen field.

"It's not our job to transform people into who we are. Our job is to love them into realizing who they already are."

This quote emphasizes that it is not one's role to change or mold others into replicas of ourselves, but rather to show empathy, respect, and support that allows people to recognize their inherent qualities and potential. It suggests a more organic approach to interaction, where love fosters growth and self-discovery, rather than imposing our beliefs, values, or identities onto others.

"You don't have to do what everyone else is doing. You can make your own path."

Audra McDonald's quote underscores the importance of individuality and self-expression in life's journey. It encourages people not to conform blindly to societal norms or expectations, but instead, forge their unique paths based on personal passions, values, and dreams. This perspective fosters authenticity, creativity, and resilience, as it allows individuals to make choices that align with their true selves and pursue their own vision of success.

"I've always tried to make my voice heard, whether that's through song or in the world at large."

This quote by Audra McDonald highlights her commitment to self-expression and advocacy. By using both song (her artistic medium) and the broader world as platforms, she strives to share her voice effectively and make an impact. In essence, she aims to use her talents not just for entertainment, but also to engage in social dialogue and drive change when necessary.

"Always remember: 'The only power any man has over me is the power I give him over myself.' - Maya Angelou"

This quote emphasizes the idea that personal power lies within oneself, not in others. It means that no one can control or have a negative impact on you unless you willingly give them that power. It's a reminder to be self-aware and maintain control over how you react to situations and people, fostering personal strength, resilience, and independence. In essence, it encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own emotions, thoughts, and actions, rather than allowing external forces to dictate their experiences and wellbeing.

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

Envy, Big, Martha, None

I choose things that challenge me. I was afraid of the camera - that's why I chose to do 'Private Practice.' It's not like I left the theater.

- Audra McDonald

Practice, Like, Private, Chose

The authentic Gullah dialect is actually very clipped, and so it would sound almost Jamaican and be very odd to an American audience's ears. It's not the typical Southern dialect that we're used to.

- Audra McDonald

Audience, Southern, Very, Odd

The authentic Gullah dialect is actually very clipped, and so it would sound almost Jamaican and be very odd to an American audience's ears. It's not the typical Southern dialect that we're used to. It has a much more percussive rhythm to it.

- Audra McDonald

Audience, Southern, Very, Odd

I certainly miss playing piano, and I really wish I did it more - it's really a very therapeutic thing to do for me. I just need to be home for more than a few minutes to be able to play more, I guess.

- Audra McDonald

Play, Very, Certainly, Therapeutic

I auditioned for Julliard because I wanted to live in New York, and I wanted to be on Broadway at the time. Julliard seemed like right way to get there.

- Audra McDonald

New, Broadway, Seemed, Right Way

When you become a parent, it blows you open in ways that you never thought possible in terms of a level of love that I know I never thought I could possibly have.

- Audra McDonald

Love, Parent, Thought, Possibly

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

Thought, Play, Away, Blown Away

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

Needed, Use, Dad, Troupe

'Go Back Home' encompasses not only actual geographic location but also, for me, back home in the worlds of music and theatre, and back home in terms of making albums again. There are lots of meanings to that.

- Audra McDonald

Making, Actual, Albums, Meanings

One thing that is constantly on my iPod is India Arie - I like her a lot; I listen to her a lot. I think she is just a spectacular artist.

- Audra McDonald

Think, Like, I Think, Spectacular

I loved my time doing 'Private Practice' in Los Angeles, and I was quite challenged and excited to learn about the art of television, but I missed being on the stage.

- Audra McDonald

Practice, Doing, Private, Los Angeles

I used to practice Tony speeches in my bathroom with my hairbrush.

- Audra McDonald

Practice, Speeches, Tony, Bathroom

Anytime I get the chance to sing or work with Michael John, it is such an incredibly fertile and incredibly creative and safe and encouraging environment - and challenging, too, because he is so collaborative!

- Audra McDonald

Work, Chance, Encouraging, Anytime

I feel a connection to many songs that I won't sing because I don't think they are right for me! There is something in my gut that immediately responds. There's no science to it.

- Audra McDonald

Think, Feel, Gut, Connection

I came from a really musical family. I studied classical piano because my grandparents were piano teachers, but started doing musical theater at age nine in Fresno, California, and went to a performing arts high school. That was my life.

- Audra McDonald

My Life, Doing, Nine, I Came

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