Audra McDonald Speaking Fee: $75,000 to $100,000

Audra McDonald was born on July 3, 1970, in West Berlin, Germany, where her father was stationed with the U.S. Army. Raised in Fresno, California, she grew up in a musical family, which nurtured her passion for performance. Recognizing her hyperactivity as a child, her parents encouraged her to participate in theater instead of medication, a decision that set the stage for her illustrious career. McDonald pursued classical vocal training at the Juilliard School, graduating in 1993. Her breakthrough came swiftly; just a year after graduating, she won her first Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel at Lincoln Center Theater. This accolade was the first of many, as she went on to win additional Tony Awards for performances in Master Class (1996), Ragtime (1998), A Raisin in the Sun (2004), The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (2012), and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (2014), making her the most decorated performer in Tony history. Beyond the stage, McDonald has made significant contributions to television and film. She portrayed Dr. Naomi Bennett on ABC's Private Practice from 2007 to 2011 and appeared in productions like Wit (2001), A Raisin in the Sun (2008), and the live recording of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill (2016), for which she earned a Primetime Emmy Award. Her film credits include roles in Ricki and the Flash (2015), Beauty and the Beast (2017), Respect (2021), and Rustin (2023). McDonald's versatility extends to the opera stage, where she has performed with prestigious companies such as the Houston Grand Opera and the Los Angeles Opera. Her recording of Kurt Weill's Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny with the Los Angeles Opera won the Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording in 2009. Throughout her career, McDonald has been a trailblazer, often defying racial typecasting in her roles. She has portrayed characters traditionally played by white actresses, such as Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel and Lizzie Curry in 110 in the Shade. Her commitment to diversity and representation in the arts has made a lasting impact on the industry, inspiring future generations of performers.