Brenda Braxton | |
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Born | [1] Bronx, New York City, U.S. | August 7, 1956
Education | High School of Performing Arts |
Occupation | Actress |
Years active | 1976–present |
Spouse | Anthony Van Putten |
Brenda Braxton (born August 7, 1956) is an American actress, singer, choreographer and stage director. She is best known for her performances on Broadway musicals. She received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in Smokey Joe's Cafe (1995). Braxton also received a NAACP Theatre Award, a Jefferson Award and a Grammy Award. [2]
Braxton was born and raised in Bronx, New York City and graduated from the High School of Performing Arts. [3] [4] She made her Broadway debut appearing as a replacement in the 1976-77 musical Guys and Dolls and later performed in But Never Jam Today , Reggae, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music , Dreamgirls , Cats , Legs Diamond , and Jelly's Last Jam . [1] She made her screen debut appearing opposite Cleavant Derricks in the 1979 PBS filmed musical production of When Hell Freezes Over, I'll Skate. [5] In 1981 she appeared in the television adaptation of Purlie .
In 1995, Braxton received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in the Broadway musical Smokey Joe's Cafe . [6] She was choreographer and director for 2001 and 2007 productions of Dreamgirls. [7] In 2003, Braxton went to play Velma Kelly in Chicago . With an eight-time stint in the role, Braxton holds the record for having played 'Velma Kelly' on Broadway more than any other actress in the show's history with over 1,200 performances. [8]
On television, Braxton guest-starred in The Cosby Show , Third Watch , Smash and Nurse Jackie . From 2019 to 2022, she had a recurring role as Madeline Gilford in the legal drama series, The Good Fight . [4]
Braxton married fitness trainer Anthony Van Putten, as of 2006 they own a men's grooming salon in Harlem. [9] [10] [11]