Christine Ebersole

Christine Ebersole was born on February 21, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Robert Amos Ebersole, served as a steel company president, while her mother was Marian Esther (Goodley) Ebersole. She pursued her education at MacMurray College, graduating in 1975, and later at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Ebersole’s career began with a Broadway debut in the play “Angel Street” in 1975. She further developed her presence in television, appearing in the soap opera “Ryan’s Hope” from 1977 to 1980 and joining the cast of “Saturday Night Live” for the 1981-1982 season. Her early work established her versatility in various entertainment mediums.

Throughout her career, Ebersole achieved significant recognition for her stage work. She received a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of a prima donna in the 2001 revival of “42nd Street.” Her second Tony Award in the same category came in 2007 for her dual roles as Edith Bouvier Beale and Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale in the musical “Grey Gardens.” In film, she is recognized for roles such as Caterina Cavalieri in the Academy Award-winning film “Amadeus” (1984), and she appeared in “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) and “Licorice Pizza” (2021). Her television credits include a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for “One Life to Live,” a recurring role as Dottie in “Bob Hearts Abishola” (2019-2024), and voice work as White Diamond in “Steven Universe” (2018-2019).

Beyond her acting and singing, Ebersole has performed in cabaret engagements, including at the Cafe Carlyle and with Michael Feinstein. In 2010, she won the Nightlife Award for Outstanding Cabaret Vocalist in a Major Engagement. She also recorded an album of Noël Coward songs. Ebersole’s extensive body of work showcases a career marked by critical acclaim and diverse roles, establishing her as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.