Donna Murphy
Biography
Donna Murphy (born March 7, 1959 in Corona, New York, USA) is an American actress and singer who works in stage, film and television. She left the New York University drama program in her sophomore year after being cast to understudy three backup singers in the 1979 Broadway musical They’re Playing Our Song. Murphy has won two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical—for her portrayals of Fosca in Passion and Anna Leonowens in The King and I—and has received three additional Tony nominations for performances as Ruth Sherwood in Wonderful Town, Lotte Lenya in Lovemusik and Raisel/Bubbie in The People in the Picture. Her recent screen work includes the voice of Mother Gothel in Disney’s Tangled (2010) and the role of Anij in Star Trek: Insurrection (1998).
Career overview
Donna Murphy was born on March 7, 1959 in Corona, New York, USA. She began her professional career on Broadway after leaving the drama program at New York University in her sophomore year to understudy three backup singers in the 1979 musical They’re Playing Our Song. Murphy quickly established herself as a leading stage performer, earning two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayals of Fosca in Passion and Anna Leonowens in The King and I. In addition to those wins, she received three further Tony nominations for Best Actress in a Musical for her work as Ruth Sherwood in Wonderful Town, Lotte Lenya in Lovemusik, and the dual role of Raisel/Bubbie in The People in the Picture.
Beyond the theatre, Murphy has built a substantial film and television résumé. She voiced the antagonist Mother Gothel in Disney’s animated feature Tangled (2010) and appeared as Anij, a love interest of Captain Jean‑Luc Picard, in the 1998 film Star Trek: Insurrection. Her career includes more than fifty credited appearances across movies and television series, reflecting a versatile presence in both musical and dramatic roles. Murphy’s body of work spans stage, screen, and voice performance, underscoring her reputation as a distinguished American actress and singer.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
57 titles- Brilliant Minds (2024) as Dr. Muriel Landon
- The Gilded Age (2022) as Lina Astor
- Gossip Girl (2021) as Vivian Burton
- Stars in the House (2020) as Self - Special Guest
- Anastasia: Once Upon a Time (2020) as Yara the Enchantress
- Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure (2017) as Mother Gothel (voice)
- Mercy Street (2016) as Jane Green
- No Pay, Nudity (2016) as Pearl
- Quantico (2015) as Rebecca Sherman
- Resurrection (2014) as The Elegant Woman
- The Blacklist (2013) as Sophia Quayle
- Six by Sondheim (2013) as Fosca (archive footage)
- House of Versace (2013) as Maria
- The Bourne Legacy (2012) as Dita Mandy
- Made in Jersey (2012) as Darlene Garretti
- Dark Horse (2012) as Marie
- Higher Ground (2011) as Kathleen Walker
- Untangled: The Making of a Fairy Tale (2011) as Self
- Tangled (2010) as Mother Gothel (voice)
- Sondheim! The Birthday Concert (2010) as Self
- The Good Wife (2009) as Judge Alice Adelson
- The Mentalist (2008) as Deandra Sunderland
- Damages (2007) as Nancy
- The Nanny Diaries (2007) as Judy Braddock
- Ugly Betty (2006) as Eve
- The Fountain (2006) as Betty
- World Trade Center (2006) as Judy Jonas
- Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006) as Blair
- Ira & Abby (2006) as Dr. Betsy Goldman
- Spider-Man 2 (2004) as Rosalie Octavius
- The Door in the Floor (2004) as Frame Shop Owner
- Hack (2002) as Heather Olshansky
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001) as Maureen Pagolis
- What About Joan? (2001) as Dr. Ruby Stern
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Annie Kramer
- Center Stage (2000) as Juliette
- The Last Debate (2000) as Joan Naylor
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Raye Massey
- The Astronaut's Wife (1999) as Natalie Streck
- Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) as Anij
- The Day Lincoln Was Shot (1998) as Mary Todd Lincoln
- October 22 (1998) as Carole
- The Practice (1997) as Marie Hanson
- Ally McBeal (1997) as Marie Hanson
- Liberty! (1997) as Abigail Adams
- Nothing Sacred (1997) as Camille
- Remember WENN (1996) as Ruth Geddy
- Passion (1996) as Fosca
- Murder One (1995) as Francesca Cross
- Jade (1995) as Karen Heller
- Lifestories: Families in Crisis (1992)
- Law & Order (1990) as Karen Unger
- Law & Order (1990) as Carla Tyrell
- American Playhouse (1982) as Fosca
- Another World (1964) as D.A. Morgan Graves
- Tony Awards (1956) as Self - Nominee
- Broadway: The Next Generation as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Donna Murphy best known for?
Donna Murphy is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Brilliant Minds (2024), The Gilded Age (2022), Gossip Girl (2021), Stars in the House (2020).
When and where was Donna Murphy born?
Donna Murphy was born on March 7, 1959 in Corona, New York, USA.
How many credits does Donna Murphy have?
Donna Murphy has accumulated over 57 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2024.
What is Donna Murphy's background in cinema and television?
Donna Murphy (born March 7, 1959 in Corona, New York, USA) is an American actress and singer who works in stage, film and television. She left the New York University drama program in her sophomore year after being cast to understudy three backup singers in the 1979 Broadway musical They’re Playing Our Song. Murphy has...