Person of the Week: Patti LuPone

Patti LuPone

Born in New York, on Long Island, in 1949, Patti LuPone immediately found a comfortable spot in an artistic family. Her great-grand-aunt was the renowned opera singer, Adelina Patti, and her brother, Robert Lupone, is an actor/director/dancer best known for his work in A Chorus Line. Showing remarkable talent from an early age, Patti LuPone was a member of the first graduating class of the drama division of Julliard.

Following her time at Julliard, in 1972, LuPone was one of the founding members of John Houseman’s “The Acting Company” where she appeared in many productions until 1976. Her Broadway debut came in 1973 in The Three Sisters and in 1975 she received her first Tony Award nomination for her work in The Robber Bridegroom.

LuPone’s next biggest triumph was her starring role as Eva Peron in the original production of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Evita—an experience that brought LuPone much recognition and her first Tony, but was also a very unenjoyable time in her life. LuPone commented later that her time in Evita was riddled with problems behind the scenes. However, despite the troubles, this is one of the roles most associated with Miss LuPone and one of her finest performances.

The 1980’s saw Miss Lupone in a variety of starring roles on Broadway and in London’s West End where she delighted performances with her strong, clear voice in shows such as Oliver!, Anything Goes, and Les Misérables.

LuPone as Norma Desmond
Patti LuPone: The Official Web Site

1993 brought more triumph as LuPone was cast as “Norma Desmond” in the West End production of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s musical retelling of Billy Wilder’s Sunset Boulevard. Her performance is lauded as one of the best of the several leading ladies who played Norma in Webber’s musical. Other notable performances of the period include: Master Class, Pal Joey, Sweeney Todd, Annie Get your Gun, Gypsy and Noises Off.

Television viewers will recognize Miss LuPone from her starring role in 1989-1993’s Life Goes On, the role of Lady Bird Johnson in LBJ: The Early Years, and her many guest appearances on popular shows.

Known to take a firm stance on maintaining the elegance and dignity of live theater, Miss LuPone has been known to stop a performance if it is interrupted by a cell phone call or the flash of a camera—a response usually applauded by the audience. For her dedication to her craft, her heart-warming talent and her graceful persona, Patti LuPone is this week’s “Person of the Week.”

Remember, I’ll be accepting your nominations for “Person of the Year” throughout November. I look forward to hearing your suggestions.