Laura Benanti Biography

Fast Facts

• Nominated for a Tony Award in 1999 for her work in "Swing!"
• Received of the Rising Star Award by Paper Mill Playhouse for the title role in a production of "Hello, Dolly!"
• Briefly attended New York University
• Daughter of Broadway performer, Martin Vidnovic
• Cousin to the bassist of Minor Threat, Steve Hansgen
• Suffered a serious neck injury that would later require surgery while performing with "Into the Woods" in 2002, one that resulted in her firing from the production
• Auditioned for the Broadway revival of "The Sound of Music" at the suggestion of artistic director Robert Johanson
• Earned a supporting role in the 2013 live, televised adaptation of "The Sound of Music․"
• Earned her first recurring television role in 2005 on "Starved․"
• Her parents initially forbid her from trying out for professional theater productions