Idina Menzel
30 May 1971
Show History:
Current Role
Please Note: Idina Menzel is no longer starring in the West End show, Wicked. The role of Elphaba is now being played by Kerry Ellis
Early Life
Idina was born on 30th May 1971 in New York. She grew up in Woodbury, Long Island, having moved between Queens and New Jersey. She performed in various talent shows and school musicals and started having singing lessons from the age of eight. Throughout her school years Idina also sang for various wedding bands and she later graduated from New York University's Tisch School of Drama with a bachelor's degree in Drama.
Career Highlights
Having graduated from University, Idina wanted to pursue a career as a song writer with her own band. However, she needed money to follow the dream and decided to audition for a small off-Broadway show called 'Rent.' This was a big break for Idina, with the show becoming one of the biggest musical success stories of the 1990s. 'Rent' still plays on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre. Before leaving the role in January 1997, Idina was nominated for a Tony Award for her role of Maureen Johnson in the original cast. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Taye Diggs. They married in January 2003.
After a period recording and promoting a debut album, entitled 'Still I Can't be Still', Idina returned to the New York stage in 'The Wild Party'. Although the production was not a huge success, Idina had found her niche, and she began performing more on Broadway in various concerts, including a revival of 'Hair'. She also performed in Elton John and Tim Rice's 'Aida' for several months.
Idina was cast as the original Elphaba in Wicked and performed in the show's Broadway opening night in October 2003. This is undoubtedly Idina's most successful role to date, with her winning a Tony Award. She played the role until it was recently taken over by Kerry Ellis.
Interesting Facts- Idina's last name was originally spelt 'Mentzel,' she changed it as everyone pronounced it wrong.
- Ray Charles invited Idina to sing a duet with him which was released on his album "Genius and Friends."
- Idina has contributed songs to many soundtracks including televisions Desperate Housewives
