Biography
Who is Kristin Chenoweth?
Early life and education
Kristin Chenoweth was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and was adopted five days after her birth. She was named Kristi Dawn Chenoweth by her adoptive parents, Junie Smith Chenoweth and Jerry Morris Chenoweth. Both of her adoptive parents worked as chemical engineers. Growing up in the suburbs of Tulsa, she began singing gospel music at local churches at a very young age. One early performance memory includes singing the song Four Feet Eleven at a Southern Baptist Convention national conference when she was twelve years old.
Beginning her acting career
While completing her master's degree, Kristin performed in regional theatre productions in Oklahoma City, including roles in Gypsy and The Sound of Music. At age 19, she spent a summer performing in the Way Out West stage show at Opryland USA in Nashville. After finishing her degree, she received a scholarship to the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. However, she traveled to New York City to help a friend move and ended up auditioning for the musical Animal Crackers.
Broadway and television success
Kristin Chenoweth achieved significant Broadway success in 1999 by playing Sally Brown in the revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. This performance won her both a Tony Award and a Drama Desk Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. In 2003, she originated the role of Glinda in the musical Wicked. Her performance as Glinda earned her a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. She also appeared in other Broadway productions such as The Apple Tree, Promises, Promises, and On the Twentieth Century.
Personal life and other projects
In addition to her acting work, Kristin has released multiple albums including A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas, Coming Home, and The Art of Elegance. She also wrote a memoir titled A Little Bit Wicked, published in 2009. In her 2023 book I'm No Philosopher, but I Got Thoughts, she revealed details about her biological parents, bassist Billy Ethridge and Wanda Lynn Cooper. She eventually met her biological mother. Genetic testing also clarified that she is 4% Native American, despite previously believing she had one-quarter Cherokee descent.
Birthday and age
Kristin Chenoweth was born on July 24, 1968, which makes Kristin 58 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Kristin shares the date with 28 other famous people.
Explore more
