Leslie Uggams has been a staple in American cinema and music for more than six decades, and just recently, that accomplishment was acknowledged with one of the most renowned awards in entertainment. Leslie has been granted the Oscar Hammerstein Award; a prestigious award that is only bestowed upon exceptional, once-in-a-generation-quality, musical theater artists.
While the award is focused on Uggams’ accomplishments in musical theater, such as her broadway and Apollo appearances, the legendary actress has several high-profile roles in her resume. She was a key figure in the culturally-important miniseries Roots in her youth, played a major role in the production of both Deadpool and Deadpool 2, and even had a recurring major role in the recent TV series Empire.
To celebrate this tremendous accomplishment, Leslie Uggams was accompanied by several of her lifelong friends and coworkers.
Most notably, Dionne Warwick was the one to present Uggams to the audience and host her award ceremony. Warwick is a major name in the music and acting industries, as well. She was one of the most popular R&B singers throughout the 1950s and 1990s, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, multi-time Grammy winner, and even a fellow Apollo Theater Hall of Fame inductee alongside Leslie. The two’s similar careers and passion for musical theater have seen their lives entwined, and it’s fitting for Dionne to present her friend, not only as a professional but as a friend for one of her most notable accomplishments.
Dionne Warwick wasn’t the only one to celebrate Leslie’s illustrious career, either. Uggams was also greeted on stage by long-time friends and coworkers Bonnie Comley and Stewart Lane. Both of which have produced the hit shows and events that Uggams has starred in.
With the award being such a notable, and difficult-to-obtain, accomplishment, many of Uggam’s fellow stars also showed their support in various ways. She was joined in celebration by the likes of Broadway International Voices, Shoshana Bean, La Chanze, and various other high-profile names in the musical theater field and beyond. As a special guest, one of her most recent fellow stars celebrated with her as well. While he could not attend the Oscar Hammerstein event, Ryan Reynolds did join via video call. Reynolds has been one of her most recent star-studded coworkers during her time working on Deadpool and Deadpool 2.
For more information on the York Theatre see: www.YorkTheatre.org
