Annaleigh Ashford

Ashford was born on June 25,{{cite web |title=From Glinda to Dot: Take a Look at Annaleigh Ashford on the Stage |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/from-glinda-to-dot-take-a-look-at-annaleigh-ashford-on-the-stage |website=Playbill |date=June 25, 2021}} the daughter of Holli Swanson, an elementary school gym teacher, and Chris Swanson, a small-business owner. She began practicing dance at Kit Andrée's Dance and Performing Arts Center in the second grade. She acted and sang in numerous performances and competitions in her hometown. Ashford's professional career began at age nine in Denver, when she was cast as Tina Denmark, the lead in the musical Ruthless!. At fourteen, she was profiled as "The Teen to Watch" by the Rocky Mountain News. Other Denver credits include appearing in the ensemble of The Sound of Music, West Side Story, and Paint Your Wagon, as well as in Little Women as Amy March, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella as Ella, Grease as Sandy Dumbrowski, and Anything Goes as Reno Sweeney. She graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in three years, at the age of 16, and then attended Marymount Manhattan College, where she earned a degree in theatre in another three years, at the age of 19.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41rrdtGd0yo "Annaleigh Ashford Discusses Miss Kit Andrée"] YouTube While attending Marymount Manhattan College, Ashford played Rosa Bud in The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Emma in Tell Me on a Sunday.{{Cite web|last=Henderson|first=Kathy|date=June 21, 2007|title=Annaleigh Ashford|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/6589/annaleigh-ashford/|access-date=April 9, 2019|website=Broadway.com}}{{cite tweet|number=912182413073272832|user=_ChrisEhlers|title=@sympathieXclown You should have seen her in our little college production of Tell Me On a Sunday. Astounding always. |accessdate=April 9, 2019|date=Sep 24, 2017}}

In 2004, while hanging around in New York City's Lower East Side club scene, Ashford met nightlife personality Lady Starlight, a local rock DJ and performance artist. Lady Starlight invited Ashford to dance at her 1970s glitter rock party "Lady Starlight's English Disco" and christened her Hollywood Starr.{{Cite web|date=December 12, 2011|title=See Rent Star Annaleigh Ashford In Her Go-Go Dancer Days with Lady Gaga!|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/158957/see-rent-star-annaleigh-ashford-in-her-go-go-dancer-days-with-lady-gaga/|website=Broadway.com}} Ashford performed in Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's Feeling Electric as Natalie at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2005.{{Cite web|last=Jones|first=Kenneth|date=September 14, 2005|title=Rapp & Spanger Help Spark Premiere of Feeling Electric Sept. 14-24 in NYMF|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/rapp-spanger-help-spark-premiere-of-feeling-electric-sept-14-24-in-nymf-com-128006|website=Playbill}}

Soon after graduating from college, Ashford got her big break performing as one of Glinda's friends, Pfanne, and understudying the role of Glinda on the first national tour of Wicked. She joined the cast in December 2005 and left in September 2006. She then originated the role of Margot in Legally Blonde: The Musical, her Broadway debut. She understudied the lead role of Elle Woods, but only played it once. She was featured on the original cast recording and appeared in the MTV televised airing. Ashford left the show in September 2007.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} In July 2007, she worked on a musical adaptation of Catch Me If You Can as Brenda Strong. She previously did a staged reading for the project under the Tony Award-winning director of Hairspray, Jack O'Brien.

Ashford then returned to Wicked, this time playing the lead role of Glinda in the Broadway production. She replaced Kendra Kassebaum on October 9, 2007.{{cite web|last=Moore|first=John|date=August 28, 2007|title=Ashford 'Wicked's' new Glinda|url=http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_6741953|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022044602/http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_6741953|archive-date=October 22, 2007|access-date=2007-09-30|website=The Denver Post}} She departed the company on May 11, 2008, when Kassebaum returned to the role, and transferred to the Chicago production, replacing Kate Fahrner as Glinda on June 3, 2008.{{cite web|title=Chicago's 'Wicked' snags the Broadway Glinda|url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2008/04/chicago-wicked.html|date=2008-04-15|access-date=2008-04-16|work=Chicago Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420040216/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2008/04/chicago-wicked.html|archive-date=April 20, 2008|url-status=live}} She played her final performance as Glinda on January 25, 2009, when the Chicago production closed.{{Cite web|last=Gans|first=Andrew|date=January 25, 2009|title=Wicked Ends Lengthy Chicago Sit-Down Engagement Jan. 25|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/wicked-ends-lengthy-chicago-sit-down-engagement-jan-25-com-157277|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Playbill}} In 2008, she made her film debut with a small part in Sex and the City: The Movie playing a "spoiled label queen". That same year she also appeared in the Jonathan Demme film Rachel Getting Married starring Anne Hathaway. Ashford played a counter girl.

In August 2008, Ashford played Wednesday Addams in the staged reading for musical adaptation of The Addams Family with Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth, but was later replaced by Krysta Rodriguez.{{Cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Kenneth|last2=Gans|first2=Andrew|date=August 4, 2008|title=Lane, Neuwirth, Chamberlin, McCarthy and Arden Featured in Addams Family Reading|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/lane-neuwirth-chamberlin-mccarthy-and-arden-featured-in-addams-family-reading-com-152159|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Playbill}} Other readings include Bring It On: The Musical as Campbell, The Black Suits, C'mon Get Happy, Pal Joey, and a gender-bent version of Stephen Sondheim's Company.{{cite web|last=Webber|first=Imogen Lloyd|date=October 9, 2014|title=Aaron Tveit, Annaleigh Ashford & More Set for C'mon Get Happy Industry Reading|url=http://www.broadway.com/buzz/177856/aaron-tveit-annaleigh-ashford-more-set-for-cmon-get-happy-industry-reading/|access-date=2016-06-22|website=Broadway.com}} In 2009, it was announced that Ashford would be one of the principal characters and singers in the new vaudeville styled Cirque du Soleil show, Banana Shpeel. However, it was later announced that Ashford and her colleague Michael Longoria were no longer in the cast of the show.{{Cite web|date=October 21, 2009|title=Banana Shpeel: rewrite sees Michael Longoria and Annaleigh Ashford dropped from show|url=https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/news-features/banana-shpeel-rewrite-sees-michael-longoria-and-annaleigh-ashford-dropped-from-show|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=New York Theater Guide}} Publicists announced that it was a creative decision to remove large portions of dialogue from the show, therefore making their characters non-existent. Ashford was originally slated to stay in the production from its premiere in Chicago until sometime in 2010.

Ashford starred as Jeanie in the Broadway revival of Hair. She succeeded Kacie Sheik in the role from March 9, 2010, through June 27, 2010, when the production closed.{{Cite web|last=Hetrick|first=Adam|date=February 16, 2010|title=DeGarmo, Young, Ashford and Riabko Among New Cast of Hair on Broadway|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/degarmo-young-ashford-and-riabko-among-new-cast-of-hair-on-broadway-com-165915|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Playbill}} In September 2010, Ashford made her directorial debut at Birdland Jazz Club, directing fellow Hair alum Jay Armstrong Johnson in his solo concert debut. The concert was met with rave reviews, including a notice for Ashford's "thoughtfully put together" directorial style.[http://www.castpartynyc.com/newsletter2010.html "Cast Party Newsletter"] castpartynyc.com, accessed May 16, 2016 In September 2010, Ashford played Veronica Sawyer in a concert version of the new musical Heathers in New York City. {{Cite web|last=Hetrick|first=Adam|date=September 13, 2010|title='What Is Your Damage?' Heathers: The Musical Gets Joe's Pub Concerts Sept. 13|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/what-is-your-damage-heathers-the-musical-gets-joes-pub-concerts-sept-13-com-171668|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Playbill}} The role was later played by Barrett Wilbert Weed in the 2014 off-Broadway premiere. In November 2010, Ashford was part of a reading of the musical Carrie.{{Cite web|last=Hetrick|first=Adam|date=November 9, 2010|title=EXCLUSIVE: MCC Tests Carrie, With Marin Mazzie, Aaron Tveit and Molly Ranson, Nov. 9|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/exclusive-mcc-tests-carrie-with-marin-mazzie-aaron-tveit-and-molly-ranson-nov-9-com-173412|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Playbill}}

File:Kinky Boots at Al Hirschfeld Theatre (10541042003).jpg at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (2013)]]

In January 2012, Ashford ended her run playing Maureen Johnson in the Off-Broadway revival of Rent, which began July 14, 2011 and closed on September 9, 2012.{{Cite web|last=Jones|first=Kenneth|date=June 8, 2011|title=NYC Return of Rent Will Star Annaleigh Ashford, Adam Chanler-Berat, Arianda Fernandez|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/nyc-return-of-rent-will-star-annaleigh-ashford-adam-chanler-berat-arianda-fernandez-com-179894|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Playbill}} Emma Hunton replaced Ashford as Maureen on January 13, 2012. In February 2012, Ashford made a cameo on Smash as Lisa McMann and returned for another short appearance in 2013 before the show's cancellation. From June 27 to August 19, 2012, she appeared in the Off-Broadway musical Dogfight, based on the 1991 film of the same name, playing a toothless hooker named Marcy. The role was played in the film by Elizabeth Daily. Ashford also performed on the original cast recording of the musical.{{Cite web|last=Suskin|first=Steven|date=June 2, 2013|title=ON THE RECORD: Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's Dogfight|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/on-the-record-benj-pasek-and-justin-pauls-dogfight-com-206071|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Playbill}} In 2013, Ashford provided the voice of a troll in Frozen. She has a short line greeting Kristoff and sings the second female solo after Maia Wilson in the song "Fixer Upper" for the soundtrack.{{Cite news|last=Lurie|first=Kathryn|date=November 18, 2014|title=Annaleigh Ashford on 'You Can't Take It With You' and 'Masters of Sex'|work=Wall Street Journal|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2014/11/18/annaleigh-ashford-on-you-cant-take-it-with-you-and-masters-of-sex/|issn=0099-9660}}

In 2013, after appearing in the Chicago try-outs, Ashford reprised her role as Lauren in the Broadway production of Kinky Boots, a musical with a book by Harvey Fierstein and music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper.{{Cite web|last=Ferri|first=Josh|date=December 13, 2012|title=Cyndi Lauper's Kinky Boots Moves Up Broadway Start Date|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/166135/cyndi-laupers-kinky-boots-moves-up-broadway-start-date/|website=Broadway.com}}

Variety described Ashford's performance as "sensational", and noted that she was "the only one in the entire cast, by the way, to manage a convincingly impenetrable working-class English accent."{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2013/legit/reviews/legit-review-kinky-boots-1200333293/|title= Variety|date= 5 April 2013|accessdate= May 25, 2023}} For this role, Ashford received nominations for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical.{{Cite web|last=Gans|first=Andrew|date=April 30, 2013|title=Nominations Announced for 67th Annual Tony Awards; Kinky Boots Earns 13 Nominations|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/nominations-announced-for-67th-annual-tony-awards-kinky-boots-earns-13-nominations-com-204910|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Playbill}}{{Cite web|last=Gans|first=Andrew|date=April 29, 2013|title=Nominations Announced for 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards; Giant and Hands on a Hardbody Lead the Pack|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/nominations-announced-for-58th-annual-drama-desk-awards-giant-and-hands-on-a-hardbody-lead-the-pack-com-204869|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Playbill}} Ashford left her role in Kinky Boots on March 2, 2014.{{Cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=December 3, 2013|title=Annaleigh Ashford Upped To Regular On 'Masters Of Sex', Will Depart 'Kinky Boots'|url=https://deadline.com/2013/12/annaleigh-ashford-regular-on-masters-of-sex-departs-kinky-boots-646551/|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=Deadline}} That same year, Ashford appeared in the recurring role of young sex worker Betty DiMello in season one of the Showtime series Masters of Sex. Her part was upgraded from a recurring to regular for Season 2.

On January 14, 2014, Ashford released her first single, "Another Time (Andrew's Song)", with musical director Will Van Dyke on iTunes. In addition to writing music and lyrics, Van Dyke is the featured pianist on the single. The track also features Michael Aarons on guitar, Steve Gilewski on bass, Sammy Merendino on drums, Philip Payton on violin/viola, and Allison Seidner on cello. It was recorded at Harlem Parlour Recording in New York City by Derik Lee, who also mixed and mastered the recording.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

Beginning on August 26, 2014, Ashford played the role of Essie Carmichael in the Broadway revival of You Can't Take It with You, directed by Scott Ellis. She appeared alongside Rose Byrne, James Earl Jones, and Elizabeth Ashley. The show closed on February 2, 2015. For this role, Ashford won the 2015 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play.{{Cite web|date=June 7, 2015|title=Tony Awards 2015: Annaleigh Ashford Wins Best Featured Actress in a Play|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/annaleigh-ashford-wins-tony-award-800506|access-date=February 21, 2021|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

In a limited run from October 2, 2015, to January 3, 2016, Ashford starred as the titular canine in the first Broadway production of A. R. Gurney's comedy Sylvia.{{cite web|url=http://sylviabroadway.com/ |title=Sylvia Broadway |access-date=October 19, 2015 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002060231/http://sylviabroadway.com/ |archive-date=October 2, 2015 }} The show opened at the Cort Theatre on October 27, 2015. Directed by Daniel J. Sullivan, the show also starred Julie White, Matthew Broderick, and Robert Sella.{{cite web|last=Gordon|first=David|date=July 28, 2015|title=Broadway's Sylvia Revival Looking for a Good Dog to Portray Annaleigh Ashford|url=http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/news/annaleigh-ashford-sylvia-dog-model_73679.html|access-date=October 19, 2015|work=TheaterMania}} Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan compared Ashford to Bill Irwin, writing, "she is a great clown, aside from being a wonderful actor...she has that same kind of, just throw it up there, keep trying, finding it, and refining it."{{cite news |last1=Kennedy |first1=Mark |title=Annaleigh Ashford channels her inner canine for 'Sylvia' |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-annaleigh-ashford-channels-her-inner-canine-for-2015oct19-story.html |access-date=November 24, 2020 |work=San Diego Union-Tribune |agency=Associated Press |date=19 October 2015}}

Ashford's debut album Lost in the Stars: Live at 54 Below was released November 13, 2015.{{Cite web|last=Hetrick|first=Adam|date=September 30, 2015|title=Annaleigh Ashford Will Release Live Solo Debut Album|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/annaleigh-ashford-will-release-live-solo-debut-album-com-364924|website=Playbill}} On November 17, 2015, it was announced that Ashford had signed with talent agency ICM Partners.{{Cite web|last=Gerard|first=Jeremy|date=November 17, 2015|title='Masters Of Sex' Regular Annaleigh Ashford Signs With ICM Partners|url=https://deadline.com/2015/11/annaleigh-ashford-masters-of-sex-icm-partners-1201627103/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118145048/https://deadline.com/2015/11/annaleigh-ashford-masters-of-sex-icm-partners-1201627103/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 18, 2015|website=Deadline}} On November 20, 2015, Ashford was selected to present the sixth annual Clive Barnes Theatre Award, taking place on January 11, 2016.{{cite web|last=Gans|first=Andrew|date=2015-11-20|title=Nominees for Clive Barnes Awards Include Artists from Spring Awakening, Mercury Fur and More|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/nominees-for-clive-barnes-awards-include-artists-from-spring-awakening-mercury-fur-and-more-372566|url-status=dead|access-date=2016-06-22|website=Playbill|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121172146/http://playbill.com/news/article/nominees-for-clive-barnes-awards-include-artists-from-spring-awakening-mercury-fur-and-more-372566|archive-date=2015-11-21}} On November 30, 2015, Ashford played eight roles in a reading of Paul Rudnick's critically acclaimed play Jeffrey, directed by Christopher Ashley. Other cast included Michael Urie, Robin de Jesus, James Monroe Iglehart, Andrew Keenan-Bolger, and Russell Tovey.{{cite web|last=Gambino|first=Joe|date=2015-12-01|title=Michael Urie, Annaleigh Ashford and More Took Part in Jeffrey Reading|url=https://playbill.com/article/michael-urie-annaleigh-ashford-and-more-took-part-in-jeffrey-reading-com-373656|access-date=2022-06-26|website=Playbill}}

On February 1, 2016, it was announced that Ashford would play the role of Columbia in the FOX television remake The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again.{{cite web|last=Snetiker|first=Marc|date=2016-02-01|title=Rocky Horror Picture Show Fox cast adds Annaleigh Ashford|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2016/02/01/rocky-horror-picture-show-fox-annaleigh-ashford|access-date=2016-06-22|website=EW.com}}{{cite web|last=Petski |first=Denise |url=https://deadline.com/2016/02/annaleigh-ashford-columbia-the-rocky-horror-picture-show-fox-tv-remake-1201694454/ |title='Rocky Horror Picture Show' On Fox: Annaleigh Ashford To Play Columbia |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=2016-02-01 |access-date=2016-06-22}} Ashford starred alongside Laverne Cox, Victoria Justice, and Ryan McCartan.

File:Annaleigh Ashford at PaleyFest 2014.jpg (2014)]]

On July 14, 2016, it was announced that Ashford would be starring opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in New York City Center's three October concert performances of Sunday in the Park with George as Dot/Marie, a role originated by Bernadette Peters on Broadway.{{cite web|last=Levitt|first=Hayley|date=2016-07-14|title=Annaleigh Ashford Joins Jake Gyllenhaal in Sunday in the Park With George|url=http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/annaleigh-ashford-joins-jake-gyllenhaal-in-sunday_77764.html|access-date=2017-05-31|website=TheaterMania}}{{Cite web|last=Paulson|first=Michael|date=July 14, 2016|title='Sunday in the Park With George,' With Jake Gyllenhaal, Adds 2 Performances|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/15/theater/sunday-in-the-park-with-george-with-jake-gyllenhaal-adds-2-performances.html|access-date=April 9, 2019|website=The New York Times}} On December 13, 2016, it was announced that Ashford would reprise her role as Dot/Marie opposite Gyllenhaal in Sunday in the Park with George in the show's Broadway 10-week revival at the Hudson Theater.{{cite web|last=Paulson|first=Michael|date=December 13, 2016|title=Jake Gyllenhaal to Star in Broadway Revival of 'Sunday in the Park'|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/13/theater/jake-gyllenhaal-broadway-sunday-in-the-park-with-george.html?nytmobile=0|access-date=2016-12-13|website=The New York Times}} Ashford was not eligible for a Tony Award for this performance, as the production withdrew itself from any award competition, including the Tony Awards. A statement was released on February 3, 2017, saying: "The producers of Sunday in the Park with George will not be submitting Hudson Theatre’s engagement of this New York City Center production for awards eligibility. With a season so full of tremendous, soon-to-be long-running new musicals and revivals, the producers feel this extremely limited, special run stands most appropriately outside of any awards competition. The production is nevertheless proud to be part of such a landmark Broadway season."{{cite web|last=Viagas|first=Robert|date=2017-02-03|title=Sunday in the Park Revival Withdraws From Tony Awards Consideration|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/sunday-in-the-park-revival-withdraws-from-tony-awards-consideration|access-date=2022-06-26|website=Playbill}}

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praised her work writing, "Ashford is the funniest Dot in memory", noting "her mischievous humor and openness [plays] a delicate counterpoint to Gyllenhaal’s Seurat...But there are tremendously moving layers to her characterization too, revealing the searing wound beneath the pride"{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/sunday-in-the-park-with-george-theater-979116/|title= 'Sunday in the Park With George': Theater Review|website= The Hollywood Reporter|date= 23 February 2017|accessdate= May 25, 2023}} Marilyn Stasio of Variety also praised Ashford writing that she has a "stunning voice and [was] quite enchanting".{{cite web|url= https://variety.com/2017/legit/reviews/sunday-in-the-park-with-george-review-jake-gyllenhaal-1201993848/|title= Broadway Review: Jake Gyllenhaal in 'Sunday in the Park With George'|website= Variety|date= 24 February 2017|accessdate= May 25, 2023}} In 2017 the cast album to be released by Warner Music Group. It was produced and mixed by Bart Migal and features the full Broadway company, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Robert Sean Leonard, Erin Davie, and Penny Fuller.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

On April 4, 2017, it was announced that Ashford would be joining The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park production of A Midsummer Night's Dream as Helena.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} The production also co-starred Phylicia Rashad as Titania, Kristine Nielsen as Puck and Danny Burstein as Nick Bottom. The production received mixed responses but Ashford was praised. Elizabeth Vincentelli of Newsday wrote, "[Ashford] has emerged as a sublimely gifted comedienne. She [has] impeccable timing with delightfully unexpected line readings."{{cite web|url= https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/theater/a-midsummer-night-s-dream-review-puckish-one-note-romp-q57105|title= 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' review: Puckish 'one-note romp'|website= Newsday|date= August 2017|accessdate= May 25, 2023}}

On September 12, 2017, it was announced that Ashford would join the cast of Woody Allen's drama film A Rainy Day in New York, which was completed on October 23, 2017. The film was released in Europe, Asia, Central America, and South America in 2019 and in the UK and US in 2020. On November 3, 2017, it was announced that Ashford would make her New York Philharmonic debut in a televised New Year's Eve concert celebrating the music of Leonard Bernstein. Also featuring Laura Osnes, Aaron Tveit, and Christopher Jackson, New Year’s Eve: Bernstein on Broadway featured songs from Bernstein's scores for On the Town, West Side Story, Candide, and Wonderful Town. It was accompanied by Bramwell Tovey and aired on PBS on December 31, 2017.{{cite web|last1=Lefkowitz|first1=Andy|date=November 3, 2017|title=Annaleigh Ashford, Aaron Tveit, Laura Osnes & Christopher Jackson to Sing Leonard Bernstein in Televised New Year's Eve Concert|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/190219/annaleigh-ashford-aaron-tveit-laura-osnes-christopher-jackson-to-sing-leonard-bernstein-in-televised-new-years-eve-concert/|access-date=November 4, 2017|website=Broadway.com}}

File:Stephen Sondheim - smoking.JPG musicals]]

Ashford appeared as Elizabeth Cote in four episodes of the mini-series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, which premiered on January 17, 2018.{{cite web|last=Nemetz|first=Dave|date=November 1, 2017|title=American Crime Story: Versace Gets January Premiere Date on FX|url=http://tvline.com/2017/11/01/american-crime-story-season-2-gianni-versace-premiere-date-fx/|url-status=dead|access-date=November 9, 2017|website=TVLine|archive-date=March 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331035626/https://tvline.com/2017/11/01/american-crime-story-season-2-gianni-versace-premiere-date-fx/}}{{cite web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=October 18, 2016|title='American Crime Story' Renewed By FX For Season 3, Will Take On Versace Murder|url=https://deadline.com/2016/10/american-crime-story-renewed-fx-season-3-versace-murder-1201838392/|access-date=October 18, 2016|website=Deadline}}{{Cite web|date=June 21, 2017|title=Exclusive Photos of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story|url=https://ew.com/tv/the-assassination-of-gianni-versace-american-crime-story-photos/|access-date=2019-12-29|website=EW.com|language=EN}} On February 15, 2018, it was announced that Ashford would lead a single-camera comedy pilot Southern Hospitality for ABC. Tristram Shapeero was set to direct.{{cite web|last=Otterson|first=Joe|date=February 15, 2018|title='American Crime Story's' Annaleigh Ashford to Star in ABC Comedy Pilot 'Three Rivers'|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/annaleigh-ashford-abc-comedy-pilot-three-rivers-1202701347/|access-date=March 17, 2018|website=Variety}} The pilot was not picked up.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Ashford co-starred in the Jennifer Lopez-led comedy film Second Act as Hildy, opposite Vanessa Hudgens.{{cite web|last1=N'Duka|first1=Amanda|date=October 17, 2017|title=Vanessa Hudgens & Annaleigh Ashford Board Jennifer Lopez-Starring Film 'Second Act'|url=https://deadline.com/2017/10/vanessa-hudgens-annaleigh-ashford-jennifer-lopez-second-act-stxfilms-1202190102/|access-date=October 17, 2017|website=Deadline Hollywood}} The film was released in 2018. On July 23, 2018, it was announced that Ashford would be starring in American Reject, a new musical film.{{cite web|date=July 23, 2018|title=Odds & Ends: Annaleigh Ashford & Keala Settle Cast in New Film American Reject & More|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/192857/odds-ends-annaleigh-ashford-keala-settle-cast-in-new-film-american-reject-more/|access-date=July 23, 2018|website=Broadway.com}} Ashford was set to reprise her role as Dot/Marie in Sunday in the Park with George at the Savoy Theatre in London in 2020.{{cite web|last=Balfour-Oatts|first=Josephine|date=December 4, 2019|title=SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE - one of 2020's most coveted theatrical events|url=https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/news/post/SUNDAY-IN-THE-PARK-WITH-GEORGE-one-of-2020-s-most-coveted-theatrical-events|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206191609/https://www.londonboxoffice.co.uk/news/post/SUNDAY-IN-THE-PARK-WITH-GEORGE-one-of-2020-s-most-coveted-theatrical-events|archive-date=December 6, 2019|access-date=December 6, 2019|website=London Box Office}} However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the run was postponed to 2021.{{cite news|last=Wiegand|first=Chris|date=5 May 2020|title=West End theatres extend shutdown caused by coronavirus|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/may/05/london-west-end-theatres-extend-coronavirus-shutdown}} In February 2020, Ashford was cast as one of the two main lead roles for the CBS situation comedy B Positive, in which she plays Gina, an unstable woman who is the perfect match for a person in need of a kidney, who happens to be a divorced father who she knows from the past. For its second season, the series was revamped and centered on Ashford's character. Ashford also performed the series' lengthy opening theme in a musical-theater style. The final episode aired March 10, 2022.{{Cite web|date=February 19, 2020|title=Development Update: Wednesday, February 19|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/02/19/development-update-wednesday-february-19-16412/13199/|website=The Futon Critic}} The series was greenlit by CBS on May 8, 2020, as an entry in the 2020–21 television season.{{Cite web|last=Goldberg|first=Lesley|date=May 8, 2020|title='Clarice,' 'The Equalizer' and Chuck Lorre's 'B Positive' Nab CBS Series Pickups|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/clarice-equalizer-chuck-lorres-b-positive-nab-cbs-series-pickups-1293952|website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

In 2021 she played Paula Jones in the Ryan Murphy limited drama series American Crime Story: Impeachment on FX. The role, a departure from her comedic roles, was a serious one that demanded a physical transformation. Ashford did not meet with the real-life figure but heavily relied on the wealth of material available. She said "I can have empathy for the fact that she came from a very conservative family...I also have a great deal of empathy for the way the media treated her and the way she was seduced by right-wing operatives to make certain choices at the same time."{{cite magazine|url= https://ew.com/tv/annaleigh-ashford-paula-jones-impeachment-american-crime-story-interview/|title= Why Annaleigh Ashford was 'protective' of her character Paula Jones on Impeachment: American Crime Story|magazine= Entertainment Weekly|accessdate= April 9, 2023}} The following year she played Irene in the Hulu limited series Welcome to Chippendales. She starred alongside Kumail Nanjiani, Murray Bartlett, and Juliette Lewis.

In 2023, she returned to Broadway in the revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street taking on the role of Mrs. Lovett opposite Josh Groban as the titular character. She earned rave reviews for her performance, including praise of her vocal abilities and her comedic timing, with many stating she made the role her own and distinguished herself from Angela Lansbury who originated the role. She received her third Tony Award nomination, this time for Best Actress in a Musical. She also earned her first Grammy Award nomination for Best Musical Theater Album for her performance on the cast album. It was announced on October 14, 2023, that Ashford's final performance as Mrs. Lovett would be on January 14, 2024.Higgins, Molly [https://www.playbill.com/article/annaleigh-ashford-and-josh-groban-set-final-performance-date-in-broadways-sweeney-todd Annaleigh Ashford and Josh Groban Set Final Performance Date in Broadway's Sweeney Todd], Playbill, October 14, 2023 Later that month, it was announced that Sutton Foster would succeed Ashford as Mrs. Lovett starting on February 9, 2024.Higgins, Molly [https://playbill.com/article/aaron-tveit-and-sutton-foster-to-join-broadways-sweeney-todd Aaron Tveit and Sutton Foster to Join Broadway's Sweeney Todd], Playbill, October 31, 2023

Ashford has celiac disease, and therefore maintains a strict gluten-free diet.{{Cite magazine|last=Calautti|first=Katie|date=August 18, 2014|title=Masters of Sex Star Annaleigh Ashford on Sunday's Racially Charged Episode: "It's a Reminder That It's Still a Conscious Issue"|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/08/masters-of-sex-annaleigh-ashford|magazine=Vanity Fair}}

Ashford and fellow actor Joe Tapper were married at the Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado, on July 29, 2013.{{Cite news|last=Brady|first=Lois Smith|date=August 2, 2013|title=Onstage Together at Last|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/fashion/weddings/onstage-together-at-last.html|issn=0362-4331}} On May 11, 2016, People reported that Ashford was pregnant with their first child, a boy.{{Cite web|last=Juneau|first=Jen|date=May 11, 2016|title=Baby Boy on the Way for Annaleigh Ashford and Joe Tapper|url=https://people.com/parents/annaleigh-ashford-pregnant-first-child-son-joe-tapper/|website=People|access-date=June 26, 2022}} Ashford and Tapper's son was born in 2016.[https://www.facebook.com/conversationswitheugeneebner/videos/632432203592637/ "Flashback Friday – Highlights with Annaleigh Ashford"] Conversations with Eugene Ebner, September 9, 2016{{cite web|date=September 28, 2016|title=Annaleigh Ashford Welcomes Son Jack Clark|url=https://people.com/parents/annaleigh-ashford-welcomes-son-jack-clark/|access-date=June 26, 2022|website=People}} On August 19, 2024, Ashford announced that she was pregnant with her and Tapper's second child, due to be born in the fall.{{cite web |last1=Staff |first1=Broadway.com |title=Tony Winner Annaleigh Ashford Expecting Second Child with Husband Joe Tapper |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/204554/tony-winner-annaleigh-ashford-expecting-second-child-with-husband-joe-tapper/ |website=Broadway.com |access-date=26 August 2024}}

Sources:{{cite web |title=Annaleigh Ashford Biography |url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/annaleigh-ashford/profile/ |website=Broadway.com |access-date=June 26, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Annaleigh Ashford (Performer) |url=https://www.playbill.com/person/annaleigh-ashford-vault-0000034701 |website=Playbill |access-date=June 26, 2022}}{{cite web |title=Annaleigh Ashford |url=https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/annaleigh-ashford-453747 |website=Internet Broadway Database |access-date=June 26, 2022}}

• 2007: Legally Blonde (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
• 2013: Dogfight (Original Cast Recording)
• 2013: "Love Me Back" – single (with Richard Hall)
• 2013: "Stand Beside Me" – single (with Richard Hall)
• 2013: Kinky Boots (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
• 2013: Frozen (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
• 2014: "Another Time (Andrew's Song)" – single (with Will Van Dyke)
• 2014: Ahrens & Flaherty: Nice Fighting You (A 30th Anniversary Celebration Live at 54 Below)
• 2015: Lost in the Stars: Live at 54 Below
• 2016: The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again
• 2016: "A New Year" – single (with Will Van Dyke & Jeff Talbott)
• 2017: Sunday in the Park with George (2017 New Broadway Cast Recording)
• 2019: John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch
• 2020: Thankful: An Album for Jerad Bortz
• 2021: "Theme (From B Positive)" - single
• 2022: Super Songs of Big Mouth, Vol. 2 (Music from the Netflix Series)
• 2023: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2023 New Broadway Cast Recording)

Sources:{{cite web |title=Annaleigh Ashford Discography |url=http://castalbums.org/people/Annaleigh-Ashford/27536 |website=CastAlbums.org}}{{cite web |title=Love Me Back - featuring Annaleigh Ashford |url=http://popnotpop.com/track/love-me-back-featuring-annaleigh-ashford |website=PoPnOtPoP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021231621/http://popnotpop.com/track/love-me-back-featuring-annaleigh-ashford |archive-date=October 21, 2016}}{{cite web |title=Stand Beside Me - featuring Annaleigh Ashford |url=http://popnotpop.com/track/stand-beside-me-featuring-annaleigh-ashford |website=PoPnOtPoP |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021232124/http://popnotpop.com/track/stand-beside-me-featuring-annaleigh-ashford |archive-date=October 21, 2016}}{{Cite web|last=Gioia|first=Michael|date=January 14, 2014|title=Tony Nominee Annaleigh Ashford Digitally Releases 'Another Time' Single by Will Van Dyke|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/tony-nominee-annaleigh-ashford-digitally-releases-another-time-single-by-will-van-dyke-com-213730|website=Playbill}}

On April 7, 2008, Ashford made her professional cabaret debut as a part of the Broadway at Birdland series at Birdland Jazz Club. She performed an early version of what has now become her critically acclaimed Lost in the Stars show. Many songs from her debut, including "Love Hurts", "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters", and the titular song, "Lost in the Stars", stayed with the show and are now featured on her live album. Alex Lacamoire served as her musical director.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-08 |title=Annaleigh Ashford & Alex Lacamoire on New York City: Get Tickets Now! {{!}} Theatermania - 141994 |url=https://www.theatermania.com/shows/new-york-city-theater/annaleigh-ashford-alex-lacamoire_141994/?genres=cabaret |access-date=2025-05-05 |language=en-US}}

In February 2014, Ashford made her 54 Below concert debut with her now acclaimed cabaret show, Lost in the Stars. After two sold-out shows on the 3rd of the month, Ashford added an encore performance due to popular demand.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} She returned to 54 Below for a special Christmas-themed reincarnation of her cabaret act for the first two Mondays of December with "a little more holiday cheer involved". She was reviewed by Stephen Holden of The New York Times for her show on December 1.{{Cite news|last=Holden|first=Stephen|date=December 3, 2014|title=A Saucy Persona, Peppered With Wisdom|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/arts/music/annaleigh-ashford-at-54-below.html|issn=0362-4331}} On February 11, 2015, it was announced that Ashford would be joined by Van Dyke and The Whiskey Five band in a tour of her acclaimed cabaret show in five cities. In addition to her February 11 return to 54 Below, she also played in Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and two special shows in her hometown of Denver, Colorado.{{Cite web|last=Hetrick|first=Adam|date=February 11, 2015|title=Annaleigh Ashford Will Hit the Road With Lost in the Stars|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/annaleigh-ashford-will-hit-the-road-with-lost-in-the-stars-com-341484|website=Playbill}}

On August 30, 2015, Ashford had a secret popup Brunch With Annaleigh: The Concert at 54 Below, which was an extension of the Lost in the Stars show. This concert was recorded to serve as part of Ashford's debut album, which is a compilation of multiple New York City dates at 54 Below in 2014 and 2015.{{Cite tweet |last=Sandberg |first=Andy |user=Andy_Sandberg |number=638122282561478656 |date=August 30, 2015 |title=Lest I ever forget how amazing @TheAAshford is, I have now experienced #BrunchWithAnnaleigh: The Concert. w/ @BaselineNY & @scottelmegreen |link=https://twitter.com/Andy_Sandberg/status/638122282561478656}}{{Cite web|last=Gioia|first=Michael|date=June 7, 2015|title='Thank You, Lord!' — Annaleigh Ashford On Her Next Broadway Show, Releasing an Album and Winning a Tony|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/thank-you-lord-annaleigh-ashford-on-her-next-broadway-show-releasing-an-album-and-winning-a-tony-com-350788|website=Playbill}}

Ashford's debut album, Lost in the Stars: Live at 54 Below, recorded from her stage show, was released November 13, 2015.{{Cite web|last=Webber|first=Imogen Lloyd|date=September 30, 2015|title=Odds & Ends: NPH's Best Time Ever Switches It Up, Annaleigh Ashford's 'Hot Stuff' & More|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/182254/odds-ends-nphs-best-time-ever-switches-it-up-annaleigh-ashfords-hot-stuff-more/|website=Broadway.com}}{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053253/http://www.westendframe.com/2015/10/annaleigh-ashford-to-release-debut-album.html "Annaleigh Ashford to Release Debut Album"]}} westendframe.com, October 2015

Ashford returned to 54 Below for a New Year's Eve special, Lost in the Stars: New Year's Magic.{{Cite web|last=McPhee|first=Ryan|date=September 24, 2015|title=Tony Winner Annaleigh Ashford Will Ring in the New Year at Feinstein's/54 Below|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/182191/tony-winner-annaleigh-ashford-will-ring-in-the-new-year-at-feinsteins54-below/|website=Broadway.com}}{{Cite web|last=Hetrick|first=Adam|date=September 24, 2015|title=Annaleigh Ashford Will Ring In New Year's Magic at Feinstein's/54 Below|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/annaleigh-ashford-will-ring-in-new-years-magic-at-feinsteins-54-below-com-364180|website=Playbill}} On November 26, 2015, Lost in the Stars was nominated for a BroadwayWorld Cabaret Award in the category "Best Show, Celebrity Female". On September 13, 2016, it was announced that Ashford would once again return to 54 Below for an updated version of Lost in the Stars: New Year's Magic.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

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• {{Official website|http://www.annaleighashford.com}}
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