When you think of successful sisters of stage and screen (large and small) most people don’t automatically think about Audra McDonald. Yet this sister has won four Tony Awards (yes she was the one who managed to make Diddy look good in “A Raisin in the Sun” for which she garnered an award). She also picked up statuettes for 2 musicals: “Ragtime”, “Carousel”, (as well as the play “Master Class”).  Most of us, however, probably only know her as probably know her as Dr. Naomi Bennett in “Private Practice”, the “Grey’s Anatomy” spin-off, that doesn’t give us the full insight of what Audra is capable of doing.

One of the reasons I like McDonald so much is that she doesn’t seem as interested as being ‘famous’ as she in being good at what she does. During her break from “Private Practice” she’s braving the crazy rain, bugs and various animals walking across the stage night  after night (until July 12th) for her role of Olivia in Shakespeare in the Parks’s production of “Twelfth Night”  alongside Anne Hathaway at NYC’s Delacorte Theater in Central Park. We know that the “Rachel Getting Married Star” is probably drawing the crowd but I would venture a guess that the audience is willing to sit through the occasional storm because McDonald is just that good. 

I can’t say, however, that I am sure that Hollywood knows what to do with her. But kudos to Shondra Rhimes for getting her face in front of the television viewing public at large. She may have fared a bit better than Viola Davis but clearly this is not enough. Audra can do so much more. And I for one hope that someone gets a clue and fast!

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