Beatrice “Bebe” Jane Neuwirth (born December 31, 1958) is an American actress, singer, and dancer. Known for her roles on stage and screen, she has received two Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Drama Desk Awards.
Neuwirth made her Broadway debut in the musical A Chorus Line in 1980. She went on to win two Tony Awards, the first for Best Featured Actress in a Musical playing Nickie in the revival of Sweet Charity.
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Bebe Neuwirth Net Worth
Bebe Neuwirth has a net worth of $10 million. She is probably best known for her work in establishing the Dancers’ Resource program at The Actors Fund, which addresses the financial and physical needs unique to professional dancers.
Neuwirth currently serves as vice chair on the board of trustees for The Actors Fund. She has also supported Seeds of Peace.
Early Life
Bebe Neuwirth was born in Newark, New Jersey. Her father, Lee Neuwirth, was a mathematician who taught at Princeton University and designed an encryption device while working at the Institute for Defense Analyses. Her mother, Sydney Anne Neuwirth, is a painter who also danced as an amateur for the Princeton Regional Ballet Company.
She has an older brother, Peter, a mathematician and actuary who graduated from Harvard. She attended Chapin School, Princeton Day School, and Princeton High School. In her youth, Neuwirth rebelled against authority and was placed in custody for smoking marijuana at age 13.
Career
Studying acting for two years under Suzanne Shepard, Neuwirth made her Broadway debut in the role of Sheila Bryant in A Chorus Line in 1980. She later appeared in revivals of Little Me (1982); Sweet Charity (1986), for which she won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the 40th Tony Awards; and Damn Yankees (1994).
In 1996, Neuwirth played Velma Kelly in the Broadway revival of Chicago. She described the role’s difficulty as “like performing microsurgery from 8 to 10:20.” This role brought her her greatest stage recognition to date and several awards, including a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.
Personal Life
In 1984, Neuwirth married Paul Dorman. She met him in 1982 after performing in Upstairs at O’Neal’s, a revue at O’Neal’s restaurant in New York, where he was bartending. The two divorced in 1991. In 2009, she married director, producer, and writer Chris Calkins at The Players Club in Manhattan, in a ceremony officiated by actor Peter Coyote.
In a 2004 article in the newspaper J. The Jewish News of Northern California, Neuwirth described herself as Jewish — a “plain Jew” with “no training.” In a 2011 interview, she said she was an “atheist” who “believe[d] in unseen and unproved things” such as reincarnation.
Who Played Judge Claudia Friend in The Good Wife?
Bebe Neuwirth expanded her television repertoire by playing Judge Claudia Friend in the legal drama “The Good Wife.” This role further showcased her versatility as an actress and contributed to her esteemed career.
Conclusion
Bebe Neuwirth’s journey from Broadway to Hollywood is a remarkable tale of talent, perseverance, and success. With a net worth of $10 million, her story is one of artistic passion meeting financial success, making her a true icon in the entertainment industry.
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FAQs about Bebe Neuwirth
- How did Bebe Neuwirth start her career? Neuwirth began her career in ballet before transitioning to Broadway, where she made a name for herself in musical theater.
- What are some of Bebe Neuwirth’s most notable roles? Besides Lilith Sternin on “Cheers” and “Frasier,” Neuwirth is known for her roles in “Chicago,” “Sweet Charity,” and “The Addams Family” on Broadway.
- Has Bebe Neuwirth won any awards? Yes, Neuwirth has won two Tony Awards for her performances in Broadway productions and two Emmy Awards for her role in “Cheers.”
- What is Bebe Neuwirth’s approach to real estate? Neuwirth owns properties in both New York City and Princeton, New Jersey, balancing her life between the city’s energy and the countryside’s peace.
- What makes Bebe Neuwirth stand out in her career? Neuwirth’s ability to excel in dance, theater, film, and television showcases her diverse talents and dedication to her craft, making her a respected and versatile figure in the entertainment industry.
