7 Fascinating Facts About Audra McDonald and Her Husband Will Swenson

Audra McDonald and her husband Will Swenson are one of Broadway’s most celebrated couples.

Their story began in 2007 when they met while working on the Broadway revival of 110 in the Shade.

Swenson proposed to McDonald on New Year’s Day in 2012, and the pair married later that same year.

In October 2016, they welcomed their daughter Sally James.

Both actors are highly supportive of each other’s careers.

However, they admit to feeling nervous when the other is in the audience during performances.

McDonald, currently up for her record seventh Tony Award, shared in a 2022 joint interview with Entertainment Weekly that the most intimidating audience is the one where her husband is sitting.

She explained that although she feels loved and supported, she still wants him to like her performance.

Swenson agreed, saying he can perform confidently in front of thousands of strangers but gets nervous when McDonald is in the audience because he wants her approval the most.

Will Swenson’s Early Life and Background

Will Swenson was raised in Utah after his family moved to Provo when he was 12 years old.

He grew up performing at the Hale Theater, a family-owned venue, and was raised in a Mormon household.

However, Swenson has since left The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In a 2021 podcast appearance, he said he no longer practices Mormonism but still feels culturally connected to it.

He shared that while his family is proud of his achievements, they are also saddened and disappointed by his departure from the church.

Swenson’s Career in Acting

Swenson graduated with a theatre degree from Brigham Young University.

He began his professional career performing at Disney World as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.

He made his Broadway debut in 2004 with Brooklyn.

In 2009, Swenson earned critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for his role as Berger in the revival of Hair.

His Broadway credits also include roles such as Javert in Les Misérables (2014), Earl in Waitress (2016), and Neil Diamond in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (2022).

Besides theatre, Swenson has appeared in Mormon-themed films like The Singles Ward (2002) and Sons of Provo (2004).

Red Carpet Debut and Public Appearances

Audra McDonald and Will Swenson made their red carpet debut as a couple at the American Theatre Wing’s Spring Gala in 2009.

Since then, they have attended the Tony Awards together five times.

McDonald has supported Swenson by attending opening nights of his shows, including Hair and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Most recently, they walked the red carpet together at the 2025 Met Gala.

Marriage and Family Life

Swenson and McDonald were married on October 6, 2012, at their home in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.

In October 2024, McDonald celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt post on Instagram.

They have a blended family with their daughter Sally James, born in 2016.

McDonald is also mother to Zoe Madeline from her previous marriage to Peter Donovan.

Swenson has two sons, Sawyer and Bridger, from his first marriage to Amy Westerby.

In 2024, McDonald celebrated Sally’s 8th birthday with a loving tribute on social media.

Performing Together on Stage

The couple first shared the stage in the 2007 Broadway revival of 110 in the Shade.

McDonald played Lizzie Curry while Swenson portrayed Cody Bridger.

They reunited for a full production of the same musical in 2010 at Utah’s Hale Center Theater Orem.

Looking ahead, the pair expressed enthusiasm about performing Shakespeare’s Anthony and Cleopatra together in the future.

Their professional and personal partnership continues to thrive, making them a beloved and inspiring couple in the Broadway community.