I’m Lynnie Godfrey—an actress, singer, director, producer, and author whose work has carried me across Broadway, television, film, cabaret, and arts leadership. At the heart of everything I do is storytelling: its power to reflect who we are, to challenge us, and to bring people together.
Over the years, my work has been honored in ways I’m deeply grateful for, including a Drama Desk nomination for my Broadway debut in EUBIE!, NAACP and Dramalogue awards, and recognition from organizations such as AUDELCO. I’ve also been inducted as a Lloyd Richards Fellow and received the 2024 LEGACY Award.
Performance & Creative Work
My theatre journey spans Broadway, the London West End, Off-Broadway, regional stages, and international tours. Some of my most meaningful roles include EUBIE!, Shuffle Along, No Place to Be Somebody, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Damn Yankees, and Snow Queen. I’ve also created solo cabaret shows celebrating classic American songwriting, and released two CDs, Lynnie Godfrey Does It Her Way and Spending the Holidays with Lynnie Godfrey.
Film and television have been another important chapter. I’ve appeared on over 30 network shows, including recurring roles on Amen, Brewster Place, and 704 Hauser, and films such as V.I. Warshawski and Women Without Implants. For a full list of my performances, visit the Performances page.
As a director and producer, I founded Essence of Acting, Inc., a professional acting organization, and have been honored for my productions with the Tyrone Guthrie Award and NAACP recognition. Learn more on the Directing page.
Leadership, Advocacy & Education
Leadership and advocacy are integral to my work. I currently serve as President of the League of Professional Theatre Women and have been involved with Friends of Music, ArtsQuest, and other arts organizations. I frequently participate in panels and discussions on diversity, leadership, and arts education.
Roots & Early Influences
I was born and raised in Harlem, the daughter of Maggie and Fred Godfrey. I began my formal voice training early with Dr. Chauncey Northern Sr. and studied theatre under the legendary Lloyd Richards at Hunter College, experiences that continue to shape my work today.
New Work & Media
In recent years, I’ve embraced digital platforms for storytelling, including directing and performing in new works like Say Their Name: The Tanishiha Anderson Story and Greenwood: An American Dream Destroyed. I also created Lynnie in Your Living Room, a panel series exploring diversity through the arts, and host Lynnie Godfrey: Straight No Chaser, a weekly radio program fostering candid conversation and community.
For details on specific projects, performances, and media, explore the Work and Media Kit sections.
