Kristin Chenoweth.

Kristi Dawn Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth — Actor

Born 24 Jul 1968 Broken Arrow, United States

Citizenship United States

Age 57 yr Today

9 min read

Reading time

1,657

Words

Jun 18, 2026

Published

130

Film credits

4

Books

7

Awards

TL;DR

Kristin Chenoweth originated the role of Glinda in the Broadway musical Wicked in 2003. She won a Tony Award in 1999 for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and an Emmy in 2009 for Pushing Daisies. Chenoweth has also released three studio albums and performed at the Metropolitan Opera. She is an advocate for adoption causes.

Identity & family.

KIN · 1

Names, aliases, and relatives of Kristin Chenoweth — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Kristi Dawn Chenoweth

Nicknames Cheno, The K Cho, K Cho

Aliases Kristen Chenowith, Kristin Chenowith

SPOUSES: Josh Bryant

At a glance.

STATS

Kristin Chenoweth by the numbers — life, work, and family.

57 Age

130 Film credits

4 Books

7 Awards

1 Marriage

Who is Kristin Chenoweth?

BIOGRAPHY

Kristin Chenoweth — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Adopted soon after birth by Jerry and Junie Chenoweth, Kristi Dawn Chenoweth was born on July 24, 1968, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She grew up with older brother Mark and attended Broken Arrow Senior High School, graduating in 1986.

Chenoweth studied musical theater at Oklahoma City University under the guidance of Florence Birdwell, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1990. She later received a Master’s Degree in Opera Performance from OCU. Her training there prepared her for a career spanning musical theater and opera.

Career

Chenoweth began her Broadway career in 1997 with Steel Pier. In 1999, she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance as Sally in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

She originated the role of Glinda in the musical Wicked in 2003, earning a Tony nomination. Chenoweth returned to Broadway in 2010 opposite Sean Hayes in Promises, Promises.

On television, she played Olive Snook on Pushing Daisies, winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2009. She also appeared on Glee as April Rhodes, earning another Emmy nomination, and had a recurring role on The West Wing. In film, she starred in Four Christmases 2008, Deck the Halls 2006, and Into Temptation 2009.

In 2007, Chenoweth became the third musical theater performer to give a solo concert at the Metropolitan Opera. She has recorded three studio albums and performed with symphony orchestras worldwide.

Personal life

Chenoweth is married to Josh Bryant. She has an older brother, Mark, and parents Jerry and Junie Chenoweth. Open about her adoption, she advocates for adoption causes. The actress is bi-coastal, splitting time between New York and Los Angeles.

Legacy

Chenoweth earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, induction into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, and the GLAAD Vanguard Award. Her Tony Award for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Emmy for Pushing Daisies mark achievements across stage and television. She originated the role of Glinda in Wicked in 2003, a role that earned her a Tony nomination and remains her most recognized work.

Filmography.

FILMS · 130

Browse the complete filmography of Kristin Chenoweth — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

American Dad!

2005
TV

Late Night with Seth Meyers

2014
TV

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

2015
TV

Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen

2009
TV

Conan

2010
TV

The Good Wife

2009
TV

Frasier

1993
TV

The Jennifer Hudson Show

2022
TV

The Kelly Clarkson Show

2019
TV

The Late Late Show with James Corden

2015
TV

The West Wing

1999
TV

Sherri

2022
TV

Sesame Street

1969
TV

Glee

2009

Could not load more credits.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 7

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Kristin Chenoweth — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Theatre World Award
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical
GLAAD Vanguard Award
Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 4

Kristin Chenoweth's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

A Little Bit Wicked

by Kristin Chenoweth
Amazon

My Moment

by Kristin Chenoweth et al.
Amazon

I'm No Philosopher, but I Got Thoughts

by Kristin Chenoweth
Amazon

What Will I Do with My Love Today?

by Kristin Chenoweth et al.

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 3

A wall of memorable lines from Kristin Chenoweth — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

I’ve Never Changed My Clothes so Fast in My Life. Accepting Her 1999 Tony Award, When She Had to Quickly Change Out of Costume as Her Award Was Presented Immediately Following a Musical Number She Performed In.
I Am a Christian and I Don’t Want There to Be Any Confusion About What I Believe or Who I Am. I Don’t Believe Gay People Are Going to Hell. I Believe That Judgment Is Left to the One Upstairs and I Believe Jesus Is All About Love. If I Can Live My Life Even Just a Smidgen the Way God Made His Son for Us as an Example, I’m Happy. I Do Not Judge Other People for What They Believe, but for Me, This Is What Works.
I’m a Very Controversial Figure in the Christian World. I Don’t Believe If You’re Gay or You Have a Drink or You Dance, You’re Going to Hell. I Don’t Think That’s the Kind of God We Have. the Pat Robertsons and Jerry Falwells of the World Are Scary. I Want to Be a Christian Like Christ Loving and Accepting of Other People.

Did you know?

FACTS · 7

Little-known facts about Kristin Chenoweth — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Chenoweth earned a Bachelor of Arts in musical theater from Oklahoma City University in 1990.
She graduated from Broken Arrow High School in 1986.
Chenoweth has been nominated for four Tony Awards: in 1999 for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, in 2004 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical for Wicked, in 2007 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical for The Apple Tree, and in 2015 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical for On the Twentieth Century. She won twice, for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and On the Twentieth Century.
While filming The Good Wife in July 2012, a lighting rig struck Chenoweth in the head, causing a skull fracture, cracked ribs, and damage to her teeth, nose, and neck. She was hospitalized, left the show, and has spoken about the accident’s lasting physical and mental impact.
Chenoweth is a Tony and Emmy-winning American actress and singer.
She is a cousin of actress Tiffany Palmer.
Chenoweth shares the same height as actress Estelle Getty, 5 feet 0 inches.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 31

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Kristin Chenoweth.

When was Kristin Chenoweth born?

Kristin Chenoweth was born on July 24, 1968, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Her birth name is Kristi Dawn Chenoweth.
Where was Kristin Chenoweth born?

She was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, USA. She grew up there after being adopted soon after birth.
How old is Kristin Chenoweth?

She was born in 1968, so as of 2025 she is 56 years old. Her age is often mentioned in relation to her long career in theater and television.
What is Kristin Chenoweth's real name?

Her birth name is Kristi Dawn Chenoweth. She is professionally known as Kristin Chenoweth.
What does Kristin Chenoweth do for a living?

She is an actress and producer, working in stage, television, and film. She is also a singer known for her musical theater roles.
What nationality is Kristin Chenoweth?

She is an American citizen. She was born and raised in the United States.
What language does Kristin Chenoweth speak?

Her native language is English. She performs primarily in English.
Who is Kristin Chenoweth married to?

She is married to Josh Bryant. The couple keeps their relationship relatively private.
Where did Kristin Chenoweth go to school?

She attended Broken Arrow Senior High School, then Oklahoma City University where she earned a B.A. in musical theater and later a Master’s in Opera Performance. She also studied at the Wanda L. Bass School of Music.
What awards has Kristin Chenoweth won?

She has won a Tony Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Drama Desk Award, a Theatre World Award, the GLAAD Vanguard Award, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is also in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
How many awards has Kristin Chenoweth won?

She has won seven major awards, including a Tony and an Emmy. Her awards span theater, television, and recognition for her advocacy.
What is Kristin Chenoweth best known for?

She is best known for originating the role of Glinda in the Broadway musical Wicked. She also gained fame as Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies, for which she won an Emmy.
What is Kristin Chenoweth's Instagram handle?

Her Instagram handle is @kchenoweth. She often shares updates about her performances and personal life.
How tall is Kristin Chenoweth?

She stands 5 feet 0 inches 1.51 meters. She is the same height as actress Estelle Getty.
What are Kristin Chenoweth's nicknames?

She goes by Cheno, The K Cho, and K Cho. These nicknames are used by fans and in the industry.
Why has Kristin Chenoweth used the aliases Kristen Chenowith and Kristin Chenowith?

These alternate spellings likely resulted from common misspellings or early career errors. Her official name is Kristin Chenoweth.
Does Kristin Chenoweth have children?

No, she does not have children. She is focused on her career and advocacy work.
Does Kristin Chenoweth have siblings?

Yes, she has an older brother named Mark Chenoweth. She grew up with him in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Who are Kristin Chenoweth's parents?

Her parents are Jerry and Junie Chenoweth, who adopted her soon after birth. She is open about her adoption.
Who is Kristin Chenoweth's relative in the entertainment industry?

She is a cousin of actress Tiffany Palmer. They are related through family connections.
How many award nominations has Kristin Chenoweth received?

She has received 38 nominations for various awards, including four Tony nominations and multiple Emmy nominations.
Why is Kristin Chenoweth involved with adoption causes?

She was adopted as an infant and is very open about her positive experience. She supports adoption organizations across the U.S.
What happened to Kristin Chenoweth on the set of The Good Wife?

In July 2012, a lighting rig struck her in the head, causing severe injuries including a skull fracture. She left the show to recover and has discussed the lasting effects.
Has Kristin Chenoweth performed at the Metropolitan Opera?

Yes, in January 2007 she became the third musical theater performer in history to give a solo performance at NYC’s Metropolitan Opera.
How many studio albums has Kristin Chenoweth released?

She has released three studio albums. Her music blends Broadway standards and pop.
What are some of Kristin Chenoweth's television roles?

She played Olive Snook on Pushing Daisies, April Rhodes on Glee, and had roles on The West Wing, Ugly Betty, and The Good Wife.
What is Kristin Chenoweth's role in Wicked?

She originated the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway production of Wicked in 2003. The role was written with her in mind.
What Broadway shows has Kristin Chenoweth been in?

She appeared in Steel Pier, Epic Proportions, The Apple Tree, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Wicked, Promises, Promises, and On the Twentieth Century.
Did Kristin Chenoweth win a Tony for Wicked?

No, she was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for Wicked but did not win. She won a Tony for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown in 1999.
Why did Kristin Chenoweth leave The Good Wife?

She left after a serious on-set accident in 2012 that caused a skull fracture and other injuries. She focused on recovery.
What is Kristin Chenoweth's connection to Oklahoma?

She was born and raised in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and is an avid supporter of the state. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

View all 31 questions View fewer questions

Audited & updated by

Emma has 8 years of editorial experience and a very clear idea of what a good biography looks like. At Famousy, she runs the editorial operation and decides what meets the bar and what doesn't. She's the kind of editor who remembers the profiles she pushed back on more clearly than the ones she approved. That's not a complaint. That's exactly why the site reads the way it does.

Published on June 18, 2026

Report an issue

If something on this page looks off, we genuinely want to know about it. Send us a quick email with the celebrity's name, the detail that seems incorrect, and any sources you're referencing. We review every report and update the page as soon as we can.

Report an issue