Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel

Birth : 1971-05-30, New York, New York, USA

History

Idina Kim Menzel (née Mentzel; born May 30, 1971) is an American actress and singer. Particularly known for her work in musicals on the Broadway stage and having achieved mainstream success across stage, film and music, Menzel has garnered the honorific title "Queen of Broadway" for her achievements. Her accolades include an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award and a Tony Award, as well as nominations for three Drama League Awards and four Drama Desk Awards. In 2019, she was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to live theatre. Menzel rose to prominence as a stage actress in 1996, making her Broadway debut playing Maureen Johnson in the rock musical Rent, which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. After appearing in several smaller-scale stage and Off-Broadway productions, in 2003 Menzel originated the role of Elphaba in the Broadway musical Wicked, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. The popularity of the musical, Menzel's character and song "Defying Gravity" earned her a devoted following among theater fans. After leaving the show in 2005, she reprised the role in the musical's original West End production until the end of 2006, becoming the highest-paid actress in West End theatre history. In 2014, Menzel returned to Broadway as Elizabeth Vaughan in the musical If/Then, for which she received a third Tony Award nomination. Menzel began transitioning to film and television roles in the early 2000s. After reprising her role as Maureen in Rent's 2005 film adaptation, she was cast as Nancy Tremaine in Disney's musical fantasy film Enchanted (2007) and reprised her role in its sequel Disenchanted (2022). She had a recurring role as Shelby Corcoran on the musical television series Glee (2010–2013). Since 2013, Menzel has voiced Elsa in Disney's animated Frozen franchise. "Let It Go", a song she recorded for the first film, became widely popular upon release, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song and reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first Tony Award-winning actor to have a top-10 song on the chart. Menzel also starred in the crime drama film Uncut Gems (2019) and in the jukebox musical film Cinderella (2021). As a recording artist, Menzel has released six studio albums: Still I Can't Be Still (1998), Here (2004), I Stand (2008), Holiday Wishes (2014), idina. (2016), and Christmas: A Season of Love (2019).

Profile

Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel

Movies

Once Upon a Studio
Elsa (voice)
Created for Disney's 100th anniversary, the short sees Mickey Mouse corralling a gallery of legendary Disney characters for a group photo.
Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?
Self
Feature documentary on the life and career of Tony winner Idina Menzel, culminating in her headlining a concert at Madison Square Garden in her hometown of New York City after a nationwide tour.
Disenchanted
Nancy Tremaine
Disillusioned with life in the city, feeling out of place in suburbia, and frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, Giselle turns to the magic of Andalasia for help. Accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy, she must race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.
A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting
Songs
On October 27th, 2018, a gunman opened fire inside a Pittsburgh synagogue, killing eleven people as they prayed, in what would become the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. This documentary is a deeply personal portrait of the survivors, victims and family members, who share their harrowing first-hand accounts of the impact of the shooting on the community.
American Murderer
Melanie
The True story of how charismatic con man Jason Derek Brown bankrolls his extravagant lifestyle through a series of scams. On Brown’s trail: Lance Leising, a dogged FBI special agent determined to put Brown behind bars. When Brown’s funds run low and his past catches up with him, he plots his most elaborate scheme yet, pitting himself against Leising in a deadly game of cat and mouse — and becoming the most unlikely and elusive fugitive on the FBI’s most-wanted list.
Harmonious Live!
Self - Host
The live event celebrates the power of music with a medley of classic Disney music reinterpreted by a culturally diverse group of 240 artists from all around the world, all performed by a live orchestra and ensemble of international vocalists.
Kenny Rogers: All in for the Gambler
The life and legacy of country music legend Kenny Rogers is honored in a new star-studded concert special, Kenny Rogers: All In For The Gambler, to be broadcast Thursday, September 23rd from 9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT on CBS and available to stream live and on demand with Paramount+. Filmed at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville before Rogers’ untimely passing, the live concert features on-stage tributes, artists’ anecdotes and inspiring songs performed in front of the music icon himself, as he bid farewell to performing and announced his retirement.
Cinderella
Vivian
Cinderella, an orphaned girl with an evil stepmother, has big dreams and with the help of her Fabulous Godmother, she perseveres to make them come true.
Wicked in Concert: A Musical Celebration of the Iconic Broadway Score
Wicked in Concert features re-imagined musical arrangements created for the event, performed by celebrity artists from the worlds of film, pop, music, and television.
Thrusting James Corden
A Twitter user uploaded a clip of Corden and his Cinderella co-stars Camila Cabello, Billy Porter, and Idina Menzel performing a segment of “Crosswalk the Musical” from his late-night show. In the clip, a fully committed Corden, dressed as a rat, can be seen thrusting his groin at the car while singing the chorus to Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud.”
25 Years of Rent: Measured in Love
A quarter century ago, Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical, RENT, opened at New York Theatre Workshop. From its humble beginnings at NYTW, this rock musical went on to shape a generation. What began in the East Village traveled to Broadway, across the nation and around the world. On March 2, 2021, NYTW held its biggest fundraising event of the year, 25 YEARS OF RENT: MEASURED IN LOVE. This virtual celebration of RENT and its impact on the collective cultural consciousness featured a selection of iconic songs by some of today’s most beloved recording and theatre artists, exclusive content uncovering how RENT came to life, and reflections on the driving force of Jonathan’s legacy in the American theatre.
Musicals: The Greatest Show
Recorded at the London Palladium and hosted by Sheridan Smith, this joyous celebration of musical theatre is packed with showstoppers from the West End’s biggest productions, performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and guests including Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Amanda Holden, Nicole Scherzinger, Josh Groban and Lea Salonga. Idina Menzel and Elaine Paige reveal the Top 10 songs from musicals, as voted for by BBC Radio 2 listeners, and there’s even a special performance from Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s next big show, Cinderella.
Once Upon a Snowman
Elsa (voice - archival)
The previously untold origins of Olaf, the innocent and insightful, summer-loving snowman are revealed as we follow Olaf’s first steps as he comes to life and searches for his identity in the snowy mountains outside Arendelle.
The Disney Family Singalong - Volume II
Self
Ryan Seacrest hosts the second Disney Family Singalong featuring celebrities and their families as they take on their favorite Disney tunes from their homes. Special guests include John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, and Katy Perry.
Repeat Attenders
The theatre. Each year, millions of people attend to escape reality. But for a select few, the theatre IS their reality, with some of them seeing the same show hundreds of times. They are Repeat Attenders. 5 years in the making, Repeat Attenders is a groundbreaking feature documentary, that delves into the psychology behind the extreme superfans of broadway musicals. They reveal their lives. They reveal their obsessions. Now it's their time to be in the spotlight.
Frozen II
Elsa (voice)
Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf head far into the forest to learn the truth about an ancient mystery of their kingdom.
Uncut Gems
Dinah Ratner
A charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.
Josh Groban Bridges: In Concert from Madison Square Garden
Herself
Filmed at New York’s Madison Square Garden on November 18, 2018, this new concert features international superstar Josh Groban performing songs from his much-praised recent album Bridges, as well as a selection of classic songs and fan favorites from the last 20 years. Joining him on stage as special guests are Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel and Grammy Award-winner Jennifer Nettles, along with a choir and orchestra.
Rent
Herself
The story of several friends in New York City facing financial poverty, homophobia, AIDS, and, of course, rent.
Ralph Breaks the Internet
Elsa (voice)
Video game bad guy Ralph and fellow misfit Vanellope von Schweetz must risk it all by traveling to the World Wide Web in search of a replacement part to save Vanellope's video game, Sugar Rush. In way over their heads, Ralph and Vanellope rely on the citizens of the internet — the netizens — to help navigate their way, including an entrepreneur named Yesss, who is the head algorithm and the heart and soul of trend-making site BuzzzTube.
Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration
This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates the joy of the holiday season, as hosts Julianne Hough and Nick Lachey take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street, U.S.A. and beyond. Co-hosted by Jesse Palmer, the Christmas Day celebration will be brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas Day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heartwarming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration
Join Emmy Award-winner Julianne Hough and multi-platinum recording artist and television personality, Nick Lachey as they host the magical two-hour event from the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. They join co-host, Jesse Palmer to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing incredible music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments including an extraordinary castle lighting spectacular.
Olaf's Frozen Adventure
Elsa (Voice)
Olaf is on a mission to harness the best holiday traditions for Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff.
All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers Farewell Concert Celebration
Self
This one-night-only concert event taping brings together fans, friends and music icons to celebrate Kenny Rogers’ final farewell to Nashville. Featuring performances by Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Chris Stapleton, Elle King, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, The Flaming Lips, The Judds, Wynonna and Kenny Rogers along with many other special guests.
Beaches
CC Bloom
Follows the serendipitous meeting of two young girls on the Venice Boardwalk, who, though worlds apart in lifestyle, embark on unexpected and lifelong friendship. CC is an aspiring singer trying to make it in Los Angeles. Hillary is the daughter of a prominent civil rights lawyer who struggles to find her own destiny. Their friendship—even with its ups and downs—sustains them for decades.
LEGO Frozen Northern Lights
Elsa (voice)
Elsa, Anna and friends search for the Northern Lights.
Disneyland 60th Anniversary TV Special
Herself
Walt Disney, one of the ultimate dreamers, used his uninhibited imagination and determination to create what became the springboard for all of the Walt Disney Company's spirited and wildly successful creativity that followed -- his crowning achievement: Disneyland. Acclaimed actor Harrison Ford, who portrays Han Solo in the Star Wars film franchise, will give viewers an exclusive preview of Star Wars-themed lands being developed at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. New details of the ambitious plans to bring Star Wars to life at both resorts will be revealed during the show, with Master of Ceremonies Derek Hough.
Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour - Live
Self
Filmed in front of 76,000 fans at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia, "The 1989 World Tour Live" captures Taylor Swift's entire performance while also mixing in behind-the-scene, rehearsal, and special guest footage from her 1989 Tour.
Frozen Fever
Elsa (voice)
On Anna's birthday, Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever, but Elsa's icy powers may put more than just the party at risk.
The Story of Frozen: Making a Disney Animated Classic
Herself
A behind-the-scene look at the origins and evolution of the Academy Award-winning film.
Frozen
Elsa (voice)
Young princess Anna of Arendelle dreams about finding true love at her sister Elsa’s coronation. Fate takes her on a dangerous journey in an attempt to end the eternal winter that has fallen over the kingdom. She's accompanied by ice delivery man Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and snowman Olaf. On an adventure where she will find out what friendship, courage, family, and true love really means.
Marvin Hamlisch: What He Did For Love
Herself
When Marvin Hamlisch passed away in August 2012 the worlds of music, theatre and cinema lost a talent the likes of which we may never see again. Seemingly destined for greatness, Hamlisch was accepted into New York’s Juilliard School as a 6-year-old musical prodigy and rapidly developed into a phenomenon. With instantly classic hits ‘The Way We Were’ and ‘Nobody Does It Better’ and scores for Hollywood films such as The Swimmer, The Sting and Sophie’s Choice and the Broadway juggernaut A Chorus Line; Hamlisch became the go-to composer for film and Broadway producers and a prominent presence on the international Concert Hall circuit. His streak was staggering, vast, unprecedented and glorious, by the age of 31 Hamlisch had won 4 Grammys, an Emmy, 3 Oscars, a Tony and a Pulitzer prize: success that burned so bright, it proved impossible to match.
Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony
Herself
The stage musical star, also known for her appearances in the popular TV show, 'Glee', captured live in performance in Toronto with the backing of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony. Menzel performed a number of songs from stage musicals and popular classical pieces in Koerner Hall, part of Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music, with the support of conductor Marvin Hamlisch, pianist Rob Mounsey and the 52-piece symphony.
Chess in Concert
Florence Vassy
The story of a romantic triangle between two top players, an American and a Russian, in a world chess championship, and a woman who manages one and falls in love with the other, all in the context of the Cold War struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. Shot for television in 2009.
Enchanted
Nancy Tremaine
The beautiful princess Giselle is banished by an evil queen from her magical, musical animated land and finds herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day Manhattan. Shocked by this strange new environment that doesn't operate on a "happily ever after" basis, Giselle is now adrift in a chaotic world badly in need of enchantment. But when Giselle begins to fall in love with a charmingly flawed divorce lawyer who has come to her aid - even though she is already promised to a perfect fairy tale prince back home - she has to wonder: Can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world?
ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway
ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway is an American documentary film, directed by Dori Berinstein, a Broadway Producer, Writer and Filmmaker. Berinstein filmed each principal musical on Broadway for her project during the 2003-2004 season, for about 600 hours of initial film footage. She focused the film on four musicals, through the difficulties of pre-production, their openings, attendant publicity around the shows, and their reviews, through the 2004 Tony Award competition. The four musicals documented for the film were: Wicked, Taboo, Caroline or Change, Avenue Q.
No Day But Today: The Story of 'Rent'
Herself
Feature length documentary about Jonathan Larson and "Rent"'s journey from Broadway to the screen. Featuring director Chris Columbus, the entire cast, and dozens of friends and family of Jonathan Larson.
Ask the Dust
Vera Rivkin
Mexican beauty Camilla hopes to rise above her station by marrying a wealthy American. That is complicated by meeting Arturo Bandini, a first-generation Italian hoping to land a writing career and a blue-eyed blonde on his arm.
Rent
Maureen Johnson
This rock opera tells the story of one year in the life of a group of bohemians struggling in late 1980s East Village, New York, USA. The film centers around Mark and Roger, two roommates. While a tragedy has made Roger numb to new experiences, Mark begins capturing their world through his attempts to make a personal movie. In the year that follows, they and their friends deal with love, loss, and working together.
Water
Jessy Turner
On an East Coast Island off season, a woman's naked and badly beaten body washes ashore. Jessy Turner , the sister of the murdered woman, comes to the island to identify her sister's body and to investigate her murder. In the course of the investigation she becomes involved in a passionate relationship with the local sheriff. Together, they unearth an even more evil secret from the Island Community's past...
The Tollbooth
Raquel Cohen-Flaxman
A coming-of-age comedy about a young woman who rebels against her Jewish-American family.
Just a Kiss
Linda
A group of thirtysomethings having problems with fidelity gets an opportunity to turn back the clock.
Kissing Jessica Stein
Bridesmaid
Jessica, a Jewish copy editor living and working in New York City, is plagued by failed blind dates with men, and decides to answer a newspaper's personal advertisement. The advertisement has been placed by 'lesbian-curious' Helen Cooper, a thirtysomething art gallerist.
You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
A young girl’s bat mitzvah plans comedically unravel and threaten to ruin one of the most important events of her young life.
Idina Menzel - Live at Lincoln Center
In 2003, Idina originated the role of "the green girl," the misunderstood witch in the hit musical "Wicked" which included her show-stopping performance of the song "Defying Gravity".
Latchkey Kids
A bright nine-year-old befriends an eccentric teenager who’s looking to escape a dysfunctional life and mother. The pair are challenged by local law enforcement who believe the nine-year-old is killing his babysitters.