Jay O. Sanders
Birth Place: Austin, TX, USA
Latest News on Jay O. Sanders:
THE RIGHTEOUS Reading to Take Place at The Center At West Park (Jun 3, 2025)
Photos: On the Red Carpet at the 2025 Drama Desk Awards (Jun 2, 2025)
2025 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List (Jun 1, 2025)
THE RIGHTEOUS Reading to Take Place at The Center At West Park (Jun 3, 2025)
Photos: On the Red Carpet at the 2025 Drama Desk Awards (Jun 2, 2025)
2025 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List (Jun 1, 2025)
BIO
Currently in: Primary Trust. Past Roundabout as Doolittle in Pygmalion. He was most recently seen as Falstaff in TFANA’s open workshop of Henry IV parts 1&2, Nick Laine in Conor McPherson’s Girl From The North Country, and David Michaels in Richard Nelson’s What Happened?: The Michaels Abroad, which completed The Rhinebeck Panorama; a cycle of 12 new plays which began at the Public Theater in 2010, on which he collaborated with his wife, Maryann Plunkett. Sanders notably played the title roles in Uncle Vanya for Hunter Theater Project and Cyrano de Bergerac at the Guthrie Theater, as well as appearing in numerous television projects (True Detective, Sneaky Pete, The Sinner, Law & Order, Manhunt), films; (The Day After Tomorrow, JFK, Kiss the Girls, Edge of Darkness, Tumbleweeds, and most recently Alejandro Iñárritu’s BARDO and Jesse Eisenberg’s When You Finish Saving The World), and has narrated a long list of documentaries, mostly for PBS. As a writer, his play, Unexplored Interior, delving into the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda, was the inaugural production of Washington D.C.’s Mosaic Theater.
Photos
Jihaad Muhammad, Noah Pyzik, Bill Timoney, Jay O. Sanders, Hasna Muhammad, Billy Eugene Jones, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Leslie Odom, Jr., Heather Alicia Simms, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Glynn Turman, Noah Robinson, Kara Young, and Jeffrey Richards
Date:
11/30/2023
From: Photos: Hillary Clinton Visits PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
1976
Westmoreland
Exeter (Understudy)
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Productions
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Playe
Jay O. Sanders, Henry IV (Theatre for a New Audience)
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play
Jay O. Sanders, Primary Trust
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play
Jay O. Sanders, Primary Trust
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Actor in a Play
Jay O. SandersUncle Vanya
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Ensemble Performance
Jay O. SandersSweet and Sad
winner
Obie Awards - 2012 - Performance
Jay O. SandersSweet and Sad
The Lortels - 2012 - Outstanding Lead Actor
Jay O. Sanders, Titus Andronicus
Videos
Video: Go Behind the Scenes of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Ahead of PBS Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-22 10:25:14
Video: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Cast Performs 'Like A Rolling Stone'
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-05-15 10:12:46
Video: Watch an All New Montage of PURLIE VICTORIOUS on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2023-12-28 14:04:02
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares His Daughter's Reaction to PURLIE VICTORIOUS on FALLON
by Michael Major - 2023-10-13 10:15:19
Video: Stars Walk the Red Carpet on Opening Night of PURLE VICTORIOUS
by Red Carpet - 2023-10-12 15:22:50
Video: Leslie Odom Jr. Shares Why PURLIE VICTORIOUS Is a 'Very Rare Piece'
by Michael Major - 2023-09-27 11:34:41
Video: What is PURLIE VICTORIOUS All About? The Cast Explains!
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-08-13 16:00:20
Video: Watch Highlights of William Jackson Harper in Roundabout's PRIMARY TRUST
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-06-02 09:07:48
VIDEO: Mare Winningham & Jeannette Bayardelle Discuss Their Meeting With Bob Dylan on WENDY
by Michael Major - 2022-05-26 16:22:58
VIDEO: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Chronicles Their Journey on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2022-05-10 14:46:08
VIDEO: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Cast Spreads Holiday Cheer With 'Winter Wonderland' Performance
by Stephi Wild - 2021-12-20 10:02:21
VIDEO: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Celebrates its Grammy Nomination
by Stephi Wild - 2021-11-24 09:50:49
VIDEO: THE GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Cast on the Importance of Thanksgiving
by Stephi Wild - 2021-11-22 09:38:56
VIDEO: Watch the Cast of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Perform on GOOD MORNING AMERICA
by Michael Major - 2021-10-15 09:49:25
VIDEO: Go Inside GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY's Reopening Jam Session, Finale Number & More!
by Team BWW - 2021-10-14 11:30:20
VIDEO: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Performs at 'A Great Day in Harlem' Festival
by Stephi Wild - 2021-08-11 09:46:38
VIDEO: Colton Ryan and Caitlin Houlahan Perform 'I Want You' From GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY
by Stephi Wild - 2020-08-24 09:32:10
News
THE RIGHTEOUS Reading to Take Place at The Center At West Park
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2025
The cast is complete for Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen's historical drama 'The Righteous' - a reading to benefit The Center at West Park. See who is starring and learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 3, 2025
The cast is complete for Drama Desk Award winner Jeff Cohen's historical drama 'The Righteous' - a reading to benefit The Center at West Park. See who is starring and learn more!
Photos: On the Red Carpet at the 2025 Drama Desk Awards
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 2, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at 7:30pm ET at NYU Skirball. See photos from the red carpet here! Learn more about the awards here!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 2, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at 7:30pm ET at NYU Skirball. See photos from the red carpet here! Learn more about the awards here!
2025 Drama Desk Awards Winners- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 1, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at NYU Skirball. Check out the full list of winners from the big night here!
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 1, 2025
Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at NYU Skirball. Check out the full list of winners from the big night here!
Photos: Amas Musical Theatre 56th Anniversary Benefit Reunion Concert
by Emmy Rice - Jun 1, 2025
Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff, Artistic Producer), New York City’s award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts, celebrated its 56th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 19, 2025.
by Emmy Rice - Jun 1, 2025
Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff, Artistic Producer), New York City’s award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts, celebrated its 56th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Video: Go Behind the Scenes of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Ahead of PBS Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - May 22, 2025
PBS Great Performances has released a new video highlighting the new proshot of the Tony Award-winning musical Girl From the North Country. In the video, director and playwright Conor McPherson, orchestrator Simon Hale, and movement director Lucy Hind all discuss the production and the challenge of bringing Bob Dylan's songs into 1930s Minnesota. Watch the video!
by Josh Sharpe - May 22, 2025
PBS Great Performances has released a new video highlighting the new proshot of the Tony Award-winning musical Girl From the North Country. In the video, director and playwright Conor McPherson, orchestrator Simon Hale, and movement director Lucy Hind all discuss the production and the challenge of bringing Bob Dylan's songs into 1930s Minnesota. Watch the video!
Tom Hanks Will Lead THIS WORLD OF TOMORROW Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2025
Tom Hanks will star in the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow, which he wrote with James Glossman, based on short stories written by Hanks. The production will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon.
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2025
Tom Hanks will star in the world premiere of This World of Tomorrow, which he wrote with James Glossman, based on short stories written by Hanks. The production will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon.
Video: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Cast Performs 'Hurricane'
by Josh Sharpe - May 20, 2025
PBS Great Performances has just shared a clip from the live capture of the Tony Award-winning musical Girl From the North Country. In the video, Joe Scott (Austin Scott) and the cast of the show perform Bob Dylan's 'Hurricane.' Watch it now!
by Josh Sharpe - May 20, 2025
PBS Great Performances has just shared a clip from the live capture of the Tony Award-winning musical Girl From the North Country. In the video, Joe Scott (Austin Scott) and the cast of the show perform Bob Dylan's 'Hurricane.' Watch it now!
Video: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Cast Performs 'Like A Rolling Stone'
by Josh Sharpe - May 15, 2025
PBS Great Performances has just shared a clip from the live capture of the Tony Award-winning musical Girl From the North Country. In the video, Elizabeth (Mare Winningham) and the cast of the show perform Bob Dylan's 'Like A Rolling Stone.' Watch it now!
by Josh Sharpe - May 15, 2025
PBS Great Performances has just shared a clip from the live capture of the Tony Award-winning musical Girl From the North Country. In the video, Elizabeth (Mare Winningham) and the cast of the show perform Bob Dylan's 'Like A Rolling Stone.' Watch it now!
2025 Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025
Nominations for the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced. This year’s awards, hosted by Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess, will be held on Sunday, June 1 at 6:15pm at NYU Skirball Check out the full list here!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025
Nominations for the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced. This year’s awards, hosted by Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess, will be held on Sunday, June 1 at 6:15pm at NYU Skirball Check out the full list here!
New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards Will Be Announced Next Week
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025
The winners of the 2025 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards will be announced next week. The awards include a cash prize of $2,500 for Best Play, made possible by a grant from the Lucille Lortel Foundation.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025
The winners of the 2025 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards will be announced next week. The awards include a cash prize of $2,500 for Best Play, made possible by a grant from the Lucille Lortel Foundation.
Amas Musical Theatre to Celebrate 56th Anniversary at Annual Gala Benefit Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2025
Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 56th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert at Theater 555. Learn more about the event and see how to attend.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2025
Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 56th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert at Theater 555. Learn more about the event and see how to attend.
Photos: Stars Arrive at GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 2, 2025
Stars came out for the big opening night celebration of Glengarry Glen Ross, including Darren Criss, Katie Holmes, Ansel Elgort, and many more.Check out photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 2, 2025
Stars came out for the big opening night celebration of Glengarry Glen Ross, including Darren Criss, Katie Holmes, Ansel Elgort, and many more.Check out photos here!
GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY Recording Sets PBS Premiere
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 3, 2025
Girl From the North Country, the Tony-award winning musical featuring the songs of Bob Dylan, will be coming to PBS this May. The live capture of the Broadway musical will premiere as part of Great Performances on Friday, May 23 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 3, 2025
Girl From the North Country, the Tony-award winning musical featuring the songs of Bob Dylan, will be coming to PBS this May. The live capture of the Broadway musical will premiere as part of Great Performances on Friday, May 23 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS.
DIARY OF WAR Benefit Docu-theater Reading Marks The 3rd Anniversary Of The Full Scale Russian War In Ukraine
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2025
Bedlam and The Private Theatre have announced 'Diary of War,' a powerful benefit reading highlighting the harrowing and inspiring experiences of Ukrainians affected by the full-scale Russian invasion.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2025
Bedlam and The Private Theatre have announced 'Diary of War,' a powerful benefit reading highlighting the harrowing and inspiring experiences of Ukrainians affected by the full-scale Russian invasion.
Cast Set For HENRY IV at Theatre For a New Audience
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2025
Henry IV will open at Theatre For a New Audience this month. Learn more about the show and the full cast for the production and find out how to get tickets here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 7, 2025
Henry IV will open at Theatre For a New Audience this month. Learn more about the show and the full cast for the production and find out how to get tickets here!
Photo Special: Celebrating BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola
by Robert Diamond - Dec 16, 2024
All of us here at BroadwayWorld wanted to pay tribute to Tom, and to our strong partnership, by taking a look back with this photo gallery below.
by Robert Diamond - Dec 16, 2024
All of us here at BroadwayWorld wanted to pay tribute to Tom, and to our strong partnership, by taking a look back with this photo gallery below.
Broadway On Demand To Stream TRIPPING ON LIFE And THE BENCH
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2024
Broadway on Demand has announced new distribution agreements for two critically-acclaimed one-person plays: Tripping on Life and The Bench.
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 15, 2024
Broadway on Demand has announced new distribution agreements for two critically-acclaimed one-person plays: Tripping on Life and The Bench.
Okieriete Onaodowan, Sojourner Brown & More to Star in THIS GHOST OF SLAVERY at Wesleyan
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2024
Anna Deavere Smith, the Center for the Arts artist in residence for 2024–2025, will present the first public staged reading of This Ghost of Slavery: A Play of Past and Present, co-produced with Long Wharf Theatre. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2024
Anna Deavere Smith, the Center for the Arts artist in residence for 2024–2025, will present the first public staged reading of This Ghost of Slavery: A Play of Past and Present, co-produced with Long Wharf Theatre. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Theatre For A New Audience Founder Jeffrey Horowitz To Retire
by Stephi Wild - Sep 4, 2024
Jeffrey Horowitz, Founder of Theatre for a New Audience, having led and grown the not-for-profit organization since 1979, will retire on August 31, 2025, at the end of TFANA's just-announced season of Shakespeare alongside plays by classical and contemporary playwrights.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 4, 2024
Jeffrey Horowitz, Founder of Theatre for a New Audience, having led and grown the not-for-profit organization since 1979, will retire on August 31, 2025, at the end of TFANA's just-announced season of Shakespeare alongside plays by classical and contemporary playwrights.
Red Bull Theater Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring Productions, Readings & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2024
Red Bull Theater has revealed its 2024-25 season with a lineup of productions, readings, and special events available both in-person and online.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2024
Red Bull Theater has revealed its 2024-25 season with a lineup of productions, readings, and special events available both in-person and online.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Jay O. Sanders been in?
Jay O. Sanders has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.
How many West End shows has Jay O. Sanders been in?
Jay O. Sanders has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Jay O. Sanders been nominated for?
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Playe (Drama Desk Awards) for Henry IV (Theatre for a New Audience), Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Primary Trust, Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Primary Trust, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Uncle Vanya, Outstanding Ensemble Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Sweet and Sad, Performance (Obie Awards) for Sweet and Sad and Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for Titus Andronicus.
What awards has Jay O. Sanders won?
Jay O. Sanders has won several notable awards, including the Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Primary Trust. He received the Outstanding Actor in a Play award at the Drama Desk Awards for Uncle Vanya. Additionally, he was honored with the Outstanding Ensemble Performance award at the Drama Desk Awards for Sweet and Sad, as well as a Performance award at the Obie Awards for Sweet and Sad.
Videos