Angela Lansbury Wins Fifth Tony

Gina Wilhelm Actress - Angela Lansbury Wins Fifth Tony

Sunday night's Tony ceremony didn't provide too many surprises, but one nice element is that Angela Lansbury won her fifth Tony for her performance as Madame Arcati in "Blithe Spirit."

She ties for the most Tonys with Julie Harris.

All of Harris' Tonys are for Leading Actress in a Play.

Four of Lansbury's Tonys are for Leading Actress in a Musical. This one, her latest, is for Best Featured Actress in a Play. She received a standing ovation when she got her award.

She was also nominated in 2007 for a Best Leading Actress in a Play for "Deuce," but did not win.

Her other wins were for "Mame," "Dear World," "Gypsy," and "Sweeney Todd."

Harris also won a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.

Later in the evening, Lansbury presented a lifetime achievement award herself to Jerry Herman, composer of "Hello, Dolly!" and "Mame."

In her acceptance speech, Lansbury said ""Who knew that (at) this time in my life that I should be presented with this lovely, lovely award. I feel deeply grateful."

In other actress highlights, Liza Minelli won the award for special theatrical event for her production "Liza's at the Palace."

In her speech, Minelli thanked her parents for "the greatest gift they ever gave me, Kay Thompson," her godmother.

Minelli recreated part of Thompson's club act in her show.

The award for Featured Actress in a Musical went to Karen Olivo for her portrayal of Anita in "West Side Story."

Olivo was profiled earlier in this blog.

Alice Ripley received the Lead Actress in a Musical prize for her turn in "Next to Normal." Ripley plays a woman dealing with bipolar disorder.

Marcia Gay Harden received the Lead Actress in a Play award for "God of Carnage."

Gina Wilhelm Actress