The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) is a private

performing arts The performing arts are arts such as music, dance, and drama which are performed for an audience. They are different from the visual arts, which are the use of paint, canvas or various materials to create physical or static art objects. Perform ...

conservatory with two locations, one in

Manhattan Manhattan (), known regionally as the City, is the most densely populated and geographically smallest of the five boroughs of New York City. The borough is also coextensive with New York County, one of the original counties of the U.S. state ...

and one in

Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...

. The academy offers an

associate degree An associate degree is an undergraduate degree awarded after a course of post-secondary study lasting two to three years. It is a level of qualification above a high school diploma, GED, or matriculation, and below a bachelor's degree. The fi ...

in occupational studies and teaches drama and related arts in the areas of theater, film, and television. Students also have the opportunity to audition for the third-year theater company. Students can usually transfer completed credits to another college or university to finish a

bachelor's degree A bachelor's degree (from Middle Latin ''baccalaureus'') or baccalaureate (from Modern Latin ''baccalaureatus'') is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities upon completion of a course of study lasting three to six ...

if they choose.

History

The oldest acting school in the English-speaking world, the academy in

New York City New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...

was founded in 1884 by Franklin Haven Sargent, a graduate of

Harvard University Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636 as Harvard College and named for its first benefactor, the Puritan clergyman John Harvard, it is the oldest institution of higher le ...

and professor of speech and elocution at his alma mater. Sargent's vision was to establish a school to train actors for the stage. Its first home was the original Lyceum Theatre on what is now Park Avenue South. In 1963, the school moved to its current home, a landmark building designed by the American Renaissance architect Stanford White for the

Colony Club The Colony Club is a women-only private social club in New York City. Founded in 1903 by Florence Jaffray Harriman, wife of J. Borden Harriman, as the first social club established in New York City by and for women, it was modeled on similar ...

. In 1974, the academy opened another campus in

Pasadena, California Pasadena ( ) is a city in Los Angeles County, California, northeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is the most populous city and the primary cultural center of the San Gabriel Valley. Old Pasadena is the city's original commercial district. I ...

, which made it the only professional actor-training school in both major centers of American entertainment. The

campus moved from Pasadena to Hollywood in 2001 in a new building next to the Jim Henson Company Lot.

Academics

The academy remains dedicated to training professional actors. It offers a two-year program in which students have to be invited back for the second year. Auditions are held at the end of the second year for the third-year company. As well as training for the theatre, it now offers courses in

film A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...

and

television Television, sometimes shortened to TV, is a telecommunication medium for transmitting moving images and sound. The term can refer to a television set, or the medium of television transmission. Television is a mass medium for advertisin ...

, providing a structured, professionally oriented program that stresses self-discovery, self-discipline and individuality. Students who graduate in New York receive an Associate of Occupational Studies degree; students who graduate in Hollywood receive a Certificate of Completion or an Associate of Arts degree in acting. Students from New York and Los Angeles can get a Bachelor of Arts degree from selected universities. Numerous students of the academy have gone on to careers in the entertainment industry. Alumni of the academy have been nominated for 110 Oscars, 317 Emmys and 94 Tonys.

Notable alumni

Among the notable people who attended the AADA are: A * Walter Abel, 1918 * Jay Acovone, 1978 *

Marla Adams Marla Adams (born August 28, 1938) is an American television actress, best known for her roles as Belle Clemens on ''The Secret Storm'', from 1968 to 1974, and as Dina Abbott Mergeron on ''The Young and the Restless'', for which she received Day ...

, 1958 *

Derek Ahonen Derek Ahonen is an American playwright, director, producer, and filmmaker. He is the founder of ''The Amoralists Theatre Company'' in NYC. Ahonen is most known for his plays ''The Pied Pipers of The Lower East Side'', ''Happy In The Poorhouse'', ...

Rae Allen Rae may refer to: People *Rae (given name), including a list of people with the given name * Rae (surname), including a list of people with the surname Nicknames for *Rachel (given name) * Rachelle *Raquel *Raven (given name) *Reema * Reena (di ...

, 1947 * Don Amendolia, 1966 * Tige Andrews, 1946 *

Kwaw Ansah Kwaw Paintsil Ansah (born 1941) is a Ghanaian film-maker, whose work as writer, director or producer includes ''Love Brewed in the African Pot'' in 1980 and ''Heritage Africa'' in 1989. His first feature, ''Love Brewed in the African Pot'', earne ...

, 1965 * Carmen Argenziano, 1964 * Katie Aselton, 2004 * Armand Assante, 1969 * Tom Atkins, 1967 * Hank Azaria, 1980 B *

Lauren Bacall Lauren Bacall (; born Betty Joan Perske; September 16, 1924 – August 12, 2014) was an American actress. She was named the 20th-greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema by the American Film Institute and received an Academy Honorary Aw ...

, 1942 p.165 * Jim Backus, 1933 *

Eion Bailey Eion Francis Hamilton Bailey ( ; born June 8, 1976) is an American actor. He stars as Jim Matthews in the epix horror series ''From''. He played Pvt. David Kenyon Webster in the HBO miniseries '' Band of Brothers'' and appeared in the films ...

, 1996 * Conrad Bain, 1948 *

Brenda Bakke Brenda Jean Bakke (born May 15, 1963) is an American actress and real estate broker. She is best known for her roles in 1990s films ''Hot Shots! Part Deux'', '' Gunmen'', ''Demon Knight'', '' Under Siege 2: Dark Territory'', and ''L.A. Confiden ...

* Anne Bancroft, 1950 * Diana Barrymore *

Chris Bauer Mark Christopher Bauer (born October 28, 1966) is an American actor. He is best known for his television work in ''The Wire'', ''Third Watch'', ''True Blood'', ''Survivor's Remorse,'' '' The Deuce and'' the Apple TV+ original science fiction spac ...

Frances Bavier Frances Elizabeth Bavier (December 14, 1902 – December 6, 1989) was an American stage and television actress. Originally from New York theatre, she worked in film and television from the 1950s until the 1970s. She is best known for her role o ...

, 1925 *

Douglas Carter Beane Douglas Carter Beane is an American playwright and screenwriter. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and raised in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, Beane now lives in New York. His works include the screenplay of ''To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! J ...

, 1980 *

Graham Beckel Graham Stuart Beckel (born December 22, 1949) is an American character actor. He is known for his guest appearances on television but has had roles in several major films as well. He is known for his roles as Franklin Ford in the drama film '' Th ...

, 1972 * Doris Belack, 1945 *

Gaston Bell George Gaston Bell (September 27, 1877 – December 13, 1963) was an American stage and film actor active over the early decades of the twentieth century. Early life and career Bell was born in 1877 at Boston, Massachusetts to George and Elizabe ...

* Gil Bellows, 1987 * Robby Benson *

Peter Bergman Peter Michael Bergman (born June 11, 1953) is an American actor best known for his portrayals on soap operas, such as Cliff Warner on '' All My Children'' (1979–89) on ABC as well as Jack Abbott on ''The Young and the Restless'' (1989–prese ...

, 1975 *

Samuel Bernstein Samuel Garza Bernstein (born 1970imdb.com) is an American screenwriter, playwright, director and author who grew up all over the world, living in Cairo, Honolulu, Austin, Phoenix, Albuquerque, New York City, Los Angeles, and Ft. Collins, Colorad ...

Lyle Bettger Lyle Stathem Bettger (February 13, 1915 – September 24, 2003) was an American character actor who had roles in Hollywood films and television from the 1950s onward, often portraying villains. One such role was the wrathfully jealous elephant ...

, 1937 * William Blinn, 1957 * Linwood Boomer, 1977 * Lee Bowman, 1936 *

Jocelyn Brando Jocelyn Brando (November 18, 1919November 27, 2005) was an American actress and writer. She is best known for her role as Katie Bannion in the film noir ''The Big Heat'' (1953). Early life Brando, the older sister of Marlon Brando, was born in ...

, 1942 *

Michael Brandon Michael Brandon (born Michael Feldman; April 20, 1945) is an American actor. He is known for his role as James Dempsey in the British drama series ''Dempsey and Makepeace'' (1985–1986). His theatre credits include the original Broadway (theat ...

, 1967 * Laura Branigan, 1972 * Eileen Brennan, 1956 * Lisa Brescia, 1991 * Beth Broderick, 1977 * Adrien Brody, specialized training 1993 *

Rose Marie Brown Rose Marie Brown (April 15, 1919 – January 19, 2015) was an American theater actress who was crowned Miss Virginia in 1939. Then known by her birth name, Rose Marie Elliott, she placed fourth in the 13th Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. Ho ...

Joyce Bulifant Joyce Collins Bulifant (born December 16, 1937) is an American actress and author. In addition to recurring roles on television, including ''The Mary Tyler Moore Show'' as Marie Slaughter, Bulifant is recognized for film roles in ''The Happiest ...

, 1958 *

Michael J. Burg Michael James Burg (born December 28, 1963) is an American actor. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Career Michael J. Burg is a film, television and stage actor and a longtime member of the Actors Studio. A native of Rock Port, Missouri, he ...

C *

J.D. Cannon John Donovan Cannon (April 24, 1922 – May 20, 2005) was an American actor. An alumnus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, he is best known for his co-starring role of Chief of Detectives Peter B. Clifford in the tele ...

, 1942 * Dale Carnegie, 1912 * Max Casella, 1987 * John Cassavetes, 1950 *

Nick Cassavetes Nicholas David Rowland Cassavetes (born May 21, 1959) is an American actor, director, and writer. He has directed such films as ''She's So Lovely'' (1997), ''John Q.'' (2002), ''The Notebook'' (2004), '' Alpha Dog'' (2006), and '' My Sister's Kee ...

, 1980 * Kim Cattrall, 1974 *

Jessica Chastain Jessica Michelle Chastain (born March 24, 1977) is an American actress and producer. Known for primarily starring in films with feminist themes, she has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. ''Time'' ...

, 1998 *

George Coe George Coe (born George Julian Cohen; May 10, 1929 – July 18, 2015) was an American actor. He was a cast member for the first season of ''Saturday Night Live'' and voiced the character of Woodhouse in ''Archer''. Early life Coe was born in ...

, 1956 * Enrico Colantoni, 1985 * Nicholas Colasanto, 1952 *

Angela Theresa Collins (known as Angela Theresa Egic, previously) Angela may refer to: Places * Angela, Montana * Angela Lake, in Volusia County, Florida * Lake Angela, in Lyon Township, Oakland County, Michigan * Lake Angela, the reservoir impounded by the source dam of the South Yuba River Fiction * Angel ...

, 1984 *

Jennifer Coolidge Jennifer Audrey Coolidge (born August 28, 1961) is an American actress known for her roles in comedic film and television particularly in American Pie (series), ''American Pie'' film series (1999–2012), Legally Blonde (franchise), ''Legally Bl ...

, 1982 *

Amanda Crew Amanda Catherine Crew (born June 5, 1986) is a Canadian actress. Following her film debut in ''Final Destination 3'' (2006), she had lead roles as Felicia Alpine in ''Sex Drive (film), Sex Drive'' (2008) and Tess Carroll in ''Charlie St. Cloud (f ...

Hume Cronyn Hume Blake Cronyn Jr. OC (July 18, 1911 – June 15, 2003) was a Canadian-American actor and writer. Early life Cronyn, one of five children, was born in London, Ontario, Canada. His father, Hume Blake Cronyn, Sr., was a businessman and ...

, 1934 *

Max Crumm Aaron Maximillian "Max" Crumm (born October 8, 1985) is an American actor and singer known for their work on the New York City, New York stage. They have originated starring roles on Broadway theatre, Broadway in both the revival of ''Grease (mus ...

* Bob Cummings *

Helen Curry Helen Curry (October 22, 1896 – November 15, 1931) was an American stage actress. Biography Early life and family Helen Curry was born October 22, 1896, in Chester, Pennsylvania Pennsylvania (; ( Pennsylvania Dutch: )), officially ...

D *

Marc Daniels Marc Daniels (January 27, 1912 – April 23, 1989), born Danny Marcus, was an American television director. He directed on programs such as I Love Lucy, Gunsmoke, Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, Hogan's Heroes, and more. Life and career Da ...

* Martin Davidson * Brad Davis * Jeremy Davies, 1990 *

Johanna Day Johanna Day (born 1964) is an American actress. She was nominated for two Tony Awards for her performances in the 2000 play '' Proof'' and the 2016 production of the play ''Sweat''. Her other accolades include a Helen Hayes Award and an Obie Awa ...

, 1984 *

Cecil B. DeMille Cecil Blount DeMille (; August 12, 1881January 21, 1959) was an American film director, producer and actor. Between 1914 and 1958, he made 70 features, both silent and sound films. He is acknowledged as a founding father of the American cinem ...

, 1900 * William Devane, 1961 * Danny DeVito, 1966 *

Colleen Dewhurst Colleen Rose Dewhurst (3 June 1924 – 22 August 1991) was a Canadian-American actress mostly known for theatre roles. She was a renowned interpreter of the works of Eugene O'Neill on the stage, and her career also encompassed film, early drama ...

, 1947 *

Diana Douglas Diana Love Webster (née Dill; formerly Douglas and Darrid; January 22, 1923 – July 3, 2015) was an American actress who was known for her marriage to actor Kirk Douglas from 1943 until their divorce in 1951. She was the mother of Michael and ...

, 1941 * Illeana Douglas, 1983 *

Kirk Douglas Kirk Douglas (born Issur Danielovitch; December 9, 1916 – February 5, 2020) was an American actor and filmmaker. After an impoverished childhood, he made his film debut in ''The Strange Love of Martha Ivers'' (1946) with Barbara Stanwyck. Do ...

, 1941 *

Cara Duff-MacCormick Cara Duff-MacCormick (born December 12, 1944) is a Canadian actress, predominantly in the theatre. Early life and education Born in Woodstock, Ontario, Duff-MacCormick studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. C ...

Julia Duffy Julia Margaret Duffy (née Hinds; June 27, 1951) is an American film, stage, and television actress. She began her career in television, appearing in minor guest roles before being cast in the role of Penny Davis in the series ''The Doctors (1963 ...

, 1972 *

Nora Dunblane Nora Dunblane (born 1879) was an American actress and short story writer. Early life and education Nora Dunblane was born in Brooklyn. She attended Miss Rounds' School and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (graduating in 1899), and was invo ...

, 1899 * Charles Durning, 1948 *

Alexis Dziena Alexis Gabrielle Dziena (born July 8, 1984) is an American actress. Early life Dziena was born in New York City and is of Irish, Italian and Polish descent. She attended the private Saint Ann's School alongside her ''Bringing Rain'' (2003) co ...

E * Clare Eames, 1918 *

Christine Ebersole Christine Ebersole (born February 21, 1953) is an American actress and singer. She has appeared in film, television, and on stage. She starred in the Broadway musicals '' 42nd Street'' and ''Grey Gardens'', winning two Tony Awards. She has co-s ...

, 1975 *

Eric Edwards Eric Edwards may refer to: * Eric Edwards (actor) (born 1945), American former adult film star * Eric Edwards (American football) (born 1980), National Football League tight end * Eric Edwards, Baron Chelmer (1914–1997), British Conservative par ...

, 1967 *

Vince Edwards Vince Edwards (born Vincent Edward Zoine; July 9, 1928 – March 11, 1996) was an American actor and director. He was best known for his TV role as doctor Ben Casey and as Major Cliff Bricker in the 1968 war film '' The Devil's Brigade''. Ear ...

, 1950 *

Ethyl Eichelberger Ethyl Eichelberger (July 17, 1945 – August 12, 1990) was an Obie award-winning American drag performer, playwright, and actor. He became an influential figure in experimental theater and writing, and wrote nearly forty plays portraying women ...

David Eigenberg David Eigenberg (born May 17, 1964) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Steve Brady on the HBO series ''Sex and the City'' and its revival series '' And Just Like That...'' and as Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann on NBC's '' Chicag ...

, 1986 *

René Enríquez René Enríquez (November 24, 1933 – March 23, 1990) was a Nicaraguan-born American television actor of the 1970s and 1980s. He is best remembered for his role as Lt. Ray Calletano in the long-running television series ''Hill Street Blues'' (1 ...

, 1960 F * James Farentino, 1958 *

Gail Fisher Gail Fisher (August 18, 1935 – December 2, 2000) was an American actress who was one of the first black women to play substantive roles in American television. She was best known for playing the role of secretary Peggy Fair on the television de ...

, 1958 * Cristina Fontanelli * Nina Foch, 1942 *

Harriet Ford Harriet Ford (after marriage, Morgan; 1863 – December 12, 1949) was an American actress and playwright who flourished during the latter part of the 19th century. Her contemporaries included: Edith Ellis, Marion Fairfax, Eleanor Gates, Georgia ...

Nicole Forester Nicole Forester (born November 19, 1972) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Maggie Zajac on the Starz original series ''Boss'' and as Cassie Layne Winslow on '' Guiding Light''. She currently appears as Christie on NBC's ...

, 1993 *

Jorja Fox Jorja-An Fox ( ) is an American actress and producer. She first came to prominence with a recurring role in the NBC medical drama '' ER'' as Dr. Maggie Doyle from 1996 to 1999. This was followed by another critical success in the recurring ro ...

, 1990 * Elizabeth Franz, 1962 *

Deborra-Lee Furness Deborra-Lee Furness (born 30 November 1955) is an Australian actress and producer. She is married to actor Hugh Jackman. Early life Furness was born in Annandale, a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, and raised in Melbourne, Victoria. At ...

G *

Troy Garity Troy Garity (born July 7, 1973) is an American film actor. He is primarily known for his role as Isaac in the ''Barbershop'' film series and as Barry Winchell in the television movie ''Soldier's Girl'' (2003), where he was nominated for a Golden ...

, 1995 *

Sally Gifford Sally Gifford Piper (born September 30, 1981), usually credited as Sally Gifford, is a Canadian or American actress. She hosted CBC Television's national children's show, The-X. In 2013 she gained widespread attention for appearing in a viral v ...

Gwen Gillen Gwendolyn "Gwen" Gillen (January 6, 1941 – January 27, 2017) was an American sculptor and artist. Her best known works include a bronze sculpture of actress Mary Tyler Moore tossing her Tam o' shanter hat into the air as a homage to the final s ...

Larry Gilliard Jr. Lawrence Gilliard Jr. (born September 22, 1971) is an American actor who has appeared in films, television series, and theatre. He portrayed D'Angelo Barksdale on the HBO drama series ''The Wire'', a role which earned him critical acclaim. He is ...

Joanna Going Joanna Catherine Going (born July 22, 1963) is an American actress known for the television series ''Kingdom'', ''House of Cards'', ''Mad Men'' and the movie ''Wyatt Earp''. Early life Going was born in Washington, DC, the eldest of six childre ...

, 1985 *

Joan Goodfellow Joan Goodfellow (born February 2, 1950) is an American actress and singer who appeared on stage, screen, and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Best known for her lead role in ''Buster and Billie'' (1974) as well as her performance in ''Lo ...

, 1972 *

Ruth Gordon Ruth Gordon Jones (October 30, 1896 – August 28, 1985) was an American actress, screenwriter, and playwright. She began her career performing on Broadway at age 19. Known for her nasal voice and distinctive personality, Gordon gained internati ...

, 1914 *

Robert Gossett Robert Gossett (born March 3, 1954) is an American actor. Gossett is the first cousin of actor Louis Gossett Jr. and is best known for his role of Commander Russell Taylor on the TNT crime drama, ''The Closer'' and on its successor series '' Maj ...

, 1976 * Bruce Greenwood, 1981 *

Luke Grimes Luke Timothy Grimes (born January 21, 1984) is an American actor. He is known for his role as real life Navy SEAL Marc Alan Lee in the acclaimed film ''American Sniper''. He played Christian Grey's brother, Elliot, in the film ''Fifty Shades of G ...

, 2004 *

Burt Grinstead Burt Grinstead (born 1988) is an American actor. He is best known for ''Written By'' (2016), ''Eat with Me'' (2014) and the web series ''Burt Paxton: Private Detective'' (2014-2015). Grinstead starred in ''Death Race 2050'', a sequel to the 1975 ...

Gugu Gumede Gugu Gumede is a South African actress born in the Province of Natal. She is well known for portraying the character of a prophetess, Mamlambo, in the soapie ''Uzalo''. Early life Gumede was born in the province of Natal. Her father was Simon H ...

, 2012 H *

Leisha Hailey Leisha Hailey (born July 11, 1971) is an American actress and musician known for playing Alice Pieszecki in the Showtime Networks series ''The L Word'' and '' The L Word: Generation Q''. Hailey first came to the public's attention as a musician ...

* Ron Hale, 1967 *

Emily Wakeman Hartley Emily Wakeman Hartley (1872 – February 20, 1935) was an American actress and theatrical manager, founder of the Arts and culture in Stamford, Connecticut, Stamford Theatre in Stamford, Connecticut. Early life Emily I. Wakeman was born in New Y ...

Harry Prescott Hanaford, Dixie Hines, eds.
''Who's who in Music and Drama''
(H. P. Hanaford 1914): 311. *

David Hartman David Hartman is the name of: *David Hartman (rabbi) (1931–2013), American-Israeli rabbi *David Hartman (TV personality) David Downs Hartman (born May 19, 1935) is an American journalist and media host who began his media career as an actor. He ...

, 1961 *

Susan Haskell Susan Haskell (born June 10, 1968) is a Canadian actress. She played the role of Marty Saybrooke on the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live''. Personal life She graduated from The American Academy of Arts in 1991. Haskell also appeared on ''Port ...

, 1991 * Anne Hathaway, specialized training 1993 * Dennis Haysbert, 1977 * Florence Henderson, 1953 * Martin Hewitt *

Judd Hirsch Judd Seymore Hirsch (born March 15, 1935) is an American actor. He is known for playing Alex Rieger on the television comedy series ''Taxi'' (1978–1983), John Lacey on the NBC series '' Dear John'' (1988–1992), and Alan Eppes on the CBS series ...

, 1962 *

Alice Hirson Alice Hirson (born March 10, 1929) is an American actress best known for her roles on television. She began her career on stage, before roles on daytime soap operas. She is best known for her roles as Mavis Anderson in the CBS prime time soap ope ...

, 1948 * Sterling Holloway, 1923 * David Huddleston, 1958 I * Lela Ivey J * Kate Jackson, 1970 * John James, 1977 * Melissa James Gibson, 1984 *

Herbert Jefferson Jr. {{BLP sources, date=March 2013 {{Infobox person , name = Herbert Jefferson, Jr. , image = Herbert Jefferson, Jr. by Gage Skidmore.jpg , caption = Herbert Jefferson, Jr., at the 2012 Phoenix Comicon , birth_date = {{birth date and age, mf=yes, 19 ...

, 1969 *

Jennifer Jones Jennifer Jones (born Phylis Lee Isley; March 2, 1919 – December 17, 2009), also known as Jennifer Jones Simon, was an American actress and mental health advocate. Over the course of her career that spanned over five decades, she was nominated ...

, 1939 K * Florence Kahn *

Garson Kanin Garson Kanin (November 24, 1912 – March 13, 1999) was an American writer and director of plays and films. Early life Garson Kanin was born in Rochester, New York; his family later relocated to Detroit then to New York City. He attended ...

, 1933 *

John Karlen John Karlen (born John Adam Karlewicz; May 28, 1933 – January 22, 2020) was an American character actor who played multiple roles on the ABC serial ''Dark Shadows'' on and off from 1967 to 1971. In 1971, Karlen starred as the male lead in ''Da ...

, 1958 * Grace Kelly, 1949 *

Elizabeth Kemp Elizabeth Kemp (November 5, 1951 – September 1, 2017) was an American actress and acting coach. She began her career on the television series ''Love of Life'' in 1973, after studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Actors ...

* Sally Kirkland, 1961 * Elias Koteas, 1983 *

Stepfanie Kramer Stepfanie Kramer (born Stephanie Lyla Kramer; August 6, 1956) is an American actress best known for having played Detective Sgt. Dee Dee McCall on the 1980s NBC police series '' Hunter''. She was nominated for an Emmy in Special Class Programmi ...

, 1977 L *

Casey LaBow Casey LaBow (b. Samantha Casey Labow, Aug. 14, 1986, New York City) is an American film producer and actress known for her role as Kate Denali in '' The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1'' and '' The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part ...

, 2007 *

Caroline Lagerfelt Caroline Eugenie Lagerfelt (born September 23, 1947) is a Paris-born American actress, long based in the United States, recognized for her roles on ''Sweet Magnolias'', ''Gossip Girl'', '' Six Degrees', Dirty Sexy Money', Nash Bridges'' and ' ...

, 1969 * Ron Leibman, 1958 * Sam Levene, 1927 * Matthew Lillard, 1990 * Howard Lindsay, 1908 * Cleavon Little, 1967 * John Lone, 1978 * Marion Lorne, 1904 *

Lucille Lortel Lucille Lortel (née Wadler, December 16, 1900 – April 4, 1999) was an American actress, artistic director, and theatrical producer. In the course of her career Lortel produced or co-produced nearly 500 plays, five of which were nominated for ...

, 1921 *

James Luisi James A. Luisi (November 2, 1928 – June 7, 2002) was an American professional basketball player and actor. Luisi is perhaps best known for his role as Lt. Doug Chapman, the apoplectic foil to detective Jim Rockford, in a total of 23 episo ...

, 1958 M *

Taylor Mac Taylor Mac Bowyer (born August 24, 1973) is an American actor, playwright, performance artist, director, producer, and singer-songwriter active mainly in New York City. In 2017, Mac was the recipient of a "Genius Grant" from the John D. and Cath ...

Harriet E. MacGibbon Harriet MacGibbon (born Harriet E. McGibbon; October 5, 1905 – February 8, 1987) was an American film, stage and television actress best known for her role as the insufferably snobbish, "blue-blooded Bostonian" Mrs. Margaret Drysdale in ...

Rosie Malek-Yonan Rosie Malek-Yonan (b. July 4, 1965) is an Assyrian-American actress, author, director, public figure and activist. Malek-Yonan became a noted pianist at an early age. Having graduated from the University of Cambridge, she settled in the United ...

Randolph Mantooth Randolph Mantooth (born Randy DeRoy Mantooth, September 19, 1945) is an American actor who has worked in television, documentaries, theater, and film for more than 40 years. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he was discovere ...

Mrinalini Sarabhai Mrinalini Vikram Sarabhai (11 May 1918 – 21 January 2016) was an Indian classical dancer, choreographer and instructor. She was the founder and director of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, an institute for imparting training in dance, ...

* Marie-Noelle Marquis * Robin Mathews, 1994 *

Melanie Mayron Melanie Joy Mayron is an American actress and director of film and television. Mayron is best known for her role as photographer Melissa Steadman on the ABC drama ''thirtysomething'' for which she won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sup ...

, 1972 * Stephen McHattie, 1968 *

Leonard Melfi Leonard Melfi (February 21, 1932 – October 28, 2001) was an American playwright and actor whose work has been widely produced on the American stage. Life and career Leonard was the eldest child of Leonard and Louise Melfi, who owned and ...

* Ioannis Melissanidis *

Dina Merrill Dina Merrill (born Nedenia Marjorie Hutton; December 29, 1923 – May 22, 2017) was an American actress, heiress, socialite, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Early life Merrill was born in New York City on December 29, 1923, but for man ...

, 1944 *

Justine Miceli Justine Miceli is an American actress. Life and career Miceli was born in Sunnyside, Queens, New York. Miceli studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Early in her career, she acted in television commercials, off-Broadway show ...

, 1982 *

Judson Mills Judson Mills (born May 10, 1969) is an American actor. He is known for his performances as Texas Ranger Francis Gage in the American action drama television series'' Walker, Texas Ranger'' (1999–2001). Judson Mills joined the TV series in the s ...

, 1991 * Katherine Moennig, 1998 * Michael Mosley * Elizabeth Montgomery, 1953 * Agnes Moorehead, 1929 *

Frank Morgan Francis Phillip Wuppermann (June 1, 1890 – September 18, 1949), known professionally as Frank Morgan, was an American character actor. He was best known for his appearances in films starting in the silent era in 1916, and then numerous soun ...

, 1914 * Anita Morris, 1962 *

Carrie-Anne Moss Carrie-Anne Moss (born August 21, 1967) is a Canadian actress. After early roles on television, she rose to international prominence for her role of Trinity in ''The Matrix'' series (1999–present). She has starred in '' Memento'' (2000) for w ...

, 1988 *

Don Murray Don Murray may refer to: * Don Murray (actor) (1929–2024), American actor * Don Murray (clarinetist) (1904–1929), American jazz musician * Don Murray (drummer) (1945–1996), American drummer and aminator * Don Murray (footballer) Donald Ja ...

, 1948 * Louis Mustillo, 1983 N * Mary Nash *

Novella Nelson Novella Christine Nelson (December 17, 1939 – August 31, 2017) was an American actress and singer. She established her career as a singer, both on the off-Broadway and Broadway stage and in cabaret-style locales. Career Starting in 1961, Nels ...

, 1961 *

Eric Nenninger Eric John Nenninger (born November 19, 1978) is an American actor, best known for playing Scott Braddock in the 2003 horror film, ''Jeepers Creepers II'', he had a recurring role as Cadet Eric Hanson on '' Malcolm in the Middle'' and Scott in '' ...

, 1999 *

Hayley Marie Norman Hayley Marie Norman is an American actress, writer, and creator best known for her roles in ''Kenan'', ''A.P. Bio'', ''Hancock'', ''Chris Rock's Top Five'', ''Adam Ruins Everything'', ''Fired Up!'', and ''Norbit''. Norman has written, produced ...

O * Pat O'Brien * Michael O'Keefe, specialized training 1974 *

Keito Okamoto is a Japanese singer and actor associated with Johnny & Associates. and former member of Hey! Say! JUMP. Early life Okamoto was born in Tokyo to Kenichi Okamoto, a former member of the rock band Otokogumi, and model Katsue Nishi. He was educa ...

, 2020 * Jim O'Rear * Timothy Omundson *

Glenn Ordway Glenn Ordway (born January 16, 1951) is an American retired sports radio and television personality based in the Boston area. He also spent over a decade as a radio sports commentator for Boston Celtics games. Career Ordway began his radio car ...

Kelly Overton Kelly Overton is an American actress. She is known for portraying Vanessa Van Helsing in the 2016 Syfy fantasy drama series ''Van Helsing''. Early life Overton grew up in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, and studied at the American Academy of Dramati ...

, 1999 * Catherine Dale Owen P * Angel Parker, 1999 * Sarah Paulson, specialized training 1992 * Jimmy Pardo *

Donna Pescow Donna Gail Pescow is an American film and television actress and director. She is known for her roles as Annette in the 1977 film ''Saturday Night Fever'', Angie Falco-Benson in the 1979-1980 sitcom '' Angie'', Donna Garland in the sitcom '' ...

, 1975 * Alex Pettyfer, specialized training 2004 * Michael Pitt, specialized training 1998 * Rick Polizzi, 1983 *

Billy Pollina William Vito Pollina (born June 25, 1961) is an American film and television writer, producer and director. Pollina was born in Harvey, Illinois to Italian immigrants from Sicily. He studied theater at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AAD ...

Tom Poston Tom or TOM may refer to: * Tom (given name), a diminutive of Thomas or Tomás or an independent Aramaic given name (and a list of people with the name) Characters * Tom Anderson, a character in ''Beavis and Butt-Head'' * Tom Beck, a character ...

, 1947 * William Powell, 1913 * Dory Previn, 1943 R *

Robert Redford Charles Robert Redford Jr. (born August 18, 1936) is an American actor and filmmaker. He is the List of awards and nominations received by Robert Redford, recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Awards, Academy Award from four nomi ...

, 1959 *

Nicolas Winding Refn Nicolas Winding Refn (; born 29 September 1970), also known as Jang, is a Danish film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is known for his collaborations with Mads Mikkelsen, Tom Hardy and Ryan Gosling. He gained great success early in ...

Joe Regalbuto Joe Regalbuto (born August 24, 1949) is an American actor and director. He is known for his role as Frank Fontana on the CBS television sitcom ''Murphy Brown'', which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1989. Early life Regalbuto grad ...

, 1970 * Don Rickles, 1948 * Thelma Ritter, 1922 * Jason Robards, 1948 * Jason Robards Sr., 1911 *

Eric Roberts Eric Anthony Roberts (born April 18, 1956) is an American actor. His career began with a leading role in ''King of the Gypsies'' (1978) for which he received his first Golden Globe Award nomination. He was nominated again at the Golden Globes fo ...

* John Roberts, 1991 *

Edward G. Robinson Edward G. Robinson (born Emanuel Goldenberg; December 12, 1893January 26, 1973) was a Romanian-American actor of stage and screen, who was popular during the Hollywood's Golden Age. He appeared in 30 Broadway plays and more than 100 films duri ...

, 1913 * Zuleikha Robinson, 1997 * Hayden Rorke, 1932 *

Charlotte Rothwell Charlotte Rothwell is a British actress. She was born Charlotte Lucy Rothwell in Southport, Merseyside on 11 August 1991, as the only child of Sharon Venetta Rothwell and the first child of Adam Marc Turk. She attended Farnborough Road School and l ...

Gena Rowlands Virginia Cathryn "Gena" Rowlands (born June 19, 1930) is an American retired actress, whose career in film, stage, and television has spanned seven decades. A four-time Emmy and two-time Golden Globe winner, she is known for her collaborations ...

, 1952 *

Paul Rudd Paul Stephen Rudd (born April 6, 1969) is an American actor. He studied theater at the University of Kansas and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, before making his acting debut in 1991. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in ...

, 1991 * Rosalind Russell, 1929 S * Melanie Safka * Gary Sandy, 1968 * John Savage, 1969 * John Saxon * Diana Scarwid, 1975 * Kathryn Leigh Scott, 1966 *

Joseph Schildkraut Joseph Schildkraut (22 March 1896 – 21 January 1964) was an Austrian-American actor. He won an Oscar for his performance as Captain Alfred Dreyfus in the film ''The Life of Emile Zola'' (1937); later, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for h ...

, 1913 *

William G. Schilling William G. Schilling (August 30, 1939 – February 28, 2019) was an American actor of film and television. He played Dr. Harold Samuels on the television series ''Head of the Class ''Head of the Class'' is an American sitcom television ser ...

, 1969 * Annabella Sciorra, 1980 * Adam Scott, 1993 *

Kim Shaw Kim Shaw (born May 20, 1984) is a Canadian-born American actress. Early life and education Shaw grew up in Miami and Longwood, Florida. After graduating from Lake Brantley High School, Shaw moved to New York City to attend the American Academy ...

* Brooke Smith *

Jaclyn Smith Jacquelyn Ellen "Jaclyn" Smith (born October 26, 1945) is an American actress and businesswoman. She is best known for her role as Kelly Garrett in the television series ''Charlie's Angels'' (1976–1981), and was the only original female lead ...

, 1966 *

Keith Randolph Smith Keith Randolph Smith is an American Broadway, television, theater, and film actor. Smith appeared in the films ''Malcolm X'' and ''Girl 6'', both films directed by Spike Lee, and played Will in ''Fallout'' and Jesse Hill in ''Backstreet Justi ...

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Timothy D. Stickney Timothy Duane Stickney (born January 31, 1965) is an American actor, director, and theater practitioner. Stickney is most recognized for his role as bad guy Randall James "R.J." Gannon on the ABC soap opera, ''One Life to Live'', a role origin ...

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Kevin Sussman Kevin Sussman (born December 4, 1970) is an American actor and comedian. He played Walter on the ABC comedy-drama ''Ugly Betty'' and Stuart Bloom on the CBS sitcom ''The Big Bang Theory''. Starting with the sixth season of ''The Big Bang Theory ...

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, 1996 T *

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, 1951 * Ron Taylor, 1975 * Ernest Thomas, 1974 *

Gene Tierney Gene Eliza Tierney (November 19, 1920 – November 6, 1991) was an American film and stage actress. Acclaimed for her great beauty, she became established as a leading lady. Tierney was best known for her portrayal of the title character in the ...

* Gary Tomlin, 1971 * Constance Towers, 1952 *

Spencer Tracy Spencer Bonaventure Tracy (April 5, 1900 – June 10, 1967) was an American actor. He was known for his natural performing style and versatility. One of the major stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, Tracy was the first actor to win two cons ...

, 1923 *

Claire Trevor Claire Trevor ( Wemlinger; March 8, 1910April 8, 2000) was an American actress. She appeared in 65 feature films from 1933 to 1982, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ''Key Largo'' (1948), and received nomina ...

, 1929 * Manu Tupou V * Scott Valentine, 1980 W * Robert Walker, 1939 *

M. Emmet Walsh Michael Emmet Walsh (born March 22, 1935) is an American actor who has appeared in over 200 films and television series, including small but important supporting roles in dozens of major studio features of the 1970s and 1980s. He starred in ''Bl ...

, 1961 * Lucille Watson, 1902 *

Peter Weller Peter Weller (born June 24, 1947) is an American film and stage actor, television director, and art historian. He has appeared in more than 70 films and television series, including ''RoboCop'' (1987) and its sequel ''RoboCop 2'' (1990), in whic ...

, 1972 * Shannon Whirry * Warren William *

August Wittgenstein , image = Sayn Wittgenstein Wappen WWB 261.jpg , image_size =200px , caption = , spouse = , issue = , house = Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg , father = Prince Ludwig Ferdinand of Sayn-Wittge ...

Z * Helena Zachos * Constance Zimmer, 1990

Notable faculty

Notable faculty include: *

David Dean Bottrell David Dean Bottrell is an American actor, comedian and screenwriter best known for playing on numerous TV series & as Lincoln Meyer on 8 episodes of the ABC television series '' Boston Legal''. He is also the author of "Working Actor: Breakin ...

Karen Hensel Karen Hensel is an American actress. She is perhaps best known for the recurring role of Doris Collins, the mother of Sharon Newman, on the American soap opera ''The Young and the Restless''. She played Doris from 1994 to 2005, and returned to t ...

* Sandy Martin * Ian Ogilvy *

Scott Reiniger Scott Hale Reiniger, ''Harlan Sahib Bahadur'', Prince of Ghor (born September 5, 1948) is an American actor. He is best known as one of the stars of the 1978 classic horror film '' Dawn of the Dead''. Biography Scott Hale Reiniger, Jr. was born ...

* Sara Mildred Strauss * Fred Williams ''(né'' Frederick James Williams; 1829–1900), who, in the late nineteenth century, had been stage director of Daly's Theatre, stage director of the Lyceum Theatre on Park Avenue, and Dean of the Faculty of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Fred Williams' son, Fritz Williams (1865–1930), was also an actor. Williams was an uncle of actress Dorothy Donnelly (1876–1928).

Notes and references

Notes

Secondary

Primary

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:American Academy Of Dramatic Arts Drama schools in the United States Universities and colleges in Los Angeles County, California Private universities and colleges in New York (state) Educational institutions established in 1884 Universities and colleges in Manhattan Theatre in New York City Private universities and colleges in California 1884 establishments in New York (state)