"I am devastated that my behavior has offended others," she said after more than 500 Broadway professionals signed an open letter condemning her words.

Audra McDonald tells PEOPLE about channeling motherhood in 'Gypsy,' her history-making Tony Award nomination and how she celebrated with husband Will Swenson.

Joy Woods Reveals Her Surprising First Thought When They Announced ‘Gypsy’ With Audra McDonald (Exclusive) originally appeared on Parade. Joy Woods is having a “pinch-me” moment.

Audra McDonald is a stage veteran and she's using her experience as a Black mother to bring her current Broadway role life.

“When you talk about Greta Garbo, you think of that face. When you think about Ethel Merman, you hear that voice,” says Christine Baranski, who worked with McDonald on The Good Fight and The Gilded Age. “With Audra, it’s that lustrous presence.”