Renée Elise Goldsberry earned worldwide acclaim for her Tony and Grammy-winning performance as Angelica Schuyler in the original cast of Hamilton. Yet, this is just one remarkable highlight in a career that spans a variety of genres, including Broadway, television, and beyond. From her soap opera debut to starring in acclaimed Broadway shows, Goldsberry’s journey has been anything but conventional.
A Career Rooted in Storytelling
Goldsberry’s love for storytelling began at a young age. “I’ve been in love with telling stories since I was about 8 years old,” she recalls. Her passion for the theater led her to Carnegie Mellon University, where she joined a long list of talented alumni. “There are actors way more successful than me who have come out of that school,” she says. “But a couple of years ago, one of my former professors said, ‘Renée, your career is the most diverse. I have no idea what you’re going to be doing next.’”
Indeed, Goldsberry has never been one to fit into a single box. Whether on Broadway, TV, or in film, she’s embraced opportunities that align with her values and creative goals. Goldsberry’s range of work speaks to her versatility from The Lion King to The Color Purple, Girls5eva to The Good Wife. She’s also exploring new projects, including an upcoming album and a return to the stage for a limited run in All In: Comedy About Love.
From One Life to Live to Broadway Stardom
Goldsberry’s first major role was in the soap opera One Life to Live, where she played a lawyer. Her time on the soap proved invaluable, providing training in the craft of acting. “The greatest acting class I’ve ever had in my life was probably on that soap opera,” she reflects. Soaps are no longer filmed in New York City, but at the time, they offered a unique opportunity for theater actors. “Being on a soap opera would be your daytime job, and I learned from the best. We told some really fantastic and fantastical stories, and I still use that training wherever I am.”
Her career truly skyrocketed after landing the role of Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton. She had been focused on family life, balancing Broadway performances and a role on The Good Wife, when the opportunity to audition for Hamilton came up. “I didn’t know that it was in front of me. I thought I had a pretty good career. I was focused on my family,” Goldsberry admits. “Then I went to an audition for Hamilton, and my life truly changed. It was remarkable.”
The Hamilton Experience and Legacy
Renée Elise Goldsberry performing in 2024Rob Kim/Getty for Tribeca Festival
Being part of the original Hamilton cast was a dream come true for Goldsberry, and she’s incredibly proud of the lasting impact of the show. “It’s one of the most brilliant artistic pieces that’s ever been created. I’m honored that I got to be a part of the original company,” she shares. “We’re going to celebrate the 10-year anniversary next year, and I can’t believe it.”
The success of Hamilton gave Goldsberry an incredible platform to pursue other projects, and she’s been using that platform to continue doing meaningful work.
Balancing Family and a Busy Career
Goldsberry admits she’s still figuring out how to balance her demanding career with motherhood. “It takes a lot of support. I have a lot of support from my husband and children,” she says. “I try to stay calm and forgive myself and always prioritize family first.” She adds, “It takes a village.”
Though she often juggles a busy schedule, Goldsberry is clear about her priorities: “I just try to consider what will have the greatest impact in terms of thinking of other people and not just myself. And at the end of all that, I have to get some sleep.”
Behind the Scenes on Broadway
As much as Goldsberry shines in the spotlight, she acknowledges the incredible team behind the scenes who make Broadway shows successful. “The coolest thing about behind-the-scenes Broadway is the people that work there,” she says. “It’s really amazing to have your name in lights, but it works because the most brilliant costume designers, tailors, lighting designers, and carpenters are working behind the scenes.” For Goldsberry, spending time backstage and learning from those professionals is one of the highlights of her career.
Giving Back to the Community
Beyond her professional work, Goldsberry is also dedicated to giving back to the community. She recently teamed up with Wells Fargo to volunteer at 90 Sands, a housing development for low-income and formerly homeless New Yorkers. She helped distribute 1,000 bags of groceries and holiday gifts to residents, an experience she described as “a labor of love.”
Looking Ahead
As she continues to explore new creative avenues, Goldsberry is excited about what’s next. “I just keep showing up gratefully whenever it seems like the right fit,” she says, reflecting on her journey so far. With her undeniable talent, commitment to her craft, and dedication to family and community, there’s no doubt that Goldsberry will continue to captivate audiences in the years to come,
