In 2002, Pawk earned critical raves for her performance in Hollywood Arms, the Carrie Hamilton–Carol Burnett play adapted from Burnett's memoir, One More Time. Her portrayal of an alcoholic who dreams of success as a movie magazine writer, a character based on Burnett's mother, won her the Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Play. She was featured in Hairspray as Velma Von Tussle, after appearing in Mamma Mia! as "Donna" (October 19, 2005 – February 20, 2006).
Pawk was featured alongside Victoria Clark and Jonathan Groff in the New York premiere of "Prayer for My Enemy" by Craig Lucas at the Playwrights Horizons Theater. The play touches on several topics including the Iraq War (Groff plays a young veteran), homosexuality, alcoholism, and the definition of family. The play ran from November 14, 2008, through December 21, 2008.[2] In December 2022, Pawk took over the role of Madame Morrible in the Broadway production of Wicked.[3] She played her final performance on March 3, 2024.[4]
Teaching
Pawk has been a full-time faculty member at Wagner College, Staten Island, New York, since 2010, teaching advanced acting, directing and film studies.[5][6]
Personal life
She is married to actor John Dossett. They have a son, Jack, born in February 2000.[7]
Two of Michele's uncles, Johnny Pawk and Steve Pawk, were early professional basketball players in the 1930s.[8][9]
Awards and nominations
Awards
2003 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play – Hollywood Arms
2020 Lucille Lortel Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play – Heroes of the Fourth Turning
Nominations
1992 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical – Crazy for You
1998 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical – Cabaret
1998 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical – Cabaret
2011 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play – A Small Fire
References
^Everett, Carole J. (2009). "University of Cincinnati College—Conservatory of Music". College Guide for Performing Arts Majors: The Real-World Admission Guide for Dance, Music, and Theater Majors. Peterson's. p. 325. ISBN9780768926989. Faculty, Resident Artists, and Alumni ... Alumni continue to hold key positions in the performing and media arts. Numbered among them are ... musical theatre stars Faith Prince, Lee Roy Reams, Michele Pawk, Jason Graae, Jim Walton, Vicki Lewis, and Ashley Brown.