Annaleigh Ashford

Annaleigh Amanda Ashford (née Swanson; born June 25, 1985) is an American actress, singer, and dancer. She gained recognition for her early roles on Broadway in musicals such as Wicked (2007), Legally Blonde (2007), and Hair (2010). Ashford won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Essie Carmichael in You Can't Take It With You (2014–2015). Her Tony-nominated roles include Lauren in Kinky Boots (2013) and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2023). She also starred in the Broadway revival of Sunday in the Park with George (2017). Ashford has appeared in notable films and TV shows, including Masters of Sex (2013-2016), Unbelievable (2019), Bad Education (2019), Impeachment: American Crime Story (2021), and B Positive (2020–2022). She received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her performance as Ir.