Patti LuPone: A Broadway Legend with a Heart of Gold

Patti LuPone is a Broadway legend. She's won three Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Drama Desk Award. She's starred in some of the most iconic musicals of all time, including "Evita," "Sweeney Todd," and "Gypsy." But behind her glamorous stage persona, Patti LuPone is also a down-to-earth and generous woman who has dedicated her life to helping others.

I had the pleasure of meeting Patti LuPone a few years ago at a benefit concert for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. She was so gracious and kind, and she took the time to talk to me about her work with the organization. I was so impressed by her passion and commitment to helping those in need.

Patti LuPone's story is one of perseverance and triumph. She was born in Northport, New York, in 1949. Her father was a construction worker, and her mother was a homemaker. Patti started singing when she was a child, and she knew from an early age that she wanted to be a performer. She studied at the Juilliard School, and she made her Broadway debut in 1972 in the musical "The Baker's Wife."

Patti LuPone has gone on to star in some of the most successful musicals of all time. She won her first Tony Award in 1979 for her role as Eva Perón in "Evita." She won her second Tony Award in 1985 for her role as Fantine in "Les Misérables." And she won her third Tony Award in 2008 for her role as Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd."

In addition to her work on Broadway, Patti LuPone has also appeared in several films and television shows. She has also released several solo albums. Patti LuPone is a true triple threat: she can sing, dance, and act. But she's also a woman with a big heart, and she's dedicated her life to helping others.

Patti LuPone has been involved with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS for over 25 years. She has served on the organization's board of directors, and she has helped to raise millions of dollars for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

In addition to her work with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Patti LuPone has also supported many other charitable organizations. She is a patron of the Actors Fund of America, and she has also worked with the American Red Cross and the United Way.

Patti LuPone is a true role model. She is a talented performer, a generous philanthropist, and a kind-hearted woman. She is an inspiration to us all.

Here are a few of Patti LuPone's most famous quotes:

• "I think that's what happens when you have a birthday – you get older."
• "I'm not afraid of anything, except for spiders."
• "I'm a workaholic. I love to work. I love to be challenged. I love to learn new things."
• "I'm a very lucky woman. I've had a wonderful career, and I've been able to work with some of the most talented people in the world."
• "I'm grateful for every day that I'm alive. I'm grateful for my family, my friends, and my work. I'm just grateful to be here."