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LaChanze, born Rhonda LaChanze Sapp on December 16, 1961, is an American actress, singer, and dancer known for her work in Broadway musicals and her powerful vocal range. She was born and raised in St. Augustine, Florida, and grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a gospel singer, and her father played the trumpet. LaChanze began singing in church at a young age and was encouraged by her parents to pursue a career in music. LaChanze attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she studied dance and theater. After graduating, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a Broadway performer. She made her Broadway debut in 1985 in the musical "Uptown...It's Hot!" and went on to appear in several other Broadway productions, including "Once on This Island," "Ragtime," and "The Color Purple." One of LaChanze's most notable performances was in the original Broadway production of "Once on This Island" in 1990. She played the lead role of Ti Moune, a young girl who falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of the island. LaChanze's performance was praised for its emotional depth and powerful vocals, and she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. In 1998, LaChanze starred in the Broadway production of "Ragtime," a musical based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow. She played the role of Sarah, a young African American woman who is abandoned by her lover and forced to give up her newborn child. LaChanze's performance was once again praised for its emotional intensity, and she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. LaChanze's other notable Broadway credits include "The Color Purple," in which she played the role of Celie, and "If/Then," in which she played the role of Kate. She has also appeared in several off-Broadway productions, including "Dessa Rose" and "The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin." In addition to her work in theater, LaChanze has also appeared in several films and television shows. She made her film debut in the 1996 movie "The Preacher's Wife," in which she played the role of Julia Biggs. She has also appeared in the films "Side Effects" and "Breaking Upwards." On television, LaChanze has appeared in several shows, including "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "The Blacklist," and "The Night Shift." LaChanze's talent and hard work have been recognized with several awards and nominations throughout her career. In addition to her Tony Award win for "Ragtime," she has also received several other Tony nominations, including for "Once on This Island" and "The Color Purple." She has also been nominated for several Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, LaChanze is also a philanthropist and activist. She is a supporter of several organizations, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the Trevor Project, which provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. LaChanze's talent, dedication, and passion for her craft have made her one of the most respected and admired performers in the entertainment industry. Her powerful voice and emotional performances have touched audiences around the world, and her commitment to social justice and equality has made her a role model for aspiring performers and activists alike.

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