Faith Prince Bio
Faith Prince is an American actress and singer renowned for her work on Broadway in musical theatre. Born in Augusta, Georgia, she studied at the University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music and made her Broadway debut in 1989. Prince rose to prominence as Miss Adelaide in the 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls, earning the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, along with three additional Tony nominations. Over a diverse career, she has appeared in stage productions, film, and television, while maintaining an active presence in cabaret and concert performances.
Early Life and Background
Faith Prince was born on May 4, 1957, in Augusta, Georgia. She grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she attended E.C. Glass High School. From an early age, Prince demonstrated a passion for performing arts, which led her to pursue formal training in theatre. She furthered her education by studying theatre at the University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Path to Actress
Prince began her professional career in the early 1980s, honing her craft in regional theatre and cabaret performances before making the transition to New York City. Her dedication and talent quickly positioned her for opportunities on the Broadway stage. In 1989, she made her Broadway debut as the Gypsy character Tessie Tura in Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, a revue celebrating the work of choreographer Jerome Robbins. She followed this with a role in the musical Nick & Nora, setting the stage for her breakthrough role.
Faith Prince Career
Early Career (1982–1991)
Before her Broadway debut, Prince performed in regional theatres and cabaret venues, building a reputation as a versatile performer with strong comedic timing and vocal abilities. Her appearance in Jerome Robbins’ Broadway in 1989 marked her official entry onto the Broadway stage. The production showcased her talent to industry professionals and audiences alike, opening doors to more prominent opportunities in musical theatre.
Breakthrough (1992)
Prince achieved major recognition in 1992 with her portrayal of Miss Adelaide in the revival of Guys and Dolls. Her performance as thevivacious, long-suffering nightclub singer earned her widespread critical acclaim. She won both the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Actress in a Musical for this role. This breakthrough performance established her as one of Broadway’s leading ladies and set the trajectory for her successful career in musical theatre.
Notable Works and Milestones
Following her Tony win, Prince continued to build an impressive portfolio of stage work. She received Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations in 2001 for her portrayal of Ella Peterson in the revival of Bells Are Ringing. In 2008, she garnered another set of Tony and Drama Desk nominations for her role in A Catered Affair. Her Broadway credits also include The Little Mermaid (2009), Billy Elliot the Musical (national tour 2010–2011), Annie (replacing Jane Lynch as Miss Hannigan in 2013), Disaster!, and Boop! The Musical (2025). Prince has also maintained a active concert and cabaret career, releasing recordings such as A Leap of Faith and Total Faith, and performing at venues across the country.
Prince has appeared in several films throughout her career, including The Last Dragon (1985), Dave (1993), Picture Perfect (1997), and Our Very Own (2005). On television, she has made guest appearances on programs such as Remington Steele, Law & Order, Monk, Frasier, House, Grey’s Anatomy, and Happy Endings. She also had recurring roles on Spin City (1997–2000), Huff (2004–2005), Melissa & Joey, and the Fox musical drama Monarch.
Faith Prince Awards Won
Faith Prince has received numerous accolades throughout her career in theatre, highlighted by her Tony Award victory. She has been recognized by both the theatre industry and her peers for her outstanding contributions to musical theatre.
| Award | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Awards – Best Actress in a Musical | 1 | 1992 |
| Drama Desk Award – Outstanding Actress in a Musical | 1 | 1992 |
| New York Nightlife Award – Outstanding Musical Comedy Performer | 1 | 2013 |
Personal Life
Faith Prince has been married to trumpeter Larry Lunetta since 1992. The couple resides in Sacramento, California, with their son. Prince has been public about her Presbyterian faith and has spoken about the importance of her spiritual beliefs in her life and career. She has also been involved in cabaret conferences, including co-leading the annual 92NY Summer Cabaret Conference alongside Michael Kirk Lane since 2024.