Fresh Air: Leslie Uggams Looks Back On Her Decades In Show Business

Hosted by Terry Gross | Released July 22, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross sits down with the legendary Leslie Uggams, an accomplished singer and actor whose career has spanned over seven decades. From her early beginnings as a child performer to her current roles at the age of 82, Uggams shares intimate stories, reflections, and insights into the evolving landscape of show business.

A Remarkable Journey: From Child Prodigy to Iconic Performer

Leslie Uggams began her performing career at the tender age of six, a fact that has long been admired. Today, at 82, she remains a vibrant presence in the entertainment industry, showcasing her versatility in roles ranging from HBO's The Gilded Age to the Deadpool films as Blind Al. Reflecting on her enduring career, Uggams states, “I never think about being remarkable. I just think, what's my next gig? I mean, that's how I've always been” (01:50).

Early Career and Influences: The Apollo and Beyond

Uggams reminisces about her formative years performing at the Apollo Theater, where she rubbed shoulders with legends like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald. Her debut at the Apollo was a significant milestone, sharing the stage with Armstrong, from whom she learned the profound connection between artist and audience. “I figured out that you have the audience when they're sitting in their seats, and all of a sudden they start moving forward because they're so captured by what you're doing,” she explains (13:30).

Her time on Sing Along with Mitch further propelled her career, earning her a wide audience and establishing her as a household name. Despite the demanding schedule, Uggams’ passion for performing never waned, leading her to explore various facets of entertainment.

Television and Variety Shows: Breaking Barriers

In 1969, Leslie Uggams became the first black woman to host her own TV variety show, The Leslie Uggams Show. This groundbreaking achievement broke racial barriers on television, although it faced initial resistance, especially in the Southern United States, where some stations refused to carry the show due to her presence. “We became such a hit that the south decided, oh, you know, maybe we will have the show on the air. And some of my best fan mail was from the South,” Uggams recounts (34:06).

Her choice to feature Sly and the Family Stone as her first guest exemplifies her commitment to showcasing black artists and contemporary music, further cementing her role as a trailblazer in the industry.

Broadway Success: Hallelujah Baby and Tony Triumph

One of Uggams' most significant achievements came with her starring role in the 1967 Broadway musical Hallelujah Baby. The show, which explores the struggle for civil rights, earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and the production won Best Musical. Reflecting on this period, Uggams shares, “I became a Broadway star. I wound up winning a Tony Award for it. So it changed my life as far as theater was concerned” (36:27).

Her collaboration with esteemed composers like Julie Stein and influential figures such as Arthur Laurents enriched her Broadway experience, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication.

Personal Reflections and Family: Navigating Dual Worlds

Uggams delves into her personal life, discussing the balance between her thriving career and family responsibilities. Her father initially hoped she would pursue higher education, reflecting his preference for stability over the uncertainties of show business. However, her success on television eventually earned her father's support: “It was until I did sing along with Mitch that he went, oh, well, I guess she might be having a career in show business” (12:18).

Her upbringing in a musically rich environment, influenced by her mother, a former dancer at the Cotton Club, and her aunt Eloise Uggams, a celebrated Broadway singer, provided a strong foundation for her illustrious career.

Challenges and Interracial Marriage: Love in Adversity

Leslie Uggams shares candid stories about her interracial marriage in the 1960s, a time when such unions faced significant societal challenges. She recounts an incident while attending Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral, where hotel staff confronted her and her Australian husband about their interracial relationship, reflecting the prevailing prejudices of the era. “When Martin Luther King died, we went down for the funeral... I was shocked later on when I found out why she was in such a panic” (43:31).

Despite these hurdles, Uggams emphasizes resilience and the importance of love overcoming societal norms. Her marriage was more readily accepted because her husband was Australian, an outsider to the American racial dynamics, which inadvertently made their relationship more socially permissible at the time.

Playing Kizzie in Roots: A Deep Connection to Heritage

Uggams discusses her portrayal of Kizzie in the iconic miniseries Roots, drawing parallels between her character's experiences and her own family history. She reflects on the pain of being torn away from family, a reality that resonates deeply with her personal background. “You don't have any say so in anything... to be torn away from your family is quite something” (07:03).

This role allowed her to explore complex emotions and historical contexts, further showcasing her depth as an actress.

Legacy and Modern Reflections: DEI and the Arts

Towards the end of the interview, Uggams expresses concern over contemporary political climates, particularly the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. “I just don't get it,” she remarks, highlighting the critical role of diversity in the arts and its universal language that bridges cultural and societal gaps (45:10).

Her enduring commitment to the arts as a unifying force underscores her advocacy for continued diversity and representation in all creative fields.

Conclusion

Leslie Uggams' conversation on Fresh Air offers a profound glimpse into the life of a performer who has not only witnessed but also shaped the landscape of American entertainment. Her stories of early triumphs, navigating racial barriers, and maintaining artistic integrity provide valuable insights into the resilience and passion that define her remarkable career.

As she continues to inspire future generations with her work, Leslie Uggams remains a testament to the enduring power of art and the importance of staying true to one's creative spirit.

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