Sophia Elizabeth Gennusa (born October 20, 2003) is an American actress most known for playing the title role of Matilda Wormwood, in the original Broadway cast of Matilda the Musical,[1][2][3] and Hannah Shepherd in The Enemy Within.[4][5]

Sophia Gennusa
Born
Sophia Elizabeth Gennusa

(2003-10-20) October 20, 2003 (age 21)
OccupationActress
Years active2013–present

Career

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Gennusa is best known for debuting the role of Matilda Wormwood in the Broadway production of Matilda[1][2][3] alongside Bailey Ryon,[2] Oona Laurence,[2] and Milly Shapiro[2] at the Shubert Theatre.[2] She returned to Broadway in 2015 for the new musical Doctor Zhivago at the Broadway Theatre.[6][7] It closed after about three weeks, with an additional month of previews.[8]

Gennusa frequently performs in benefit concerts and cabarets, and as of 2016 is the singer of the theme song for Sesame Street. She sang on an episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver in 2015.

In 2019, Gennusa began a recurring role on The Enemy Within as Hannah Shepherd.[4][5]

Personal life

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Gennusa lives in Westchester County with her parents.[9]

Awards

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She performed in Matilda as Matilda Wormwood until December 21, 2013. She later won a Tony Honor with Oona Laurence, Milly Shapiro, and Bailey Ryon for their outstanding Broadway debut in the show.[10] She was also nominated for a Grammy Award for the cast album of Matilda.[11]

Filmography

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Television

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Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2013 The Princess Diary: Backstage at 'Cinderella' with Laura Osnes Herself 1 episode [citation needed]
2015 Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Children's Chorus 1 episode [citation needed]
2016 Limitless Young Rebecca Harris 1 episode [12]
2019 The Enemy Within Hannah Shepherd Recurring role [4][5]

Theatre

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Year Title Role Theatre Notes Ref(s)
2013 Matilda The Musical Matilda Wormwood Sam S. Schubert Theatre March 5 – December 21, 2013 [1][2][3]
2015 Doctor Zhivago Young Lara/Katarina Broadway Theatre March 27 – May 10, 2015 [6][7]

Singles

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Year Title Album Ref(s)
2013 Naughty Matilda The Musical [13][better source needed]

Dance

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Year Title Theatre Notes Ref(s)
2008 The Nutcracker Purchase Conservatory College [citation needed]
2009 [citation needed]
2010 [citation needed]
2011 [citation needed]
2012 [citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Cohen, Stefanie (April 25, 2013). "The 'Matilda' Fab Four". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Benedict, David (April 12, 2013). "Legit Review: 'Matilda'". Variety. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c Brantley, Ben (April 11, 2013). "Children of the World, Unite!". New York Times. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Russell, John (April 15, 2019). "'The Enemy Within's Jennifer Carpenter Teases a Look Into Erica's Past". TV Insider. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c Smith, Matt (March 19, 2018). "MATILDA's Sophia Gennusa Books Recurring Role on New NBC Pilot". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  6. ^ a b "Broadway's Original Matilda, Sophia Gennusa, Joins the Cast of Doctor Zhivago". TheaterMania. January 14, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  7. ^ a b "'Doctor Zhivago': Theater Review". The Hollywood Reporter. April 21, 2015. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  8. ^ Hetrick, Adam; Gioia, Michael (May 10, 2015). "Winter's Over! Russian Musical Drama Doctor Zhivago Closes Today". Playbill. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  9. ^ Amodio, Joseph V. (April 5, 2013). "'Matilda,' a Brit-hit, comes to Broadway". Newsday. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  10. ^ Rooney, David (April 26, 2013). "'Matilda' Quartet Scoops Early Tony Honors". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  11. ^ "Sophia Gennusa". Grammy Awards. November 23, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
  12. ^ Selleck, Emily (January 11, 2020). "Where Are These 35 Broadway Kids Now?". Playbill. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  13. ^ Clark, Jason (October 9, 2013). "'Matilda': Watch a song clip from 'Naughty'". EW.com. Retrieved December 28, 2020.