Julia Nicole Knitel (born January 30, 1993) is an American actress and singer known for her work in theater.Julia Knitel Interview, Accessed April 20, 2025. In 2025, she was nominated for her first Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Maggie/Helen in Dead Outlaw.
Early life and career Knitel was born and raised in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and was introduced to the arts at a young age by her parents who were actors."N.J. actor on Broadway’s Dead Outlaw, the true story of a body with many lives", NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, April 27, 2025. Accessed April 29, 2025. "Julia Knitel stars in Dead Outlaw, a musical opening Sunday (April 27) at the Longacre Theatre.... The actor, who grew up in Fair Lawn, also played Carole King in a national tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.... In 2009, Knitel won Paper Mill’s Rising Star Award for her performance in Thoroughly Modern Millie at Fair Lawn High School." Knitel was a 2009 Jimmy Awards nominee for her performance as Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie at Fair Lawn High School and performed at the Paper Mill Playhouse as a child.2009 Jimmy Awards, Accessed April 20, 2025.
Broadway and performing career In 2009, Knitel made her Broadway debut at age sixteen in the ensemble of the revival of Bye Bye Birdie at the Henry Miller Theatre.NorthJersey.Com Julia Knitel Interview, Accessed April 20, 2025.
She played the lead role of Carole King in the biographical musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway and on tour.Julia Knitel Interview, Accessed April 20, 2025. She also played the role of Janice in Come from Away on tour. In 2018, she played Louise opposite Beth Leavel as Mama Rose in a production of Gypsy at The Muny in St. Louis. Also in 2018 she starred in the Off-Broadway musical Letter to Harvey Milk as Barbara Katsef, for which she was nominated for a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical.Playbill.Com Julia Knitel Profile, Accessed April 20, 2025.
In 2024, she originated the dual roles of Millicent / Maggie / Helen in the Off-Broadway musical Dead Outlaw, and reprised the role in the 2025 Broadway production. She was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award and a Tony Award for her performance.Julia Knitel Interview, TheatreMania.Com, Accessed April 20, 2025.
In February 2026, it was announced that she would be taking over the role of Ewen Montagu & Others in the Broadway production of Operation Mincemeat from original cast member and writer Natasha Hodgson.
Personal life Knitel married actor P.J. AdzimaThe Book of Mormon’ Star PJ Adzima ’15 to Host MMC’s Legacy Gala, Accessed April 20, 2025. and separated in 2025.
Stage YearTitleRoleVenueRef.2009Bye Bye BirdieTeenager, Fan Club GirlHenry Miller's Theatre, BroadwayJulia Knitel, Accessed July 18, 2025.2013Volley GirlsIngridThe New York Music Theatre FestivalJulia Knitel, Accessed July 18, 2025.2014Beautiful: The Carole King MusicalEnsembleStephen Sondheim Theatre, BroadwayBrighton Beach MemoirsNora MortonPortland Stage, Regional2015Beautiful: The Carole King MusicalCarole KingU.S. National Tour2018Letter to Harvey MilkBarbaraAcorn Theatre, Off-BroadwayGypsyLouiseThe Muny, RegionalThe Constant WifeMartha CulverDenver Center for the Performing Arts, Regional2019The ProducersUllaCasa Mañana, RegionalCome From AwayJanice & OthersU.S. National Tour2022The Panic of '29Performer59E59 Theatres, Off-Broadway2024Beautiful: The Carole King MusicalCarole KingCape Playhouse, RegionalDead OutlawHelen/MaggieMinetta Lane Theatre, Off-Broadway2025Longacre Theatre, BroadwayBeautiful: The Carole King MusicalCarole KingAsolo Repertory Theatre, RegionalA Christmas Carol Belle PAC NYC2026Operation MincemeatEwen Montagu & OthersJohn Golden Theatre, Broadway
Awards and nominations Award Year Category Work ResultRef.Lucille Lortel Awards2018Outstanding Lead Actress in a MusicalLetter to Harvey MilkOuter Critics Circle Awards2024Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway MusicalDead OutlawTony Awards2025Best Featured Actress in a Musical
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