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Completely overhauled the page, used older revision with biographical information. Completed discography and referenced sources.
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{{Infobox actor <!-- See [[Template:Infobox actor]] for more -->
'''Orfeh''' is an [[United States|American]] singer<ref name="laferla1991">{{cite news
| image = Orfehpicture.png
| imagesize = 154px
| caption = Orfeh outside the stage door at Legally Blonde: The Musical.
| birthdate = March 28, 1967 (41)
| birthplace = [[New York City, New York]], [[United States]]
| deathdate =
| deathplace =
| spouse = [[Andy Karl]]<br><small>(2001 – present)</small>
| domesticpartner =
| URL = [http://www.Orfeh.com Orfeh.com]
}}

'''Orfeh''' (born '''Orfeh Alimorad'''; [[March 28]], [[1967]]<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1294108/bio
|title=Internet Movie Database - Orfeh: Biography
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=IMDB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://doryoku.org/site/topic/8972840
|title=Doryoko
|accessdate=2009-01-04
|publisher=Doryoko}}</ref>) is an [[United States|American]] singer, songwriter and [[Tony Award]] nominated actress from [[New York City]].

==Life and Career==

Orfeh, born and raised in Manhattan, began her career straight out of high school. She attended the famous [[LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts]], and got a record deal right after her graduation. Her first release was [["Life in the Movies"]]<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/Genevha
|title=Discogs: Genevha
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=Discogs}}</ref>, which she released as a part of the group [[Genevha]] with her musical partner [[Mike More]] in 1987. After that, they formed [[Or-N-More]]<ref name="laferla1991">{{cite news
|first=Ruth
|first=Ruth
|last=Laferla
|last=Laferla
Line 7: Line 36:
|date=1991-09-08
|date=1991-09-08
|accessdate=2008-10-27
|accessdate=2008-10-27
|quote=Orfeh, the singing half of the rhythm and blues duo Or-N-More}}</ref> and were signed with [[EMI Records]]. They released a self-titled album in 1991 that had mild success. They charted at #46 on the Billboard Chart with their single "Everyotherday". The song was a hit both stateside and abroad and garnered a gold album for the musical duo. "My recording career went wrong," she has said. "Really, really wrong. We had the business manager that stole all the money, the hit record that was about to become a mega-hit record and suddenly the rug was pulled out from under us. After being on the road for years and devoting my life to recording, I found myself at home saying, 'What do I do now?'"<ref>{{cite web
|quote=Orfeh, the singing half of the rhythm and blues duo Or-N-More}}</ref> and [[Tony Award]] nominated actress<ref name="robertson2007" />.
|url=http://orfeh.com/page_bio.html
|title=Orfeh.com Official Biography
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=Orfeh.com}}</ref> Even if Or-N-More may have been no more, Orfeh's talents as a songwriter earned her a much coveted publishing deal with Warner/Chappell and she has written and produced songs for many other artists. She also remains a member of NARAS, which gives her nominating and voting privileges for the Grammy Awards. More recently, Orfeh co-wrote the song "Wishing On You" which appears on the soundtrack of the [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] film ''[[Model Behavior]]''. <ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0218121/
|title=IMDB.com: Model Behavior
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=IMDB}}</ref>

Orfeh made her Broadway debut in 1998 as a swing in [[Footloose]]. After that, she appeared in the short-lived [[The Gershwin's Fascinating Rhythm]]. She starred in the Original Broadway Company of the London musical of [[Saturday Night Fever]] as Annette. She appeared on [[Rosie O'Donnell]]'s show to promote [[Saturday Night Fever]], and remains friends with the comedian. In addition to winning excellent reviews, Orfeh met her soon-to-be husband in [[Saturday Night Fever]], [[Andy Karl]]. <ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Orfeh_/
|title=Broadwayworld.com: Orfeh Theatre Credits
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=BroadwayWorld.com}}</ref>

Since then, she has appeared in many shows. Regionally, she has starred in [[Me and Mrs. Jones]] and [[Bright Lights, Big City]] at the Prince Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. She played [[Janis Joplin]] in the Off-Broadway show, [[Love, Janis]]. She also starred Off-Broadway in critical hit [[The Great American Trailer Park Musical]] as Pippi, a sexy stripper from the wrong side of the tracks. <ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/whoswho/biography/5425.html
|title=Playbill Biography: ORFEH
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=Playbill.com}}</ref>


She made a huge splash starring in the high-profile production of [[Legally Blonde: The Musical]] when it opened on Broadway. She created the role of Paulette, a down on her luck manicurist who helps Elle on her journey, as well as winning a love of her own. Orfeh garnered [[Drama Desk]]<ref name="gans2007">{{cite news
==Award nominations==
For her work in ''[[Legally Blonde: The Musical]]'' Orfeh was nominated for a [[Drama Desk Award]]<ref name="gans2007">{{cite news
|first=Andrew
|first=Andrew
|last=Gans
|last=Gans
Line 19: Line 67:
|date=2007-04-26
|date=2007-04-26
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|quote=Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical [...] Orfeh, Legally Blonde}}</ref> and [[Tony Award]]<ref name="robertson2007">{{cite news
|quote=Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical [...] Orfeh, Legally Blonde}}</ref>, [[Outer Critics Circle]]<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.outercritics.org/AwardArchives.aspx?_y=2006-2007
|title=Awards Archive: 2006-2007
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=Outer Critics Circle}}</ref> and [[Tony Award]]<ref name="robertson2007">{{cite news
|first=Campbell
|first=Campbell
|last=Robertson
|last=Robertson
Line 27: Line 79:
|date=2007-05-15
|date=2007-05-15
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|quote=On the musical side, the featured actors nominated are [...] Orfeh (“Legally Blonde”)}}</ref>.
|quote=On the musical side, the featured actors nominated are [...] Orfeh (“Legally Blonde”)}}</ref> nominations for her performance. Her own husband, [[Andy Karl]], starred opposite her as her sexy UPS man, Kyle. The two got rave reviews. She stayed in the show until it closed on October 19th, 2008.<ref name="hetrick2008">{{cite news
|first=Adam
|last=Hetrick
|title=Legally Blonde to Close on Broadway Oct. 19
|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/121695.html
|work=Playbill
|date=2008-09-24
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|quote=The Broadway production of Legally Blonde...will play its final performance at the Palace Theatre Oct. 19.)}}</ref>

She has appeared on many TV shows and in movies over the course of her career. Her TV appearances include: ''[[Law & Order: Criminal Intent]]'', ''[[Sex and The City]]'', MTV's ''[[Made (TV series)|Made]]'' and ''[[Chappelle's Show]]'' on [[Comedy Central]]. Movies include [[Kiss Me Again]] and Julie Taymor's [[Across the Universe]], where she sang "Come Together" with legend [[Joe Cocker]]. <ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1294108/
|title=Orfeh Biography on IMDB.com
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=IMDB}}</ref>

In addition, she is one of the top voiceover artists around. She is one of the most commonly used voices on [[VH1]] and [[MTV]], and also can be heard on videogames [[Max Payne 2]] and [[Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas]] (as Millie Perkins). She also has done voiceover work for [[Anthony Bourdain]]'s television show [[No Reservations]], and [[Wachovia]] bank. <ref>{{cite web
|url=http://orfeh.com/page_bio.html
|title=Orfeh.com Official Biography
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=Orfeh.com}}</ref>

Orfeh released her first solo album, [[What Do You Want From Me]], on September 30th, 2008.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.broadway.com/Legally-Blonde-Star-Orfeh-to-Release-Solo-CD-What-Do-You-Want-From-Me/broadway_news/569581
|title=Legally Blonde Star Orfeh to Release Solo CD What Do You Want From Me
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|publisher=Broadway.com}}</ref>

==Discography==


*''[[Life in the Movies]]'' (1987)
==Albums==
*1991 ''[[Or-N-More (album)]]'', [[Or-N-More]] with [[Mike More]]<ref name="discogs">{{cite web
Released as group [[Genevha]] with [[Mike More]]. <ref name="discogs">{{cite web
|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/Orfeh
|url=http://www.discogs.com/artist/Orfeh
|title=Orfeh
|title=Orfeh
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|work=Discogs}}</ref><ref name="laferla1991" />
|work=Discogs}}</ref>
*2001 ''M.Y.O.B.''<ref name="discogs" />
*2008 ''[[What Do You Want From Me]]''<ref name="album2008">{{cite news
|title=Headlines: Legally Blonde Star Orfeh to Release Solo CD What Do You Want From Me
|url=http://www.broadway.com/Legally-Blonde-Star-Orfeh-to-Release-Solo-CD-What-Do-You-Want-From-Me/broadway_news/569581
|work=Broadway.com
|date=2008-08-07
|accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref>


*''[[Or-N-More (album)]]'' (1991)<ref name="discogs Or-N-More">{{cite web
==Musicals==
|url=http://www.discogs.com/release/353454
*1999 ''[[Footloose (musical)|Footloose]]''<ref name="ibdb-productions">{{cite web
|title=Or-N-More
|url=http://www.ibdb.com/person.php?id=55173
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|title=Orfeh. Productions
|work=Discogs}}</ref>
|accessdate=2008-10-27
Released as group [[Or-N-More]] with [[Mike More]].
|work=IBDB}}</ref>
*1999 ''[[Saturday Night Fever (musical)|Saturday Night Fever]]''<ref name="ibdb-productions" />
*2007 ''[[Legally Blonde (musical)|Legally Blonde]]''<ref name="ibdb-productions" />


*"[[Emotionally Yours]]" ([[The O'Jays]]) (1991)<ref name="discogs (O'Jays)">{{cite web
==Films==
|url=http://www.discogs.com/release/1501955
*2004 ''[[Temptation (2004 film)|Temptation]]''<ref name="imdb-filmography" />
|title=Emotionally Yours
*2007 ''[[Across the Universe (film)|Across the Universe]]''<ref name="imdb-filmography" />
|accessdate=2009-01-04
|work=Discogs}}
Provided backing vocals.


*"[[Freezin' Em]]" ([[Level III]]) (1991)<ref name="Answers.com">{{cite web
==Television==
|url=http://www.answers.com/topic/freezin-em
*2007 ''[[Legally Blonde: The Musical]]''<ref name="imdb-filmography">{{cite web
|title=Freezin' Em Credits
|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1294108/
|accessdate=2009-01-04
|title=Orfeh filmography
|work=Answers.com}}
|accessdate=2008-10-27
Provided backing vocals.
|publisher=IMDb}}</ref>

*2008 ''[[Legally Blonde - The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods]]''<ref>{{cite web
*"[[Freedom]]" ([[Freedom Williams]])<ref name="discogs (Freedom)">{{cite web
|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/legally_blonde_search_for_elle_woods/episode/episode.jhtml?episodeId=132848
|url=http://www.discogs.com/release/770846
|title=Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search For Elle Woods. Omigod, She Threw Us Under The Bus! Episode Summary
|title=Freedom
|accessdate=2008-10-27
|accessdate=2009-01-04
|date=2008-06-16
|work=Discogs}}
|publisher=MTV}}</ref>
Provided backup vocals and co-wrote some of the songs. (1993)

*"[[M.Y.O.B.]]" ([[Deborah Gibson]]) (2001) <ref name="CD Universe">{{cite web
|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1637815/a/M.Y.O.B..htm
|title=M.Y.O.B.
|accessdate=2009-01-04
|work=CD Universe}}
Provided background vocals.

*"[[Hair]] Actors Fund of America Benefit CD" (2004) <ref name="Amazon.com (Hair)">{{cite web
|url=http://www.amazon.com/Hair-Actors-America-Benefit-Recording/dp/B000929ADW
|title=Hair (Actors Fund of America Benefit)
|accessdate=2009-01-04
|work=Amazon}}
Sang "Black Boys" with [[Ann Harada]] and [[Kathy Brier]].

*"[[The Great American Trailer Park Musical]]" (Original Broadway Cast) (2005) <ref name="Amazon.com"> {{cite web
|url=http://www.amazon.com/Great-American-Trailer-Park-Musical/dp/B000CNE13M
|title=Great American Trailer Park Musical
|accessdate=2009-01-04
|work=Amazon}}
Played "Pippi", featured on the album.

*"[[Legally Blonde: The Musical]]" (Original Broadway Cast) <ref name="CD Universe 2"> {{cite web
|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/7450092/a/Legally+Blonde:+The+Musical.htm
|title=Legally Blonde: The Musical
|accessdate=2009-01-04
|work=CD Universe}}
Played "Paulette", featured on the album.

*''[[What Do You Want From Me]]'' (Orfeh) (2008.) <ref name="Playbill Store"> {{cite web
|url=http://www.playbillstore.com/neorwhdoyouw.html
|title=What Do You Want From Me
|accessdate=2009-01-04
|work=Playbill}}
Debut solo release.

==Personal life==
She is married to actor [[Andy Karl]], who originated the role of Luke in the [[off-Broadway]] musical ''[[Altar Boyz]]'', and played opposite her as Paulette's UPS man, "Kyle" in the original cast of ''Legally Blonde: The Musical''. They eloped in early 2001, and live together in Manhattan. <ref name="buckley2006">{{cite news
|first=Michael
|last=Buckley
|title=Each Day Is Valentine's Day
|url=http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/7644
|work=Theatremania
|date=2006-02-09
|accessdate=2008-11-04
|quote=It was during the run of Broadway's Saturday Night Fever that Orfeh met Andy Karl...Adds Karl, "Five-and-a-half months later, we were engaged -- and we eloped two weeks after that."...They celebrated their fifth anniversary in January. }}</ref>


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.myspace.com/orfehsite Orfeh's official page] at [[MySpace]]
*{{imdb|1294108}}
*{{ibdb|55173}}
* {{imdb|1294108}}
* {{ibdb|55173}}
*[http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Star_File.aspx?ci=24773 Star File: Orfeh] at [http://www.broadway.com Broadway.com]
*[http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=518293 Q&A: Orfeh] at [http://www.broadway.com Broadway.com]
* [http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Star_File.aspx?ci=24773 Star File: Orfeh] at [http://www.broadway.com Broadway.com]
* [http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=518293 Q&A: Orfeh] at [http://www.broadway.com Broadway.com]
* [http://legallyblonde.brightforums.com/index.php Delta-Nu: A Legally Blonde The Musical Forums]


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{Lifetime|||Orfeh}}
[[Category:American film actors]]
[[Category:American film actors]]
[[Category:American stage actors]]
[[Category:American stage actors]]
[[Category:American television actors]]
[[Category:American television actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from New York City]]
[[Category:American musical theatre actors]]
[[Category:American musical theatre actors]]

Revision as of 08:39, 3 January 2009

Orfeh
File:Orfehpicture.png
Orfeh outside the stage door at Legally Blonde: The Musical.
Spouse(s)Andy Karl
(2001 – present)
WebsiteOrfeh.com

Orfeh (born Orfeh Alimorad; March 28, 1967[1][2]) is an American singer, songwriter and Tony Award nominated actress from New York City.

Life and Career

Orfeh, born and raised in Manhattan, began her career straight out of high school. She attended the famous LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, and got a record deal right after her graduation. Her first release was "Life in the Movies"[3], which she released as a part of the group Genevha with her musical partner Mike More in 1987. After that, they formed Or-N-More[4] and were signed with EMI Records. They released a self-titled album in 1991 that had mild success. They charted at #46 on the Billboard Chart with their single "Everyotherday". The song was a hit both stateside and abroad and garnered a gold album for the musical duo. "My recording career went wrong," she has said. "Really, really wrong. We had the business manager that stole all the money, the hit record that was about to become a mega-hit record and suddenly the rug was pulled out from under us. After being on the road for years and devoting my life to recording, I found myself at home saying, 'What do I do now?'"[5] Even if Or-N-More may have been no more, Orfeh's talents as a songwriter earned her a much coveted publishing deal with Warner/Chappell and she has written and produced songs for many other artists. She also remains a member of NARAS, which gives her nominating and voting privileges for the Grammy Awards. More recently, Orfeh co-wrote the song "Wishing On You" which appears on the soundtrack of the Disney film Model Behavior. [6]

Orfeh made her Broadway debut in 1998 as a swing in Footloose. After that, she appeared in the short-lived The Gershwin's Fascinating Rhythm. She starred in the Original Broadway Company of the London musical of Saturday Night Fever as Annette. She appeared on Rosie O'Donnell's show to promote Saturday Night Fever, and remains friends with the comedian. In addition to winning excellent reviews, Orfeh met her soon-to-be husband in Saturday Night Fever, Andy Karl. [7]

Since then, she has appeared in many shows. Regionally, she has starred in Me and Mrs. Jones and Bright Lights, Big City at the Prince Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. She played Janis Joplin in the Off-Broadway show, Love, Janis. She also starred Off-Broadway in critical hit The Great American Trailer Park Musical as Pippi, a sexy stripper from the wrong side of the tracks. [8]

She made a huge splash starring in the high-profile production of Legally Blonde: The Musical when it opened on Broadway. She created the role of Paulette, a down on her luck manicurist who helps Elle on her journey, as well as winning a love of her own. Orfeh garnered Drama Desk[9], Outer Critics Circle[10] and Tony Award[11] nominations for her performance. Her own husband, Andy Karl, starred opposite her as her sexy UPS man, Kyle. The two got rave reviews. She stayed in the show until it closed on October 19th, 2008.[12]

She has appeared on many TV shows and in movies over the course of her career. Her TV appearances include: Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Sex and The City, MTV's Made and Chappelle's Show on Comedy Central. Movies include Kiss Me Again and Julie Taymor's Across the Universe, where she sang "Come Together" with legend Joe Cocker. [13]

In addition, she is one of the top voiceover artists around. She is one of the most commonly used voices on VH1 and MTV, and also can be heard on videogames Max Payne 2 and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (as Millie Perkins). She also has done voiceover work for Anthony Bourdain's television show No Reservations, and Wachovia bank. [14]

Orfeh released her first solo album, What Do You Want From Me, on September 30th, 2008.[15]

Discography

Released as group Genevha with Mike More. [16]

Released as group Or-N-More with Mike More.

External links

References

  1. ^ "Internet Movie Database - Orfeh: Biography". IMDB. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  2. ^ "Doryoko". Doryoko. Retrieved 2009-01-04.
  3. ^ "Discogs: Genevha". Discogs. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  4. ^ Laferla, Ruth (1991-09-08). "Fashion; Jump Starts". New York Times, Magazine. Retrieved 2008-10-27. Orfeh, the singing half of the rhythm and blues duo Or-N-More
  5. ^ "Orfeh.com Official Biography". Orfeh.com. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  6. ^ "IMDB.com: Model Behavior". IMDB. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  7. ^ "Broadwayworld.com: Orfeh Theatre Credits". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  8. ^ "Playbill Biography: ORFEH". Playbill.com. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  9. ^ Gans, Andrew (2007-04-26). "Nominees for Drama Desk Awards Announced; LoveMusik Garners 12 Noms". Playbill. Retrieved 2008-11-04. Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical [...] Orfeh, Legally Blonde {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ "Awards Archive: 2006-2007". Outer Critics Circle. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  11. ^ Robertson, Campbell (2007-05-15). "'Spring Awakening' Gets 11 Tony Nominations". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-11-04. On the musical side, the featured actors nominated are [...] Orfeh ("Legally Blonde")
  12. ^ Hetrick, Adam (2008-09-24). "Legally Blonde to Close on Broadway Oct. 19". Playbill. Retrieved 2008-11-04. The Broadway production of Legally Blonde...will play its final performance at the Palace Theatre Oct. 19.)
  13. ^ "Orfeh Biography on IMDB.com". IMDB. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  14. ^ "Orfeh.com Official Biography". Orfeh.com. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  15. ^ "Legally Blonde Star Orfeh to Release Solo CD What Do You Want From Me". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  16. ^ "Orfeh". Discogs. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  17. ^ "Or-N-More". Discogs. Retrieved 2008-11-04.

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