Idina Kim Menzel is an American actress and singer-songwriter. Nominated for three Tony Awards, of which she has won one, Menzel is known for her powerful mezzo-soprano voice and signature belting technique. Having achieved success in stage, film, television and music, Menzel is regarded as one of the most prolific Broadway performers of her generation.Menzel first rose to prominence as a stage actress when she originated the role of Maureen Johnson in the Broadway musical Rent, her Broadway debut. Her performance got her nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. After appearing in several smaller-scale stage and Off-Broadway productions, Menzel originated the role of Elphaba Thropp in the Broadway musical Wicked in 2003, a performance for which she garnered critical acclaim and the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. The popularity of Menzel's character earned her renown and a devoted following among theatre enthusiasts. She would reprise the role in West End productions of the musical until 2006. Menzel returned to Broadway as Elizabeth Vaughan in the 2014 musical If/Then, which earned her a third Tony Award nomination.