Belizean-American Kara Young Makes Tony History with Back-to-Back Wins

Belizean-American actress Kara Young made Broadway history Sunday night, becoming the first Black performer to win Tony Awards in back-to-back years after earning Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in “Purpose.” Born to Belizean parents in Harlem, the first-generation American actress has shattered multiple records on Broadway’s biggest stage.

Young has already made history as the first Black actress to be nominated for a Tony in four consecutive years (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025), breaking her own record for most consecutive nominations for a Black actress. Her previous nominations were for “Clyde’s” in 2022 and “Cost of Living” in 2023.

Last season, Young won her first Tony Award for “Purlie Victorious,” making this her second consecutive win in the same category. She became the first Black performer to win back-to-back Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Play.

“In this world, we are so divided,” she said while accepting her award. “Theater is a sacred space. It’s a sacred space that we have to honor and treasure.”