Award-Winning Performer Renée Elise Goldsberry Visits the Hill in Celebration of Black History Month

“I just want to say, I like your sweatshirt,” began actress and singer Renée Elise Goldsberry, pointing to a student in the audience. “She’s got a Hamilton sweatshirt on. Good choice, good choice,” Goldsberry chuckled along with the crowd, referencing her starring role as Angelica Schuyler in the hit Broadway Play Hamilton and flashing a thumbs up.

On Friday, February 6, the multi-hyphenate artist visited Hopkins School to speak at an all-school assembly. Invited and moderated by the Hopkins Black Student Union (BSU) in celebration of Black History Month, Goldsberry shared her experiences as a performer, reflections on her career trajectory, and highlights from her notable roles on the stage and screen.

The conversation began with an introduction from Sean I. ’26, co-head of the BSU, who noted her roles in productions such as Hamilton, Rent, The Color Purple, and The Lion King. Leading the Q&A were the other heads of the BSU, Leilani E. ’27 and Lucas D. ’26.

“I fell in love with the performing arts when I was eight years old,” Goldsberry explained, recalling her introduction to theater. “I was like, 'Please God, let me do this for the rest of my life,'” she said, describing the post-play sadness she felt after her first summer camp production. Following a lifelong dedication to her craft stemming from that “a-ha” moment, Goldsberry shot to stardom for originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in the original Broadway cast of Hamilton. Her performance earned her both a Tony Award and a Grammy.

The moderated discussion delved into navigating the entertainment industry as a Black woman, Goldsberry’s early inspirations, and her advice for the next generation of Hopkins students.

“Every single thing about you is what you create with. Who I am as a Black woman, as a mother, as a wife, as a resident of Connecticut—whatever it is, all of that is what I use to inform whatever I'm doing as an artist.” Goldsberry answered when asked in what ways being a Black woman contributes to her struggles and successes in her artistry.

In honor of Black History Month, Goldsberry described some of the Black historical figures she admires and hopes to portray through her acting. She spoke about opera singer Marian Anderson and jazz musician Sarah Vaughan, whose influence she draws upon most in her vocal performances.

“I went to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and when I got to the top floor with all of these amazing artists everywhere, there was literally no room for all of the art that Black artists have brought into this world in that huge museum,” Goldsberry recalled, noting that even a legend like Vaughan has a relatively small space dedicated to her, given the vast contributions Black people have made to American culture. “That’s how prolific and exciting our experience as Black Americans has been in the arts and in sports, in education and in science, and in politics in this country.”


Connecting with the Hopkins Community

Following the all-school assembly, Goldsberry stayed on campus for a second Q&A session in the Academic and Performing Arts Center, led by BSU heads Lucas D. ’26 and Sean I. ’26. Goldsberry took questions from the audience, many of which centered on her acting career and artistry. Afterward, a long line of students and faculty formed to take photos and speak with her.

“I just want to say to a group of high school students that it's when I look back that I realize a moment changed my life. And it's important to know that in the moment when you’re living your life, you have no idea what you're doing,” Goldsberry said in her assembly closing. “In the moments of our life, we’re all just trying to figure it out. Thank you very much. Have an amazing Friday. Happy Black History Month!”