From Screen to Stage: A Star-Studded Broadway Journey
From Hollywood to Broadway, these celebrities have proven their versatility on stage The likes of Scarlett Johansson, Denzel Washington, and Tina Fey have all taken the spotlight in acclaimed productions, showcasing their acting chops and musical talents Joining them are rising stars such as Beanie Feldstein and Noah Reid, proving that the tradition of celebrity performances on Broadway is not slowing down anytime soon
Taking the Broadway stage is an experience like no other, with no second takes or editing and a live audience making it a true rite of passage. Michelle Williams, known for her role as Sally Bowles in the 2014 revival of Cabaret, found her love for musicals after portraying Marilyn Monroe in the film My Week With Marilyn.
In March 2014, she explained to The New York Times that singing and dancing offers a way to escape one's thoughts and experience pure joy. Orlando Bloom, known for his roles in major film franchises like Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean, made his Broadway debut in 2013 with Romeo and Juliet. Despite his previous successes, the British actor acknowledged that he gained valuable knowledge from his experience on the stage.
"When I became a part of the Broadway community, I was amazed by how supportive and connected everyone was," Tom Hanks shared with CNN in 2013. "After shows, actors and production teams from different houses come together for drinks and it's not at all pretentious or uptight. It's a down-to-earth and welcoming environment where people really know their craft." Despite his two Oscars, Hanks still felt a hint of nerves as he prepared for his Broadway debut in Nora Ephron's Lucky Guy.
Keep scrolling for a look back at more stars who’ve appeared on Broadway:
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Stars on Broadway! Celebrities Who've Taken the Stage
Taking the Broadway stage is a unique experience that sets itself apart from filming a movie or TV show. Unlike the latter, there are no second takes or editing allowed on stage, and the pressure of performing live in front of an audience adds to the challenge. Michelle Williams, known for her role as Sally Bowles in the 2014 revival of Cabaret, was inspired to pursue Broadway after portraying Marilyn Monroe in the movie My Week With Marilyn.
"I don't consider myself a trained stage actor," Bloom revealed in an interview with Playbill. "I learned a lot about the discipline of being in a play and how to sustain a performance for that length of time. It's a very different beast from film."
"When I became a part of the Broadway community, I was pleasantly surprised by their wonderful support for one another," shared Hanks with CNN back in 2013. "There's a real sense of camaraderie among the different houses, productions, and actors - we often hang out together after shows. The best part is that it's all very down-to-earth and welcoming - there's no air of pretension or stuffiness. It's a genuine and accessible world where everyone knows their craft." Despite being a two-time Oscar winner, Hanks still felt a slight apprehension about his Broadway debut in Nora Ephron's Lucky Guy.
"I have confidence in the final outcome of the production, but I am apprehensive about my own ability to execute it flawlessly. It worries me that I may lack the necessary self-assurance and endurance to take on such a responsibility. I have had my fair share of unsuccessful movies and projects in the past," he shared with The New York Times in 2013. However, he surpassed his fears and received a nomination for the Best Actor in a Play Tony Award. Although he did not win, he was honored with a Theatre World Award for his remarkable debut performance on Broadway."
Keep scrolling for a look back at more stars who've appeared on Broadway:
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JoJo
In February 2023, the talented singer of "Too Little, Too Late" announced her Broadway debut. Come April, the widely recognized actress of Aquamarine will be gracing the stage as Satine in Moulin Rouge for a 14-week limited engagement. She will be starring alongside the returning cast member Derek Klena, who will play the role of Christian.
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Gaten Matarazzo
Gearing up for the final season of Stranger Things, Matarazzo is set to showcase his talent on Broadway by starring as Jared Kleinman, the lead character's friend, in Dear Evan Hansen starting July 19, 2022. In a statement to Deadline, he expressed his immense gratitude for being a part of this production and how it has taught him so much about himself. He added that being able to participate in any capacity, especially on Broadway, fills him with ecstasy and appreciation. His previous theater credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert (2011) and Les Misérables (2014).
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Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson, the well-known Baywatch star, made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago in April 2022. In an interview with CNN, she shared that she dedicated six to eight hours per day to rehearsals, including four hours of dance, one hour of voice training, and two hours of acting. Anderson's hard work paid off as she noticed her voice getting stronger every day, realizing that the voice is a muscle that requires constant exercise. She even found herself surprised by the quality of her singing, exclaiming, "Who's singing like that?" when listening to herself.
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Tina Fey, 'Freestyle Love Supreme'
Tina Fey, the celebrated queen of comedy, graced the stage of the Great White Way in December 2021, joining the improv cast of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Freestyle Love Supreme. The official Twitter account for the show announced her arrival, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement.
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Greg Kinnear, 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
In January 2022, the talented Oscar nominee will be making his Broadway debut in Aaron Sorkin's adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. He will be taking over the role of Atticus Finch from Jeff Daniels, adding his unique touch to the character.
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Noah Reid, 'The Minutes'
The highly-anticipated Broadway production of The Minutes has found its replacement for Armie Hammer. Schitt's Creek star, whose name is yet to be announced, is set to take on the lead role in April 2022. Hammer dropped out of the play following serious allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied.
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Jane Lynch, 'Funny Girl'
Jane Lynch, known for her role on Glee, will be returning to Broadway for the first time since 2013 to star in the 2022 revival of Funny Girl. She will be playing the character of Mrs. Rosie Brice, the mother of Fanny, played by Beanie Feldstein, and will provide support to her daughter throughout the show.
"My introduction to music came from the classic musical Funny Girl. Growing up, my mother was a devoted fan of musical theater and this particular show was a favorite of hers. We shared a love for Funny Girl and I memorized every note and lyric from the Broadway cast album by the time I was just 10 years old. Singing the show tunes throughout our house became a regular occurrence and it remains a cherished memory to this day."
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Jennifer Nettles, ‘Waitress’
The Sugarland singer is set to take over for Sara Bareilles as the lead character, Jenna Hunterson, in Waitress from October to November 2021.
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Beanie Feldstein, 'Funny Girl'
The Booksmart actress is set to star in a 2022 revival of Funny Girl — the first since the musical's original run closed in 1967.
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Melissa Benoist, 'Beautiful'
The Supergirl actress made her Broadway debut in 2018 as Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical for a limited run.
He earned his second Tony award for his portrayal in The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel during the 1970s. Years later, the Scarface star returned to Broadway in 2010 to star in a production of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.
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Alan Cumming, 'Cabaret'
The Scottish actor won a Tony for his performance in Cabaret in 1998. In 2014, the actor reprised his role as the Emcee in the Roundabout Theatre's production.
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Bryan Cranston, 'All the Way'
The Breaking Bad actor hit the stage and made his Broadway debut in 2014 in All the Way, where he earned a Tony for his portrayal of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
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Carly Rae Jepsen, 'Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella'
The "Call Me Maybe" singer took the stage in February 2014 as Cinderella, alongside cast member Fran Drescher.
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Daniel Radcliffe, 'Equus'
The actor famously caused a stir with his appearance in the stage production of Equus in 2007, where he bared it all for the audience. He later went on to star in the 2011 revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
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Denzel Washington, 'A Raisin in the Sun'
The talented actor known for his role in Remember the Titans has graced the stage in countless productions, such as Fences, which earned him a Tony award in 2010. In addition, he took on the lead role in A Raisin in the Sun in 2014.
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Fran Drescher, 'Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella'
Drescher made her Broadway debut in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in February 2014 as Cinderella's stepmother.
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Hugh Jackman, ’The Boy From Oz,' 'The Music Man'
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Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, 'Wicked'
Menzel and Chenoweth delivered outstanding performances in the hit musical Wicked. Menzel's portrayal of Elphaba earned her a Tony award in 2004, while Chenoweth, who previously won a Tony for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, received a nomination for her role as Glinda.
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Chris O'Dowd, Leighton Meester and James Franco, 'Of Mice and Men'
O’Dowd, Meester and Franco starred alongside each other in the 2014 Broadway production of the 1937 novella.
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Jude Law, 'Indiscretions'
The actor appeared nude on stage in 1995 during a production of Indiscretions.
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Julia Stiles and Aaron Eckhart, 'Oleanna'
Stiles and Eckhart portrayed Carol and John in David Mamet’s Oleanna in 2004.
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Katie Holmes, 'Dead Accounts'
"I love performing in live theater," said the former star of Dawson's Creek in an interview with Vogue. "It's exhilarating because there are no close-ups, and you have to use every inch of your being. It's a chance for me to continue to evolve and develop my craft."
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Keke Palmer, 'Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella'
Palmer became the first Black Cinderella on Broadway in 2014 in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
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Lea Michele, 'Spring Awakening'
The Glee star kickstarted her career in the entertainment industry through Broadway shows including Les Misérables, Ragtime, and Fiddler on the Roof. She made a comeback in 2006 with Spring Awakening, where her performance as Wendla earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination.
Tomei and Hall starred alongside one another in 2014 in The Realistic Joneses, a play about next-door neighbors.
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Matthew Broderick, 'It's Only a Play'
Broderick became the youngest actor ever to receive the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play with his performance in 1983’s Brighton Beach Memoirs.
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Michelle Williams, 'Cabaret'
Williams made her Broadway debut alongside Alan Cumming in the revival of Cabaret in 2014.
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Neil Patrick Harris, 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch'
The talented How I Met Your Mother actor won a Tony in 2014 for his portrayal of the titular character in Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
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Nick Jonas, 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'
The former Disney star made his Broadway return in 2012 in the famed play How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
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Orlando Bloom, 'Romeo and Juliet'
The dashing star of Pirates of the Caribbean marked his entry into Broadway with a stellar performance as Romeo in 2014's rendition of Romeo and Juliet. During an interaction with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor candidly shared his thoughts on live theater and how it can be a draining experience. "I slept like the dead," he revealed.
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Philip Seymour Hoffman and Andrew Garfield, 'Death of a Salesman'
In 2012, Garfield starred alongside the late Hoffman in a revival of Arthur Miller’s 1949 play.
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Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig, 'Betrayal'
The real-life couple starred in Harold Pinter's Betrayal, a play about a love triangle and the pain of loss.
The Marvel star ditched her Black Widow getup for 2013's production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
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Sherri Shepherd, 'Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella'
The former View co-host took her first stab at theater with her portrayal of the evil stepmother in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 2014.
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Tom Hanks, 'Lucky Guy'
Lucky Guy, a play depicting the story of journalist Mike McAlary, served as Hanks' Broadway debut in 2013 and Nora Ephron's final work following her death.
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Vanessa Williams, 'After Midnight'
The actress, known for her past success as Miss America and her role in Ugly Betty, has graced the stage numerous times throughout her career. In 2014, she notably appeared in After Midnight. Her impressive talents have earned her a Tony award nomination for her performance in Into the Woods.
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Will Ferrell, 'You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush'
The Broadway premiere of the comedian's original play, You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush, marked a significant milestone in his career. The play was a satirical roast of the former President and shattered box office records. To top it off, the performance was also broadcast live on HBO, cementing the comedian's place as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
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Joey Fatone, ‘Rent,’ ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
In 2002, the lead character Mark in Rent marked the beginning of the ‘NSync singer's Broadway career. He later landed another starring role as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors in 2003.
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Zach Braff, 'Bullets Over Broadway'
Woody Allen's Bullets Over Broadway served as Braff's first Broadway role in 2014. The Garden State actor previously hit the stage in off-Broadway plays including Trust.
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Diddy, ‘A Raisin in the Sun’
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Jake Gyllenhaal, ‘Constellations,’ ’Sunday in the Park With George’
The talented Zodiac actor graced Broadway with his presence in 2015, captivating audiences with his performance in Constellations. He then went on to portray the lead character in Sunday in the Park With George in 2017, further showcasing his acting prowess. In 2019, he once again returned to the stage for Sea Wall/A Life, cementing his status as a versatile and skilled performer.
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Sutton Foster, ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie,’ ‘Little Women,’ ‘The Music Man,’ and More
Foster is a seasoned Broadway star with an impressive resume. Her notable performances include Thoroughly Modern Millie, Little Women, The Drowsy Chaperone, Young Frankenstein, Shrek the Musical, and Anything Goes, among others. With two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical under her belt, she has proven her talent and versatility. Foster currently shines in her role alongside Jackman in The Music Man.
