22 Celebrity Broadway Roles That Left Us Absolutely Shook – You Won’t Believe Who Made the Stage!
Did you know your favorite stars have hit Broadway, too? Yep, from TikTok sensations to sitcom legends, celebs are making their mark on the Great White Way. And some of these names? Let’s just say you won’t see them coming. Curious? Keep reading, because we’ve got 22 stories that will make you double-take.
1. Charli D’Amelio’s Broadway Dream Finally Comes True – And It’s Happening SOON!
Yes, you read that right! TikTok’s queen, Charli D’Amelio, is swapping her viral dance moves for Broadway footlights in “& Juliet” starting on October 29, 2024. She’s taking on the role of Charmian, a dance-heavy ensemble part. Charli shared her excitement on Instagram: “This has been my ultimate dream ever since I was a little girl.” Is it time for TikTok to take over Broadway? We think YES.
2. Sabrina Carpenter’s Broadway Run Got Cut Short, But She’s Not Giving Up
Sabrina Carpenter debuted as Cady Heron in Mean Girls: The Musical in 2020. But after just two performances, COVID shut down the show. Talk about bad timing. But Sabrina’s determined: “I’d love to come back, maybe in another role.” Here’s hoping she gets her Broadway revival!
3. Cameron Dallas Went From Influencer to Mean Girls Heartthrob
In 2020, social media star Cameron Dallas snagged a role in Mean Girls: The Musical, playing Aaron Samuels for a limited four-week run. From Instagram to the stage? Now that’s a glow-up!
4. Keke Palmer Made History in Cinderella – And It’s About Time
Keke Palmer took on the role of Ella in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 2014, making history as the first Black actor to play Cinderella on Broadway. A real-life fairytale moment, wouldn’t you say?
5. Sherri Shepherd Joined Keke in Cinderella – Who Knew?
The View co-host Sherri Shepherd made her Broadway debut as the villainous Madame alongside Keke Palmer. Broadway villains are so much more fun when they’re from daytime TV.
6. Will Ferrell Played George W. Bush, and It Was a Tony-Nominated Comedy
Yes, you read that right. In 2009, Will Ferrell brought his presidential impersonations to Broadway in You’re Welcome America, playing George W. Bush. The show was even nominated for a Tony for Special Theatrical Event. Who knew politics could be so hilarious?
7. Al Roker in Waitress? Sounds Crazy, But It’s True
Today Show host Al Roker joined the cast of Waitress in 2018, playing the role of Joe. He said it felt like joining a family: “This is me trying something new for the first time.” Talk about a career pivot!
8. Bruce Willis Went Full Stephen King in Misery
Die Hard star Bruce Willis traded action scenes for drama in 2015’s Misery, based on the Stephen King novel. He played the trapped author Paul Sheldon. No explosions, but definitely chills.
9. Panic! at the Broadway? Brendan Urie in Kinky Boots
In 2017, Brendan Urie, frontman of Panic! at the Disco, starred as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots. Fans showed up in droves to see their emo idol rocking those thigh-high boots!
10. Fran Drescher and Carly Rae Jepsen – A Cinderella Duo You Didn’t See Coming
In 2014, Fran Drescher made her debut as Madame in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, while pop sensation Carly Rae Jepsen played Ella. Carly even had a slipper mishap during a dress rehearsal – she kicked it right into the audience!
11. Mario Lopez Steps Up in A Chorus Line
Back in 2008, Saved by the Bell star Mario Lopez made his Broadway debut in A Chorus Line as Zach. He called it a dream come true, saying, “Every actor dreams about appearing on a Broadway stage.” Zack Morris would be so proud.
12. Wendy Williams as Mama Morton in Chicago? Yes, It Happened
Talk show host Wendy Williams took the stage in 2013, playing the no-nonsense Matron ‘Mama’ Morton in Chicago. If you thought she was dramatic on TV, you should’ve seen her on Broadway.
13. Billie Joe Armstrong Went Punk Rock with Broadway’s American Idiot
In 2010, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong joined the cast of American Idiot, the musical based on his band’s concept album. He didn’t just star in it; he also co-wrote the book and lyrics. Who says punk can’t be theatrical?
14. Billy Ray Cyrus Sang His Way into Chicago
Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus made his Broadway debut in 2012 as Billy Flynn in Chicago. Who knew the “Achy Breaky Heart” singer could handle jazz hands?
15. Rosie O’Donnell’s Grease Moment Is One for the Books
Back in 1994, Rosie O’Donnell made her Broadway debut as Rizzo in the Grease revival. Since then, she’s become a regular in the Broadway scene, starring in Seussical and Fiddler on the Roof.
16. John Stamos: More Than Just Uncle Jesse
Did you know John Stamos first hit Broadway in 1995? He starred in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, then came back for more in Bye Bye Birdie and The Best Man. Talk about range!
17. Jordin Sparks Found Her Way to Broadway in In The Heights
After winning American Idol, Jordin Sparks took her talents to Broadway in 2008’s In The Heights and later in Waitress. Turns out, her vocal chops translate beautifully to the stage.
18. Pamela Anderson’s Big Broadway Debut Left Everyone Talking
In 2022, Pamela Anderson surprised everyone by playing Roxie Hart in Chicago. She called the experience “incredible” and discovered a newfound talent for singing. Who knew the Baywatch star had Broadway pipes?
19. Jason Mraz Served Up Some Sweet Tunes in Waitress
Grammy-winning artist Jason Mraz made his Broadway debut as Dr. Pomatter in Waitress in 2017, joining his friend Sara Bareilles. He even recorded a few tracks for her Waitress album before taking on the role himself.
20. Ashlee Simpson Got a Broadway Wish Come True in Chicago
In 2009, Ashlee Simpson starred as Roxie Hart in Chicago, fulfilling a childhood dream. She told Broadway.com: “It feels amazing to be on Broadway.” Dreams really do come true.
21. Tiki Barber Swapped the Football Field for the Broadway Stage
In 2019, former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber traded touchdowns for tap shoes as Don in Kinky Boots. He called it “an incredible experience,” likening the Broadway stage to the stadium.
22. And Finally, Nick Jonas Proved He’s Got Broadway Roots
Before his Disney fame, Nick Jonas actually got his start on Broadway. He returned in 2012 to play J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. From teen heartthrob to Broadway star, Nick’s got it all.
Which one of these surprised you the most?
Let’s be honest – Broadway has become the ultimate playground for celebrities to flex their talents in unexpected ways. And who knows, maybe your favorite star will be the next to take the stage! Drop a comment below, share with your Broadway-loving friends, and keep your eyes peeled for the next big casting announcement.
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