There’s something magical about Broadway. What makes Broadway truly special though are the talented actors and actresses that grace the stage day-in and day-out. While this list isn’t exhaustive, these stars have left their mark on the industry and some are continuing to do so. Here are 6 Broadway Legends we won’t soon forget.
1. Kristin Chenoweth
Born in Oklahoma, Kristin Chenoweth has made a name for herself in the entertainment world. She is known for her incredible voice and acting skills. In 1999, she won a Tony for her performance as Sally in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. In 2003, she was nominated for another Tony for her role as Glinda in Wicked.
2. Ethel Merman
Ethel Merman was known for her powerful distinctive voice. However, she never had a formal vocal lesson. She has been called “the undisputed First Lady of the musical comedy stage.” She performed in Anything Goes, Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy, and Hello, Dolly!
3. Julie Andrews
Julie Andrew’s career has spanned over 8 decades. Her many accolades include an Academy Award, 3 Tony nominations, 6 Golden Globes, and 3 Grammy Awards, to name a few. Her career began as a child when she performed in the West End in 1948 making her debut in The Boy Friend. In 1956 she starred in My Fair Lady as Eliza Doolittle and as Queen Guinevere in Camelot. She is best known for her film career starring in movies such as Cinderella, Mary Poppins, and The Sound of Music.
4. Liza Minnelli
The daughter of Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli, Liza Minnelli was destined for greatness from a young age. The Broadway star has won 4 Tony Awards during her incredible career. In the late 1960s, Liza was the youngest woman to win a Tony for her performance in Flora The Red Menace. She’s best known for her starring role in the musical Cabaret. Despite her many health challenges, her passion for performing never ceased.
5. Hugh Jackman
Prominent on both the screen and stage, Hugh Jackman has won many awards throughout his career. Born in Australia, his early roles included playing Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard. In 2004, he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role as Peter Allen in The Boy for Oz. He also was nominated for a Tony for his starring role in The Music Man.
6. Angela Lansbury
Angela Lansbury throughout her 80-year career played various roles across film, the stage, and television. The international star was born in London. In 1940, she moved to New York City to study acting. Angela gained stardom by playing the leading role in the Broadway musical Mame. She won her first Tony for the role. Throughout her career, she won 6 Tony Awards.
The Greatest Stars of All-Time
There are too many fabulous Broadway stars to list them all, but these 6 stars have got the ‘it’ factor. More than acting skills or wonderful voices, they have an undeniable spark that lights up any stage. Their work has electrified Broadway for decades and will forever leave a mark on the industry. Who is on your list of all-time greatest Broadway stars?