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Celebrities on Broadway

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Published on: Oct 19, 2022
Last Updated on: Feb 22, 2026
By: Kathryn Willingham
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Just In Time

Part of the fun of Broadway is seeing your favorite celebrities, New York actors, and Broadway stars in person. And you may be surprised by just how many Hollywood stars have been on stage in recent years. Nicole Kidman graced the Broadway stage as early as 1998 in The Blue Room. Denzel Washington and Viola Davis both won a Tony for Fences in 2010, the same year Scarlett Johansson made her Broadway debut in A View from the Bridge.

Tom Hanks starred in Lucky Guy in 2013. Carly Rae Jepsen starred in Cinderella in 2014, Jeff Daniels and Michelle Williams starred in Blackbird in 2016, and Bryan Cranston starred in Network in 2018. Audra McDonald and Michael Shannon starred in Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, and Tom Hiddleston starred in Betrayal in 2019.

In the last few years alone, audiences were wowed by George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Hugh Jackman, Rachel Zegler, Jessica Chastain, Robert Downey Jr, and Jake Gyllenhaal, who all graced the Broadway stage. Here’s who you can see right now:

Celebrities in Broadway Musicals

Chess with Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher

Chess

Aaron Tveit and Lea Michele star in Chess at the Imperial Theatre.

Why You Know Aaron: Aaron Tveit is known for his roles in the tv shows Schmigadoon!, Graceland, and Gossip Girl as well as in the film Les Misérables. He played Danny Zuko in Grease: Live on Fox and has been seen on stage in Sweeney Todd, Moulin Rouge!, Next to Normal, Catch Me If You Can, Wicked, and Assassins.

Why you know Lea: Lea Michele began her career on Broadway and is most known on stage for originating the role of Wendla Bergmann in Spring Awakening and for her performance as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. In television, she starred as Rachel Berry in “Glee” and as Hester Ulrich in “Scream Queens.”

Chicago-Broadway

Chicago

Whitney Leavitt stars as Roxie Hart in Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre through March 15, 2026.

Why You Know Whitney: Whitney Leavitt is known for her appearance in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Dancing with the Stars.

Death Becomes Her

Death Becomes Her

Michelle Williams stars in Death Becomes Her at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

Why You Know Michelle: Michelle Williams is a Grammy Award winning artist known for being a member of Destiny’s Child. She has also been seen in the tv shows Strictly Come Dancing and The Masked Singer and on Broadway in Aida, Chicago, and Once on This Island.

harry-potter-cursed-child-at-lyric

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Tom Felton joins Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as Draco Malfoy, reprising his role from the film franchise.

Why You Know Tom: Tom Felton starred as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movie franchise. He is also known for his performance in the films Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Belle as well as in the tv shows The Flash and Origin.

Just In Time

Just in Time

Jonathan Groff stars as Bobby Darin in Just in Time at Circle in the Square Theatre.

Why You Know Jonathan: Jonathan Groff is known for his Tony-winning role as Franklin Shepard in Merrily We Roll Along and for his Tony-nominated roles of Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening and King George III in Hamilton. He is also known for the TV shows “Glee,” “Mindhunter,” and “Looking” and the films Frozen and The Matrix Resurrections.

Maybe Happy Ending

Maybe Happy Ending

Darren Criss stars in Maybe Happy Ending at the Belasco Theatre.

Why You Know Darren: Darren Criss is known for his performance in the tv shows Glee, The Assassination of Gianni Versace, and Hollywood. He is a Tony winner who has previously been seen on Broadway in American Buffalo, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and off-Broadway in Little Shop of Horrors.

Moulin-Rouge-Broadway

Moulin Rouge!

Bob the Drag Queen stars as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! through March 22, 2026.

Why You Know Bob the Drag Queen: He is known for winning season eight of RuPaul’s Drag Race and also for his performance in the tv shows High Maintenance, Tales of the City, and A Black Lady Sketch Show and his appearance in The Traitors.

Six-musical-broadway

Six

Dylan Mulvaney stars as Anne Boleyn in Six at the Lena Horne Theatre.

Why You Know Dylan: Dylan Mulvaney is known for her viral Tik Tok series “Days of Girlhood” and has been listed in Forbes’ 30 under 30. She has previously been seen on stage in The Book of Mormon on tour and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at the Old Globe as well as The Least Problematic Woman in the World at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

Jeremy Jordan returns to The Great Gatsby at the Broadway Theatre.

Why You Know Jeremy: Jeremy Jordan is known for his performance as Winslow “Winn” Schott Jr. in the tv series Supergirl as well as for his roles in the film The Last Five Years and the tv show Smash. He has previously been seen on Broadway in Floyd Collins, Bonnie & Clyde, Newsies, American Son, and Waitress.

Celebrities in Broadway Plays

All Out: Comedy About Ambition

Jim Gaffigan, Beck Bennett, Wayne Brady, Cecily Strong, Mike Birbiglia, Sarah Silverman, Heidi Gardner, Jason Mantzoukas, Craig Robinson, Ray Romano, Nicholas Braun, Ashley Park, and Jenny Slate star in All Out: Comedy About Ambition at the Nederlander Theatre.

Why You Know These Stars: This rotating cast includes comedy greats perform in groups of four throughout the run of the show.

Hudson-Theatre

Every Brilliant Thing

Daniel Radcliffe stars in Every Brilliant Thing at the Hudson Theatre.

Why You Know DanielDaniel Radcliffe starred as Harry Potter in the popular film franchise as well as in films like Victor Frankenstein, Kill Your Darlings and The Woman in Black and the tv shows Miracle Workers and A Young Doctor’s Notebook. He was previously on Broadway in Merrily We Roll Along, Equus, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Cripple of Inishmaan, and The Lifespan of a Fact.

Oh, Mary! at the Lyceum

Oh, Mary!

John Cameron Mitchell and Simu Liu star as Mary and Mary’s Teacher in Oh, Mary!

Why You Know John: John Cameron Mitchell is the writer, director, and original star of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He is also known for his performance as Joe Exotic in the Peacock series Joe vs. Carole as well as his performance as Hal in The Sandman and Gabe in Shrill.

Why You Know Simu: Simu Liu is known for his performance as Shang-Chi in the Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as well as for his performance in Kim’s Convenience and Barbie.

Celebrities Off-Broadway

Marcel on the Train

Marcel on the Train

Ethan Slater stars as Marcel Marceau in Marcel on the Train at Classic Stage Company.

Why You Know Ethan: Ethan Slater is known for his performance as Boq in the films Wicked and Wicked: For Good as well as for his roles in the tv series Fosse/Verdon and Elsbeth. He has previously been seen on Broadway in The SpongeBob Musical and Spamalot and played The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald in Classic Stage Company’s production of Assassins.

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Kevin McHale stars in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at New World Stages.

Why You Know Kevin: Kevin McHale is most well-known for playing Artie Abrams in the hit musical dramedy series Glee. He went on to host Virtually Famous, a British panel show, and start a podcast with a former Glee co-star Jenna Ushkowitz called And That’s What You Really Missed. He has previously been seen on stage in Frogs at Southwark Playhouse in London.

Sean Hayes in The Unknown

The Unknown

Sean Hayes stars in The Unknown at Studio Seaview.

Why You Know Sean: Sean Hayes is known for his role as Jack McFarland in the tv series Will & Grace as well as for hosting the popular podcast Smartless with Will Arnett and Jason Bateman. He has previously been seen on stage in Damn Yankees, An Act of God, and Promises, Promises. He won a Tony Award in 2024 for his role as Oscar Levant in Good Night, Oscar.  

Alia Shawkat

You Got Older

Alia Shawkat stars in You Got Older at the Cherry Lane Theatre.

Why You Know Alia: Alia Shawkat is known for her performance in the tv shows Arrested Development, Search Party, The Old Man, and Drunk History.

Celebrities Coming Soon to Broadway

Winter Garden Theatre lit up at night

Death of a Salesman

Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf star in Death of a Salesman at the Winter Garden Theatre starting March 6, 2026.

Why You Know Nathan: Nathan Lane is known for his many roles on Broadway including in The Producers, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Guys and Dolls, The Addams Family, Angels in America, and Pictures From Home as well as for his performance in the films The Lion King, The Birdcage, and The Producers and in the tv shows Only Murders In the Building, The Gilded Age, and Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

Why You Know Laurie: Laurie Metcalf is known for her many roles on Broadway including in Little Bear Ridge Road, Three Tall Women, A Doll’s House Part 2, The Other Place, and Misery as well as for her performance in the tv shows Hacks, Roseanne, Third Rock from the Sun, and Monk and in the films Lady Bird, Desperately Seeking Susan, and Uncle Buck.

James-Earl-Jones---Theatre

The Fear of 13

Adrien Brody stars in The Fear of 13 at the James Earl Jones Theatre starting March 19, 2026.

Why You Know Adrien: Adrien Brody is known for his performance in the films The Pianist, The Brutalist, and The Grand Budapest Hotel as well as for the tv shows Houdini and Peaky Blinders.

The Rocky Horror Show

Luke Evans, Juliette Lewis, Stephanie Hsu, Rachel Dratch, and Michaela Jaé Rodruiguez star in The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54 starting March 26, 2026.

Why You Know Luke: Luke Evans is known for his roles as Gaston in Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast and as Bard the Bowman in The Hobbit film trilogy. He has also appeared in films including  The Girl on the Train, Nine Perfect Strangers, and the Fast & Furious franchise. He has previously been seen on stage in Rent, Piaf, and Backstairs Billy.

Why You Know Juliette: Juliette Lewis is known for her breakout role in Cape Fear and for starring in films like Natural Born KillersFrom Dusk Till Dawn, and Old School. On television, she has appeared in Yellowjackets and Welcome to Chippendales, and she’s also fronted the rock band Juliette and the Licks.

Why You Know Stephanie: Stephanie Hsu is known for her performance as Joy Wang/Jobu Tupaki in Everything Everywhere All at Once. She has previously appeared on Broadway in Be More Chill and The SpongeBob Musical.

Why You Know Rachel: Rachel Dratch is best known for her years as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where she created iconic characters like Debbie Downer. She has previously been seen on Broadway in POTUS.

Why You Know Michaela: Michaela is known for her performance in the tv series Pose, Loot, and American Horror Story as well as for the films Saturday Church and Tick Tick…Boom!

Titanique

Jim Parsons, Deborah Cox, and Melissa Barrera star as Ruth Dewitt Bukater and Unsinkable Molly Brown in Titanique at the St. James Theatre starting March 26, 2026.

Why You Know Jim: Jim Parsons is known for his portrayal of Sheldon Cooper in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory as well as for the films Spoiler Alert, The Boys in the Band, and Hidden Figures, and the tv shows Hollywood and Young Sheldon. He has previously been seen on Broadway in Our Town, Mother Play,The Normal Heart, Harvey, and An Act of God.

Why You Know Deborah: Deborah Cox is a singer, songwriter, actress and producer. She is known for many hit songs, including: “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” “Absolutely Not,” “It’s Over Now,” and “Who Do U Love.” She has previously been seen on Broadway in Aida, Jekyll & Hyde, and The Wiz.

Why You Know Melissa: Melissa Barrera is known for her performance as Sam Carpenter in the Scream franchise and as Vanessa Morales in In the Heights as well as for her performance in the tv shows Vida and The Copenhagen Test.

Todd Haimes Theatre

Fallen Angels

Kelli O’Hara and Rose Byrne star in Fallen Angels starting March 27, 2026 at the Todd Haimes Theatre.

Why You Know Kelli: Kelli O'Hara is a Tony Award winner known for her performances in the Broadway musicals The King and I, The Light in the Piazza, South Pacific, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Bridges of Madison County, Days of Wine and Roses, and Kiss Me, Kate. She is also known for her roles in the tv shows 13 Reasons Why and The Gilded Age

Why You Know Rose: Rose Byrne is known for her performances in the films Bridesmaids, Neighbors, and If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and in the tv shows Damages, Physical, and Platonic. She has previously been seen on Broadway in You Can’t Take It with You.

Joe Turner's Come and Gone

Taraji P. Henson and Cedric the Entertainer star in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone starting March 30, 2026.

Why You Know Taraji: Taraji P. Henson is a Golden Globe winning and Academy Award, Emmy, and Tony Award nominated actress known for her performances in the films Hidden Figures, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and Hustle and Flow as well as in the tv shows Person of Interest, Empire, and Abbott Elementary. She has previously been seen on stage in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.

Why You Know Cedric: Cedric the Entertainer is known for his performance in the tv series The Neighborhood, The Soul Man, and The Steve Harvey Show as well as for hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and starring in the film Barbershop. He has previously been seen on Broadway in American Buffalo.

Proof

Proof

Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle star in Proof starting March 31, 2026.

Why You Know Ayo: Ayo Edebiri is known for her performance as Sydney Adamu in the tv series The Bear as well as for her performances in the films Theater Camp and Bottoms. She is also a voice actor in the films Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and Inside Out 2.

Why You Know Don: Don Cheadle is known for his performance in the films Hotel Rwanda, Miles Ahead, and Ocean’s Eleven, as well as for his performance as James “Rhodey” Rhodes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has previously been seen on stage in Topdog/Underdog at the Public Theater and was a co-producer on the Tony-winning musical A Strange Loop.

Just In Time

Just In Time

Matthew Morrison stars as Bobby Darin in Just in Time from April 1 to April 19, 2026 at the Circle in the Square Theatre. Jeremy Jordan takes over the role on April 21.

Why You Know Matthew: Matthew Morrison is known for his performance as Will Schuester on the tv series Glee as well as for his performances on Broadway in Hairspray, The Light in the Piazza, South Pacific, and Finding Neverland.  

Why You Know Jeremy: Jeremy Jordan is known for his performance as Winslow “Winn” Schott Jr. in the tv series Supergirl as well as for his roles in the film The Last Five Years and the tv show Smash. He has previously been seen on Broadway in Floyd Collins, Bonnie & Clyde, Newsies, American Son, and Waitress.

New York Cityscape

Much Ado About Nothing

Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell star in Much Ado About Nothing in Fall 2026.

Why You Know Tom: Tom Hiddleston is known for his portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as for his performance in the films War Horse and Crimson Peak and the tv shows The Night Manager and The Essex Serpent. He has previously been seen on Broadway in Betrayal.

Why You Know Hayley: Hayley Atwell is known for her portrayal of Agent Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well as for her performance in the films Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning and Mission: Impossible – Reckoning. She has previously been seen on stage in Rosmersholm, The Pride, and A View from the Bridge.

Celebrities Coming Soon Off-Broadway

Tru with Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Tru

Jesse Tyler Ferguson stars as Truman Capote in Tru at the House of the Redeemer starting March 6, 2026.

Why You Know Jesse: Jesse Tyler Ferguson is known for his performance in the tv series Modern Family as well as in the film Cocaine Bear and the plays Take Me out, Fully Committed, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

Hollywood Stars Who Got Their Start on Stage

Broadway is known for creating stars. Here are actors you might not know got their start on the Great White Way and the West End:

Nick Jonas appeared on Broadway as a child performer in Annie Get Your Gun, Beauty and the Beast, and Les Misérables. Les Misérables is known for its young talent. Gaten Matarazzo (Stranger Things) once played the role of Gavroche and Lea Michele, known for Spring Awakening and “Glee,” played Young Cosette, Young Eponine, and Gavroche in Les Misérables at different times.

Ariana Grande made her Broadway debut in the musical 13. She has recently returned to her musical theater roots in the film adaptation of Wicked, where she plays the role of Glinda, originally pereformed on stage by Kristin Chenoweth. Cynthia Erivo plays the role of Elphaba, originally performed on stage by Idina Menzel. 

Tom Holland starred as Billy Elliot in the West End musical production in 2008.

Anna Kendrick made her Broadway debut – and earned a Tony nomination - in 1998 in the musical High Society

Meryl Streep got her start on stage, acting in multiple off-Broadway plays in New York. She made her Broadway debut in the musical Happy End in 1977. 

FAQs

What famous actors are on Broadway right now? Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit, Jeremy Jordan, Tom Felton, Jonathan Groff, Bob the Drag Queen, Daniel Radcliffe, and Darren Criss are all acting on Broadway right now.

What famous actors are coming to Broadway soon? Taraji P. Henson, Cedric the Entertainer, Rose Byrne, Kelli O'Hara, Don Cheadle, Ayo Edebiri, Jim Parsons, Luke Evans, Juliette Lewis, and Deborah Cox are coming to Broadway soon.

Can I meet a famous actor after the show? It depends on the show, the actor, and their schedule. Many actors come to the stage door after the show and are happy to sign autographs and say hello. The stage door is easy to find – just look for the barricades set up by a door near the entrance to the theater. If an actor is unable to meet with fans, usually someone will come out to tell the waiting crowd. Just be polite and respectful; and bring a pen if you want something signed!

Broadway Celebrity Memoirs

Looking to learn more about Broadway stars? Check out our article, The Ultimate Guide for Best Books About Broadway, to find memoirs, biographies, and more!

Celebrities on the West End

Check out our article about Celebrities on the West End to find out which stars are acting on London stages right now and who is coming soon!

Kathryn Willingham

Head of Creative Development

Kathryn Willingham has worked in entertainment for over ten years, and recent credits include: Co-producer of SHRINK currently streaming on Peacock, Associate Producer of the independent film UNA, and Creative Executive on multiple theatrical productions including HANGMEN by Martin McDonagh on Broadway, NASSIM by Nassim Soleimanpour Off-broadway and Associate on productions EVERY BRILLIANT THING by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe and THE EFFECT by Lucy Prebble. She was Producer of Todd Almond’s musical travelogue “Wyoming and Parts of Kansas” and Production Coordinator for Karen O and KK Barrett's “Stop the Virgens.”

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Education: B.A. in English, Literature & Creative Writing from Rhodes College
Knowledge: Theatrical Production

Published

Oct 19, 2022

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