13 Celebrities You Probably Didn’t Know Starred in ‘Wicked’ the Musical

November 29, 2024

“What’s that feeling?” Well, it’s the continued dominance of Evil. The film, which premiered nationwide on November 22nd, is still going strong at the box office, just like the musical did years ago.

Two women in a fantasy setting: one in a witch costume with a green face, the other in a light dress with long hair, both looking upwards — Universal Pictures / Courtesy of the Everett Collection

Actually, Evil has been such a staple on Broadway that it is currently the fourth-longest show on the Great White Way. Of course, this means that many actors have stepped into the iconic roles of Elphaba, Glinda and other beloved Ozians.

Stage production scene from a musical with two leading actresses taking a bow, one in a sparkly dress and tiara, the other with green skin in a dark dress — Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

So, in celebration of EvilHere are 13 celebrities who have starred in the musical at some point, whether on Broadway, in a touring production or in a sit-down show outside of New York:

Two people in a dressing room, with one person wearing green make-up and dressed theatrically, reflecting in an ornate mirror — Giles Keyte / © Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Elphaba:

1.Ana Gasteyer

In 2005, the — In 2005 the *Saturday Night Live* Alum originated the role of Elphaba in a sit-down production of *Evil* in Chicago before reprising the role on Broadway the following year.

Ana is a comedy legend and has appeared in films such as *Mean Girls* And *Wine country* and television shows like *The Goldbergs* And *American car*.

This year she returned to Broadway to star in a revival of the musical *Once upon a time there was a mattress* alongside Sutton Foster and Michael Urie.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Glinda:

2.Annaleigh Ashford

Person wearing a strapless ruffled dress on a red carpet in front of an Emmy event backdrop — After appearing in the original series of *Legally blonde*Annaleigh Ashford played Glinda on Broadway in 2007.

She had further success on stage and took on roles in musicals *Kinky boots* in 2013 the revival of *You can’t take it with you* in 2014 (for which she won a Tony) and *Sweeney Todd* last year.

But that’s not all. Annaleigh has also excelled on television, receiving an Emmy nomination for the 2022 miniseries *Welcome to Chippendales* and appearing in *Masters of Sex, American Crime Story* (both those *Gianni Versace* And *Impeachment proceedings* seasons) and *B Positive.*

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

3.Megan Hilty

She was previously a huge hit in the all-too-short-lived 2012 NBC musical series smashed, Megan Hilty got her start on Broadway. She was one of the first actresses to replace Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda on Broadway. She also played a role in the 2009 musical adaptation 9 to 5.

Smashed She then took it to new heights and more television and stage appearances followed, including on the series Sean saves the world in 2013, a Tony-nominated turn in a revival of noises out in 2016 and NBC’s live musical Annie Live! in 2021.

You can currently see Megan in the original Broadway musical adaptation of the cult film Death suits her.

Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

Madame Morrible:

4.Rue McClanahan

Smiling person wearing fur coat and elegant earrings standing against blurred background at event — What’s more iconic than playing Blanche Devereaux? *And* Madame Morrible?

The Emmy winner *Golden Girls* The icon, who died in 2010 at the age of 76, had an impressive and celebrated career that included the role of rector of Shiz University in 2005.

Gregory Pace/FilmMagic/Getty Images

5.Sheryl Lee Ralph

Person in an elegant off-the-shoulder dress smiling on a red carpet at an event — Sheryl Lee Ralph is a Broadway legend who originated the role of Deena Jones in Deena Jones and was nominated for a Tony *dream girl* in 1981.

Sheryl was the first black woman to play Madame Morrible when she joined *Evil* on Broadway in 2016.

Of course, you probably already know that Sheryl starred in and currently stars in the hit ABC sitcom *Abbott Elementary School,* for which she won an Emmy in 2022.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

6.Carol Kane

Person in stylish pinstripe outfit with glasses smiling at event — The legendary actor first achieved his breakthrough with the film in 1975 *Hester Street,* which earned her an Oscar nomination. She is also known for her work in the 1980s comedy series *taxi* (which won her two Emmys) and the late 2010s Netflix sitcom *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.*

Since 2005, Carol has played the role of Madame Morrible in various productions *Evil*.

Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images

7.Miriam Margolyes

Person with curly hair and sparkly outfit sits on a talk show stage, smiling and appearing to be engrossed in a conversation — Miriam Margolyes is a legendary British actress, probably best known in the US for her role as Professor Sprout in the series *Harry Potter* Movies. She also starred in notable films like *Yentl, Little Shop of Horrors*, *The age of innocence,* And *Romeo + Juliet*.

What *Evil*In 2006 Miriam originated the role of Madame Morrible in London’s West End. She later also appeared in the Broadway production.

Isabel Infantes/PA Images via Getty Images

Fiyero:

8.Taye Diggs

Person smiling, wearing a casual jacket and hat, standing in front of a backdrop "FOX" Logos — Taye Diggs is known for his roles in films like *The best man* Franchise, *How Stella got her groove back*, *Brown Sugar, Chicago*And *Set it up*. He starred in the series on television *Kevin Hill*, *Private practice*, *murder in the first,* And *Everything American*.

He also has a truly impressive theater career. Did you know that the character of Benny was created by him? *Rent* in 1996? Idina Menzel also starred in the musical. The two were married from 2003 to 2014 and have a son together.

Taye has returned to Broadway over the years, including as Billy Flynn in ” *Chicago* (the same year he also appeared in the film adaptation as a bandleader), as Fiyero in *Evil* in 2003 and most recently as Hedwig in *Hedwig and the angry customs* in 2015.

JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images

9.Joey McIntyre

Man in a light suit jacket with a crew-neck shirt at an event, smiling at the camera — Even though Joey McIntyre is best known as a member of New Kids on the Block, make no mistake that he is a star on the stage.

In 2004, the singer and actor made his Broadway debut in the role of Fiyero *Evil* and returned in 2019 for a role in “The Great White Way.” *Waitress.* He has also appeared in a number of off-Broadway productions, including as part of the original cast of the current show *Drag: The Musical*. He plays alongside none other than *RuPaul’s Drag Race* Winner and all-round icon Alaska Thunderfuck.

Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

10.Aaron Tveit

If you know anything about musical theater, you know Aaron Tveit. He has launched roles in Next to Normal: Catch Me If You Canand last Moulin Rouge! He even won a Tony for it Moulin Rouge!

Aaron previously appeared in two major musicals on Broadway: Hairspray in 2006 as Link Larkin and Evil in 2008 as Fiyero.

You may recognize him on screen from the 2012 film adaptation Les Miserables, as Nate Archibald’s cousin Tripp van der Bilt gossip Girland the musical TV series Schmigadoon!

Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

11.Justin Guarini