Do you remember any Broadway icons from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s? If not, let’s change that.
These 5 actors have certainly earned their place in the Broadway hall of fame, but have fallen out of the spotlight in past years. So today, let’s go back in time and see what accomplishments solidified their place in theatre history.
Keep reading to learn about 5 old Broadway stars you may have forgotten.
1. Jennifer Holliday
While she later became a Grammy-winning recording artist, Jennifer Holliday got her start on Broadway.
Holliday was best known for being the original Effie Melody White in the 1981 Broadway production of Dreamgirls. For this role, she won a Drama Desk Award, a Theatre World Award, and a Tony Award for “Best Actress in a Musical.”
She was also in the amazing Broadway productions of Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Grease, Chicago, and The Color Purple.
2. Adrienne Barbeau
Adrienne Barbeau began her Broadway career in 1968 when she was cast as a replacement in Fiddler on the Roof.
And in 1972, she rose to fame as the original Betty Rizzo in the Broadway production of Grease. Her role as Rizzo earned her a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination for “Best Featured Actress in a Musical.”
3. Ben Vereen
You can’t talk about 70s Broadway stars without mentioning Ben Vereen.
Vareen is most famous for his original role as Judas Iscariot in the 1971 production of Jesus Christ Superstar and his original role as the Leading Player in the 1972 production of Pippin. His role in Jesus Christ Superstar won him a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical.” And his role in Pippin won him a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical.”
He was also in the Broadway productions of Grind, I’m Not Rappaport, Hair, Jelly’s Last Jam, Fosse, and Wicked.
4. Donna McKechnie
Donna McKechnie started on Broadway back in 1961!
She was in the Broadway productions of How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Education of H*Y*M*A*N*K*A*P*L*A*N, Promises, Promises, Company (1970), On the Town, A Chorus Line, Company (1993), State Fair, and The Visit.
Her role as Emily Adren in State Fair won her a nomination for a Drama Desk Award and her role as Cassie in A Chorus Line won her a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award for “Best Actress in a Musical.”
5. Colm Wilkinson
Compared to these other Broadway celebs, Colm Wilkinson didn’t spend that much time on the Broadway stage. But he sure made an impact.
Wilkinson’s only Broadway role was as the original Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, which opened March 12, 1987. For this role, he won a Theatre World Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award. He was also nominated for a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical.”
Do You Remember These Iconic Broadway Stars?
These icons helped shape Broadway into what it is today and brought to life some of the most well-known pieces of theatre. And while they may not be current celebs, they certainly paved the way for the modern Broadway stars and their stories. So even though you can’t see most of these icons on stage anymore, do yourself a favor and look up a video of their performances!
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