Curiosities

Movie Stars That Also Shone on Broadway

Stage and screen may seem like different worlds, but many actors have crossed between them with ease. Some began their careers under the lights of Broadway before moving to the big screen, while others returned to the stage after rising to movie stardom.

June 20, 2025 03:01PM EDT

Broadway and Hollywood demand different kinds of performances, but the most skilled actors thrive in both. Whether starting out in theater or returning to it after making their name in film, these stars have shown remarkable range and dedication to their craft. Live performance requires presence, endurance and a connection with the audience that cannot be edited or reshot.

Hugh Jackman

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Before his fame as Wolverine in X-Men, Hugh Jackman was already a Broadway sensation. He won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz (2003), and has since starred in hit productions like Les Misérables (2014) and The Music Man (2022), where his charisma and vocal prowess took center stage.

Meryl Streep

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Known for her transformative roles in film, Meryl Streep took her talents to Broadway with a memorable turn in The Public Theater’s The Taming of the Shrew and later Into the Woods (1987), where she portrayed the Baker’s Wife. Her versatility was clear even on stage, earning her a nomination for a Tony Award.

Idina Menzel

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Known worldwide for her role as Elsa in Frozen, Idina Menzel’s Broadway roots run deep. She won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked (2003) and has also starred in Rent (1996) and If/Then (2014), where her voice and emotional depth took center stage.

Neil Patrick Harris

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Neil Patrick Harris is known for his role as Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, but he’s also a seasoned Broadway performer. He won a Tony Award for his role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2014) and has appeared in Proof (2002) and Assassins (2004).

Tom Hanks

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Known primarily for his work in films such as Forrest Gump (1994) and Saving Private Ryan (1998), Tom Hanks also made an impressive Broadway debut in Lucky Guy (2013). His stage presence and dramatic skill earned him a Tony nomination, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

James Corden

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Before he became known for The Late Late Show, James Corden was an accomplished Broadway performer. His role in One Man, Two Guvnors earned him a Tony Award, showcasing his knack for comedy and timing. Corden’s extensive theater background helped him become a beloved late-night personality.

Carolina O'donnell

Carolina is a bilingual entertainment and sports writer fluent in English and Spanish. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication from Universidad de Ciencias Empresariales y Sociales (UCES) in Buenos Aires and has a solid background in media and public affairs. In 2020, she won first place in journalistic feature writing at the EXPOCOM-FADECCOS competition, which brings together student work from universities across Argentina. She also completed a year-and-a-half internship in the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, where she worked closely with journalists and media operations. Carolina specializes in entertainment writing, with a focus on celebrity news, as well as romantic and drama films.