20 celebrities who appeared in Broadway shows

The world knows Denzel Washington as one of Hollywood’s top actors, starring in films like Glory, Malcolm X, Remember the Titans, Training Day, The Equalizer, and many more. However, in addition to his films achieving blockbuster success, Washington continues to demonstrate his appreciation for and elevation in craft on the stage. He’s performed in Broadway plays such as Julius Caesar, A Raisin in the Sun, Fences, and Othello.

Keke Palmer made history in 2014 when she starred in the theater production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Portraying the title character of Ella, Palmer became the first Black actress to portray Cinderella on Broadway. 

Josh Groban has been in the music industry for over two decades, but he’s also taken his talents to appear in films, TV shows, and stage productions. So far in his career, he has performed in three Broadway productions: Chess, Sweeney Todd, and Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812. 

Most people know Jordin Sparks as the winner of the sixth season of American Idol. Others know her for her hit songs such as “No Air” and “Battlefield.” However, Sparks has also dabbled in acting in films and on stage in theater. She’s appeared in two Broadway productions, portraying Nina Rosario in In The Heights and playing Jenna in Waitress. 

Ariana Grande is known as a pop star today, but her career began in 2008 when she appeared in the Broadway musical 13. The show was the first and only Broadway production to feature an all-teenager cast and band. 

Nicole Scherzinger is known as the lead singer of the former girl group the Pussŷcat Dolls, but throughout her career, she has appeared in theater. In 2024, Scherzinger made her Broadway debut, starring as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, a role that earned her her first Tony.

With over 30 years in the entertainment business, Usher continues to show why he’s the ultimate showman from the stage, to the screen, and to the theater. In 2006, Usher made his Broadway debut portraying Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago. 

Robert Downey Jr. has established quite a career for himself, winning several accolades, including an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and three Golden Globe Awards. In addition to starring in films like The Judge, Oppenheimer, Iron Man, and Avengers: Endgame, he’s only been in one Broadway production. In 2024, Downey starred as Jacob McNeal in the play McNeal. 

Michelle Williams may be one of the members of R&B girl group Destiny’s Child, but she’s also taken her talents to the theater. She’s starred in several Broadway productions, including Aida, Chicago, and Death Becomes Her. 

In addition to being a member of the Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas has also taken his love for music to Broadway. Some of the stage productions he has performed in include  Beauty and the Beast, Les Misérables, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Last Five Years. 

Brandy has always been the type of star who takes her talents to the stage, film, TV, and theater. In 2015, Brandy made her Broadway debut playing Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago.

JoJo has always been known as the type of singer with incredible vocal chops, so a Broadway show is a perfect production for her. In 2023, JoJo made her theater debut when she portrayed Satine in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. 

Although Pamela Anderson is most notably known for her role on the TV show Baywatch, she has also appeared in other shows, films, and on stage in theater productions. In 2022, she starred in her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago. 

Fran Drescher has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, but most notably starred in the sitcom The Nanny. In addition to the small screen and silver screen, Drescher made her Broadway debut in 2014 when she played Madame in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.  

In 2012, pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen was the talk of the year with her breakout single “Call Me Maybe.” Two years later, she starred as Ella in the Broadway production of Cinderella. In 2025, it was announced that Jepsen is set to write the score for the Broadway adaptation of 10 Things I Hate About You. 

Actress, comedian, and daytime talk show host Sherri Shepherd starred alongside Keke Palmer in the Broadway adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. While Palmer played the lead, Ella, Shepherd starred as the evil stepmother Madame. 

In addition to taking on roles in TV sitcoms like Dawson’s Creek and films like Disturbing Behavior, Teaching Mrs. Tingle, and Jack and Jill, Katie Holmes has showcased her talents across theater stages. Holmes has performed in a few Broadway productions, such as All My Sons, Dead Accounts, and Our Town. 

R&B singer Toni Braxton has such a unique tone to her voice that it makes it perfect for theater stage productions. Throughout her career, Braxton has appeared in three Broadway plays: Beauty and the Beast, Aida, and After Midnight. 

Throughout his acting career, Orlando Bloom is known for appearing in films such as Black Hawk Down, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Lord of the Rings. In addition to his roles in Hollywood, he made his Broadway debut in 2013, starring in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 

Throughout Jake Gyllenhaal’s career, he has starred in numerous films, including Brokeback Mountain, Love & Other Drugs, The Day After Tomorrow, Nightcrawler, and Spider-Man: Far From Home. However, he has also starred in a few Broadway productions, such as Constellations, Sunday in the Park with George, and Othello.