Broadway Roots Behind These 10 Hollywood Stars

Before the cameras started rolling, many famous actors were finding their footing under Broadway’s spotlight. That intense experience builds more than talent—it creates resilience and range. This list highlights ten stars whose early Broadway gigs played a big role in their Hollywood journeys.

Audrey Hepburn

Could live theater be the secret to timeless elegance? In 1951, “Gigi” showcased Audrey Hepburn’s intriguing presence. The demanding Broadway run sharpened her timing and grace, skills essential to her later Hollywood fame. This role marked the breakthrough of a career that helped launch her into the spotlight.

Bryan Cranston

Before winning over audiences on “Breaking Bad,” Bryan Cranston began honing his craft on stage. His Broadway turn as Lyndon B. Johnson in “All the Way” (2014) reaffirmed the dramatic depth he’d already displayed on television, proving his roots in live theater still shaped his performances.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman’s Broadway tenure in “The Boy from Oz” (2003) revealed his exceptional range in live performance. The role demanded musical talent, sharp choreography, and deep emotional range—all qualities that shaped his later versatility in blockbusters like “Les Miserables” and “The Greatest Showman.”

Denzel Washington

Theater’s power to explore human complexity shines through in Denzel Washington’s starring role in “Fences” (2010) during the Broadway revival. This emotionally charged production demanded vulnerability and control, traits that became hallmarks of his award-winning career on both stage and screen.

Scarlett Johansson

Loyalty and tension take center stage in “A View From the Bridge” (2010), where Scarlett Johansson had to lock into intense emotions from the start. The role pushed her to be sharp and vulnerable at once, giving her the kind of on-stage experience that later shaped her layered, grounded performances on screen.

Cynthia Erivo

Winning a Tony for “The Color Purple” (2015), Cynthia Erivo brought a stunning mix of vocal power and emotional rawness to the stage. Her breakout performance captured Hollywood’s attention, paving the way for acclaimed roles in “Harriet” and other films that demand both strength and sensitivity.

Viola Davis

Winning a Tony Award for “Fences” (2010) was a pivotal moment for Viola Davis. The raw emotional power demanded by the live audience refined her connection with viewers. That laid the groundwork for the authenticity seen in her subsequent Oscar and Emmy-winning performances.

Ben Platt

Ben Platt’s performance in “Dear Evan Hansen” (2016) was full of emotion and earned him a Tony. The role required strong singing and real vulnerability. These qualities have carried into his film and TV work, bringing a genuine and powerful presence to every role.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Starting a professional career at age 11 requires dedication and poise. Sarah Jessica Parker’s role in “The Innocents” (1976) exposed her to the rigors of Broadway. It helped cultivate a work ethic and versatility that fueled her eventual television and film stardom.

Matthew Broderick

Comedy thrives on timing and relatability, both of which shone in Matthew Broderick’s performance in “Brighton Beach Memoirs” (1983). This Broadway success laid the foundation for his smooth transition into film, where those skills continued to define his career.