Melanie Griffith in Broadway’s Chicago.Photo: Stephanie Pfriender Stylander
All of these celebs are all that jazz.In its lengthy run on Broadway, the musicalChicagohas seen a lengthy list of guest stars, including someReal Housewives,several big-screen favorites and most recently,Vanderpump Rulesstar Ariana Madix,who is starring in the early weeks of 2024.Here, take a look at some of the classic (and surprising!) names who’ve stepped into the shoes of Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly and Billy Flynn.
All of these celebs are all that jazz.
In its lengthy run on Broadway, the musicalChicagohas seen a lengthy list of guest stars, including someReal Housewives,several big-screen favorites and most recently,Vanderpump Rulesstar Ariana Madix,who is starring in the early weeks of 2024.
Here, take a look at some of the classic (and surprising!) names who’ve stepped into the shoes of Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly and Billy Flynn.
01of 60Ariana MadixAriana Madix on Broadway in Chicago.Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock"To say this is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream would be an understatement," Ariana Madix told PEOPLE during aChicagopress call at 48 Lounge in New York City justbefore she debuted as Roxie Hart in January 2024. “This is quite literally everything to me. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. And to be here now, having this full-circle moment … I feel so beyond grateful.”
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Ariana Madix
Ariana Madix on Broadway in Chicago.Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
“To say this is a fulfillment of a lifelong dream would be an understatement,” Ariana Madix told PEOPLE during aChicagopress call at 48 Lounge in New York City justbefore she debuted as Roxie Hart in January 2024. “This is quite literally everything to me. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. And to be here now, having this full-circle moment … I feel so beyond grateful.”
02of 60Keltie Knights92PhotographyEmmy Award-winning host Keltie Knight made her “Broadway debut” as Roxie Hart with the cast ofChicagoduring CBS' 2023 coverage of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.“Twenty-three years ago as a young dancer, I moved to New York City with the dream of being on Broadway. With a deep respect and passion for theatre, I unsuccessfully auditioned for over 30 shows,” said Knight. “Even though I eventually danced with the Rockettes and as a backup dancer for artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, I have always held onto my dream to make it to a Broadway stage one day. After transitioning to hosting television, it is fitting that I’m singing and dancing in Roxie’s shoes as a member of the press! I’m thrilled to bring some extra razzle dazzle to our wonderful viewers Thanksgiving morning.”
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Keltie Knight
s92Photography
Emmy Award-winning host Keltie Knight made her “Broadway debut” as Roxie Hart with the cast ofChicagoduring CBS' 2023 coverage of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“Twenty-three years ago as a young dancer, I moved to New York City with the dream of being on Broadway. With a deep respect and passion for theatre, I unsuccessfully auditioned for over 30 shows,” said Knight. “Even though I eventually danced with the Rockettes and as a backup dancer for artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, I have always held onto my dream to make it to a Broadway stage one day. After transitioning to hosting television, it is fitting that I’m singing and dancing in Roxie’s shoes as a member of the press! I’m thrilled to bring some extra razzle dazzle to our wonderful viewers Thanksgiving morning.”
03of 60Olivia HoltStephen Lovekin/ShutterstockThe actress and singer, 25,made her Broadway debutinChicagoon April 10, 2023, at the Ambassador Theatre.In photos of her curtain call, Holt was seen sporting Hart’s signature blonde curls, a bright red lip and a black one-piece. Her 8-week run in the award-winning revival wraps up on June 4.“I am incredibly honored to play the iconic role of Roxie Hart. And I’m tremendously grateful to theChicagocompany and Broadway community as I’ve admired their work and work ethic for years,” Holt told PEOPLE in a statement. “Theater is where I fell in love with performing and this has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I feel so lucky to be joining this extraordinary production.”
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Olivia Holt
Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock
The actress and singer, 25,made her Broadway debutinChicagoon April 10, 2023, at the Ambassador Theatre.
In photos of her curtain call, Holt was seen sporting Hart’s signature blonde curls, a bright red lip and a black one-piece. Her 8-week run in the award-winning revival wraps up on June 4.
“I am incredibly honored to play the iconic role of Roxie Hart. And I’m tremendously grateful to theChicagocompany and Broadway community as I’ve admired their work and work ethic for years,” Holt told PEOPLE in a statement. “Theater is where I fell in love with performing and this has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I feel so lucky to be joining this extraordinary production.”
04of 60Angelica RossAngelica Ross.Jon Kopaloff/GettyThePoseandAmerican Horror Storyactressmade her debuton the Great White Way last September as leading lady Roxie Hart for an eight-week engagement, according to the show’sofficial social media.Ross' casting made her the latest openly transgender woman to star in a Broadway production, joining stars like Kate Bornstein (Straight White Men), L Morgan Lee (A Strange Loop),Alexandra Billings(Wicked) andPeppermint(Head Over Heels).“Chicago’s Roxie Hart is one of the most recognizable, iconic and beloved characters in the history of Broadway, and a true talent like Angelica Ross will delight audiences with her impressive acting, singing and performance skills,“GLAADVice President of Communications & Talent Anthony Allen Ramos said in a statement provided to PEOPLE.
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Angelica Ross
Angelica Ross.Jon Kopaloff/Getty
ThePoseandAmerican Horror Storyactressmade her debuton the Great White Way last September as leading lady Roxie Hart for an eight-week engagement, according to the show’sofficial social media.
Ross' casting made her the latest openly transgender woman to star in a Broadway production, joining stars like Kate Bornstein (Straight White Men), L Morgan Lee (A Strange Loop),Alexandra Billings(Wicked) andPeppermint(Head Over Heels).
“Chicago’s Roxie Hart is one of the most recognizable, iconic and beloved characters in the history of Broadway, and a true talent like Angelica Ross will delight audiences with her impressive acting, singing and performance skills,“GLAADVice President of Communications & Talent Anthony Allen Ramos said in a statement provided to PEOPLE.
05of 60Pamela AndersonBruce Glikas/Getty"I’m like a sponge. I’m just soaking it all in,“Anderson told PEOPLEof her April 2022 debut on Broadway as Roxie Hart. “Every single experience has been just wild. I mean, it’s wild to even be here. I have to pinch myself sometimes because it seems so surreal.”
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Pamela Anderson
Bruce Glikas/Getty
“I’m like a sponge. I’m just soaking it all in,“Anderson told PEOPLEof her April 2022 debut on Broadway as Roxie Hart. “Every single experience has been just wild. I mean, it’s wild to even be here. I have to pinch myself sometimes because it seems so surreal.”
06of 60Wayne BradyLen PrinceActor, comedian, and singer Wayne Brady (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) had his first Broadway credit in 2004 withChicago, playing Billy Flynn. He’s since starred in multiple Broadway shows includingKinky BootsandFreestyle Love Supreme.
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Wayne Brady
Len Prince
Actor, comedian, and singer Wayne Brady (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) had his first Broadway credit in 2004 withChicago, playing Billy Flynn. He’s since starred in multiple Broadway shows includingKinky BootsandFreestyle Love Supreme.
07of 60BrandyJason BellR&B superstar Brandy played Roxie Hart to much acclaim in 2015.
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Brandy
Jason Bell
R&B superstar Brandy played Roxie Hart to much acclaim in 2015.
08of 60Christie BrinkleyAndrew EcclesSupermodel Christie Brinkley had three separate runs inChicago— all as Roxie — in April 2011, April 2012, and April 2019.
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Christie Brinkley
Andrew Eccles
Supermodel Christie Brinkley had three separate runs inChicago— all as Roxie — in April 2011, April 2012, and April 2019.
09of 60Mel BLen PrinceSpice Girl Mel B spiced upChicagoin 2016.
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Mel B
Spice Girl Mel B spiced upChicagoin 2016.
10of 60Kandi BurrussJeremy DanielGrammy winner,Real Housewives of Atlantastar, and Broadway vet!Kandi Burrussstepped into the role of Matron “Mama” Morton in 2018.
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Kandi Burruss
Jeremy Daniel
Grammy winner,Real Housewives of Atlantastar, and Broadway vet!Kandi Burrussstepped into the role of Matron “Mama” Morton in 2018.
11of 60Jaime CamilJeremy DanielIn 2016,Jane the Virginstar Jaime Camil came to Broadway, as Billy Flynn.
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Jaime Camil
In 2016,Jane the Virginstar Jaime Camil came to Broadway, as Billy Flynn.
12of 60Lynda CarterAndrew EcclesThe original Wonder Woman played Matron “Mama” Morton in 2005.
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Lynda Carter
The original Wonder Woman played Matron “Mama” Morton in 2005.
13of 60Maxwell CaulfieldLen PrinceCool Rider and Broadway star!Grease 2lead Maxwell Caulfield played Billy Flynn in 2007.
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Maxwell Caulfield
Cool Rider and Broadway star!Grease 2lead Maxwell Caulfield played Billy Flynn in 2007.
14of 60Billy Ray CyrusAndrew Eccles"We want Billy” — Billy Ray Cyrus, that is! The country singer stepped into the role of Billy Flynn back in 2012.
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Billy Ray Cyrus
“We want Billy” — Billy Ray Cyrus, that is! The country singer stepped into the role of Billy Flynn back in 2012.
15of 60Charlotte d’AmboiseJeremy DanielTwo time Tony nominee Charlotte d’Amboise has starred as Roxie Hart a few times on Broadway over the years. The actress, who had a memorable arc onOne Life to Livein 2009, last played the role in January 2020, months before the coronavirus pandemic shuttered Broadway.
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Charlotte d’Amboise
Two time Tony nominee Charlotte d’Amboise has starred as Roxie Hart a few times on Broadway over the years. The actress, who had a memorable arc onOne Life to Livein 2009, last played the role in January 2020, months before the coronavirus pandemic shuttered Broadway.
16of 60Paige DavisLen PrinceBefore becoming a household name inTrading Spaces, Paige Davis trod the boards on Broadway. So it only made sense that in 2004, she’d return to Broadway as Roxie Hart.
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Paige Davis
Before becoming a household name inTrading Spaces, Paige Davis trod the boards on Broadway. So it only made sense that in 2004, she’d return to Broadway as Roxie Hart.
17of 60Kara DioGuardiJosh LehrerAmerican Idoljudge and singer/songwriter Kara DioGuardi played Roxie Hart in 2011.
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Kara DioGuardi
Josh Lehrer
American Idoljudge and singer/songwriter Kara DioGuardi played Roxie Hart in 2011.
18of 60Sandy DuncanUli WeberLongtime Broadway fave andThe Hogan Familystar Sandy Duncan was Roxie Hart in 1999.
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Sandy Duncan
Uli Weber
Longtime Broadway fave andThe Hogan Familystar Sandy Duncan was Roxie Hart in 1999.
19of 60Eddie GeorgeJeremy DanielNFL star and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George scored a touchdown on Broadway, playing Billy Flynn in 2016.
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Eddie George
NFL star and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George scored a touchdown on Broadway, playing Billy Flynn in 2016.
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Erika Girardi
Rene Cervantes
21of 60Cuba Gooding Jr.Tristram KentonOscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. played Billy Flynn on Broadway twice, in 2012 and 2019.
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Cuba Gooding Jr.
Tristram Kenton
Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. played Billy Flynn on Broadway twice, in 2012 and 2019.
22of 60Joel GreyMax VadukulOscar winner Joel Grey originated the role of Amos Hart in theChicagorevival.
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Joel Grey
Max Vadukul
Oscar winner Joel Grey originated the role of Amos Hart in theChicagorevival.
23of 60Melanie GriffithStephanie Pfriender StylanderMelanie Griffith ledChicagoas Roxie Hart in 2003.
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Melanie Griffith
Stephanie Pfriender Stylander
Melanie Griffith ledChicagoas Roxie Hart in 2003.
24of 60George HamiltonAndrew EcclesScreen star George Hamilton made his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in 2001, and later reprised the role in 2002 and 2007.
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George Hamilton
Screen star George Hamilton made his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in 2001, and later reprised the role in 2002 and 2007.
25of 60Michael C. HallMiranda Penn TurinIn 2002,DexterandSix Feet Understar Michael C. Hall played Billy Flynn.
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Michael C. Hall
Miranda Penn Turin
In 2002,DexterandSix Feet Understar Michael C. Hall played Billy Flynn.
26of 60Todrick HallSteven & ChadYouTube superstar Todrick Hall brought his triple-threat talents toChicagoin 2018, playing Billy Flynn.
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Todrick Hall
Steven & Chad
YouTube superstar Todrick Hall brought his triple-threat talents toChicagoin 2018, playing Billy Flynn.
27of 60Melora HardinJoan MarcusBefore tearing up the ballroom onDancing with the Stars,The Officealumna Melora Hardin was Roxie Hart in 2008.
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Melora Hardin
Joan Marcus
Before tearing up the ballroom onDancing with the Stars,The Officealumna Melora Hardin was Roxie Hart in 2008.
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Samantha Harris
29of 60Marilu HennerMax VadukulTaxistar Marilu Henner had a memorable turn as Roxie Hart in 1997.
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Marilu Henner
Taxistar Marilu Henner had a memorable turn as Roxie Hart in 1997.
30of 60Jennifer HollidayAndrew EcclesSpeaking of Tonys, Jennifer Holliday — a Tony winner for her unforgettable role inDreamgirls— played Matron “Mama” Morton in 2001.
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Jennifer Holliday
Speaking of Tonys, Jennifer Holliday — a Tony winner for her unforgettable role inDreamgirls— played Matron “Mama” Morton in 2001.
31of 60Carly HughesJeremy DanielAmerican Housewifestar and Broadway vet Carly Hughes was Velma in 2015.
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Carly Hughes
American Housewifestar and Broadway vet Carly Hughes was Velma in 2015.
32of 60NeNe LeakesJeremy DanielMatron “Mama” Morton got a dose of reality whenReal Housewives of AtlantabreakoutNeNe Leakesplayed her in 2015.
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NeNe Leakes
Matron “Mama” Morton got a dose of reality whenReal Housewives of AtlantabreakoutNeNe Leakesplayed her in 2015.
33of 60Huey LewisRichie FaheyChicagobrought Huey Lewis his Broadway debut, too. The singer/songwriter — known for songs like “Hip to Be Square,” “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” and “I Want a New Drug” — played Billy Flynn in 2007.
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Huey Lewis
Richie Fahey
Chicagobrought Huey Lewis his Broadway debut, too. The singer/songwriter — known for songs like “Hip to Be Square,” “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” and “I Want a New Drug” — played Billy Flynn in 2007.
34of 60Marcia LewisMax VadukulThe late Marcia Lewis originated Matron “Mama” Morton in theChicagorevival, getting nominated for a Tony in the process.
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Marcia Lewis
The late Marcia Lewis originated Matron “Mama” Morton in theChicagorevival, getting nominated for a Tony in the process.
35of 60John O’HurleyRichie FaheySeinfeldactor andDancing with the Starschamp John O’Hurley was Billy Flynn in 2006.
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John O’Hurley
Seinfeldactor andDancing with the Starschamp John O’Hurley was Billy Flynn in 2006.
36of 60Vincent PastoreJoan MarcusJust over the bridge from New Jersey, where Vincent Pastore found fame as a star onThe Sopranos, the actor played Amos Hart inChicago, joining the cast alongside his costar Aida Turturro in 2007.
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Vincent Pastore
Just over the bridge from New Jersey, where Vincent Pastore found fame as a star onThe Sopranos, the actor played Amos Hart inChicago, joining the cast alongside his costar Aida Turturro in 2007.
37of 60Bianca MarroquinRaul TovarBianca Marroquin played Chita Rivera in the acclaimed miniseriesFosse/Verdon, charting Rivera’s experience in one episode working with Bob Fosse on Broadway’s originalChicagorun. In a great example of art imitating life, Marroquin has also starred on stage inChicago’s Broadway revival over the years, as both Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart.
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Bianca Marroquin
Raul Tovar
Bianca Marroquin played Chita Rivera in the acclaimed miniseriesFosse/Verdon, charting Rivera’s experience in one episode working with Bob Fosse on Broadway’s originalChicagorun. In a great example of art imitating life, Marroquin has also starred on stage inChicago’s Broadway revival over the years, as both Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart.
38of 60Brian McKnightJoan MarcusGrammy-nominated singer and producer Brian McKnight made his Broadway debut when he played hotshot lawyer Billy Flynn in 2007.
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Brian McKnight
Grammy-nominated singer and producer Brian McKnight made his Broadway debut when he played hotshot lawyer Billy Flynn in 2007.
39of 60Gretchen MolLen PrinceBoardwalk Empirestar Gretchen Mol also made her Broadway debut inChicago, as Roxie Hart back in 2004.
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Gretchen Mol
Boardwalk Empirestar Gretchen Mol also made her Broadway debut inChicago, as Roxie Hart back in 2004.
40of 60James NaughtonMax VadukulThe first Billy Flynn in Broadway’sChicagorevival wasGossip Girlactor James Naughton, who won his second Tony for the role.
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James Naughton
The first Billy Flynn in Broadway’sChicagorevival wasGossip Girlactor James Naughton, who won his second Tony for the role.
41of 60Jennifer NettlesLen PrinceCountry superstar Jennifer Nettles made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in 2015. She’s since gone on to star inWaitress, and release an album of showtunes covers.
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Jennifer Nettles
Country superstar Jennifer Nettles made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in 2015. She’s since gone on to star inWaitress, and release an album of showtunes covers.
42of 60Bebe NeuwirthMax VadukulCheersactress Bebe Neuwirth won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in the 1996 revival. She’s since returned to the production multiple times over the years, playing Roxie Hart and, most recently, Matron “Mama” Morton.
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Bebe Neuwirth
Cheersactress Bebe Neuwirth won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in the 1996 revival. She’s since returned to the production multiple times over the years, playing Roxie Hart and, most recently, Matron “Mama” Morton.
43of 60Ann ReinkingMax VadukulLate actress Ann Reinking starred in the original production ofChicagoback in 1997, and reprised her role as Roxie Hart when the revival opened on Broadway in 1996. She also choreographed the production, winning a Tony Award in the process.
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Ann Reinking
Late actress Ann Reinking starred in the original production ofChicagoback in 1997, and reprised her role as Roxie Hart when the revival opened on Broadway in 1996. She also choreographed the production, winning a Tony Award in the process.
44of 60Kevin RichardsonMiranda Penn TurinBackstreet to Broadway! Backstreet Boys singer Kevin Richardson was Billy Flynn in 2003.
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Kevin Richardson
Backstreet to Broadway! Backstreet Boys singer Kevin Richardson was Billy Flynn in 2003.
45of 60Lisa Rinna and Harry HamlinPaul KolnikBeforeThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, actress and soap starLisa Rinnaplayed Roxie Hart alongside her husband Harry Hamlin (as Billy Flynn) in 2007.
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Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin
Paul Kolnik
BeforeThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, actress and soap starLisa Rinnaplayed Roxie Hart alongside her husband Harry Hamlin (as Billy Flynn) in 2007.
46of 60Chita RiveraUli WeberThe late Chita Rivera originated the role of Velma Kelly in the 1975 production ofChicagoon Broadway. And 25 years later, she returned, this time as Roxie Hart — playing the part in Toronto, Las Vegas, and London.
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Chita Rivera
The late Chita Rivera originated the role of Velma Kelly in the 1975 production ofChicagoon Broadway. And 25 years later, she returned, this time as Roxie Hart — playing the part in Toronto, Las Vegas, and London.
47of 60Roz RyanJeremy DanielBroadway star and longtime voiceover actress Roz Ryan has often played Matron “Mama” Morton on the Great White Way over the years. She first debuted in the production in 2006, and most recently starred it in it 2016.
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Roz Ryan
Broadway star and longtime voiceover actress Roz Ryan has often played Matron “Mama” Morton on the Great White Way over the years. She first debuted in the production in 2006, and most recently starred it in it 2016.
48of 60John SchneiderAmy ArbusBo on Broadway!Dukes of Hazzardstar John Schneider joinedChicagoas Billy Flynn in 2008.
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John Schneider
Amy Arbus
Bo on Broadway!Dukes of Hazzardstar John Schneider joinedChicagoas Billy Flynn in 2008.
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Brooke Shields
50of 60Ashlee SimpsonLen Prince"Pieces of Me” singer Ashlee Simpson played Roxie Hart from November 2009 until February 2010.
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Ashlee Simpson
“Pieces of Me” singer Ashlee Simpson played Roxie Hart from November 2009 until February 2010.
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Valerie Simpson
52of 60Jerry SpringerLen PrinceTabloid talk show host Jerry Springer starred as Billy Flynn in 2007.
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Jerry Springer
Tabloid talk show host Jerry Springer starred as Billy Flynn in 2007.
53of 60Patrick SwayzeBob FrameThe late, great actor Patrick Swayze had a brief run inChicago, playing Billy Flynn in 2003 for a two-week run.
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Patrick Swayze
Bob Frame
The late, great actor Patrick Swayze had a brief run inChicago, playing Billy Flynn in 2003 for a two-week run.
54of 60Aida TurturroJoan MarcusSopranosstar Aida Turturro played Matron “Mama” Morton in 2007 alongside her costar, Vincent Pastore.
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Aida Turturro
Sopranosstar Aida Turturro played Matron “Mama” Morton in 2007 alongside her costar, Vincent Pastore.
55of 60Sofia VergaraJoan MarcusSitcom star Sofia Vergara played Roxie Hart in 2009.
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Sofia Vergara
Sitcom star Sofia Vergara played Roxie Hart in 2009.
56of 60Michelle WilliamsUli WeberDestiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams joined the cast ofChicagoon Broadway in 2010 as Roxie Hart, after playing the role in London.
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Michelle Williams
Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams joined the cast ofChicagoon Broadway in 2010 as Roxie Hart, after playing the role in London.
57of 60Wendy WilliamsJeremy DanielTalk show hostWendy Williamsmade her Broadway debut in 2013 in the role of Matron “Mama” Morton.
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Wendy Williams
Talk show hostWendy Williamsmade her Broadway debut in 2013 in the role of Matron “Mama” Morton.
58of 60Rumer WillisJeremy DanielThe rumors are true! Rumer Willis did, in fact, star in Broadway’sChicago— as Roxie Hart in 2015.
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Rumer Willis
The rumors are true! Rumer Willis did, in fact, star in Broadway’sChicago— as Roxie Hart in 2015.
59of 60Chandra WilsonJoan MarcusGrey’s Anatomystar Chandra Wilson spent two months in the summer of 2009 treading the boards at Matron “Mama” Morton.
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Chandra Wilson
Grey’s Anatomystar Chandra Wilson spent two months in the summer of 2009 treading the boards at Matron “Mama” Morton.
60of 60Tom WopatPaul KolnikThe Dukes of Hazzardstar and Tony nominee Tom Wopat was one of the stars who played Billy Flynn in 2008.
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Tom Wopat
The Dukes of Hazzardstar and Tony nominee Tom Wopat was one of the stars who played Billy Flynn in 2008.
source: people.com
