Broadway star smokers...

[mywonderwa11]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 9:57pm

Just a random question...I just graduated from college with a degree in musical theatre and I, as well as a lot of my fellow BWW members, hope to pursue a career in New York in musical theatre. BUT...I have the disgusting habit of smoking once in a while. Does anyone know of any Broadway performers who smoke? I know of several dancers who do, but I was wondering about Broadway performers.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:00pm

There are many Broadway performers who smoke. At times it feels like more do than don't.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:01pm

Jayne Houdyshell

[TenThousandThings]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:04pm

Sherie Rene Scott is a chimney.

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:06pm

Idina Menzel smokes.

[suzycat]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:16pm

James Barbour, though he's not quite a star anymore...

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:23pm

"Idina Menzel smokes."

I think it's a once-in-a-while social thing. And not when she's in shows.

[morosco]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:26pm

""Now that I'm gone, I tell you: Don't smoke, whatever you do, just don't smoke." -Yul Brynner

Brynner was very much alive in January, 1985, when he made this statement on ABC's Good Morning America. He died of lung cancer in October of that year. The resulting public service announcement remains one of the most memorable antismoking statements ever made.

[singtopher]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:43pm

I hear Ms. Espinosa lights up.

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:45pm

Patti LuPone is an ex-smoker. Raul Esparza and Drew Sarich smoke.

I myself would love to quit, but I don't quite have the will power yet.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:48pm

Michael Benjamin Washington

[MotorTink]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:49pm

I quit about 8 months ago after smoking for about 10 years. I don't know how these people do it!! I couldn't hold a note without feeling like my chest was going to explode, and after 8 months it hasn't gotten much better. Wow, I'm shocked there are that many leading actors that smoke!

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:49pm

"I hear Ms. Espinosa lights up."

On her myspace she says she doesn't. I wouldn't be surprised if she does though. Her voice has gone downhill in the past year.
Updated On: 1/31/07 at 10:49 PM

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:51pm

Whoa, mywonderwa11, I used to talk to you on AIM ages ago!

Ok, back on topic- Didn't *MOST* (NOT ALL) of the original RENT cast smoke? If I remember, there was a whole discussion and somewhat of an 'argument' over it a while ago.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:52pm

Smoking will KILL your voice. I am a first-hand witness to this. The occassional cigarette is fine, but seriously, if you plan to be a professional actor/singer (and also to, you know, not die prematurely), do not smoke.

That said, I still smoke occassionally because I'm a hypocrite.
Updated On: 1/31/07 at 10:52 PM

[MotorTink]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:54pm

Q - I know in Anthony's book it mentions Jesse going out for a smoke break. I thought I heard someone say that Adam P. went out for a smoke break at the Goyband shoot last month.

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 10:58pm

^ ^

Yea, motor- I think they have an occasional cigarette but...who knows?

I'm pretty sure that what I said is well known though...(At least by the Broadway community)

I don't know that there should really be a thread about this. I would probably guess that an actor or actress doesn't exactly want to be identified as a "smoker."

Yes, they may smoke in public but to announce it to 'everyone' I think is just a bit...far?

Just my $0.02

Updated On: 1/31/07 at 10:58 PM

[MotorTink]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 11:00pm

Can't you make it $.03? :)

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 11:11pm

For you Tink, I'll make it $.04! :)

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 11:13pm

Raul Esparza and Drew Sarich smoke.

I heard that Raúl quit, via the reliable grapevine.

Updated On: 1/31/07 at 11:13 PM

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 11:14pm

My bad then.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 11:15pm

No worries. PS, your avatar is gorgeous.

And good for him.

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 11:19pm

Eden looks like a smoker. I know that's weird to say, but some people just look like they've been smoking all their lives.

[jimnysf]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 11:43pm

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 1/31/07 at 11:55pm

Cary Shields and Ethan Hawke were smoking as they signed autographs and took pictures with fans (Cary after TABOO, Ethan after HURLYBURLY). Gross.