But I think that's the beauty of Broadway. As others have said, many of the theatre's biggest stars were not the most (conventionally) attractive. Mary Martin may not have been given the film roles in South Pacific or The Sound of Music, say, but she was given those starring roles on Broadway. Because Broadway values talent first. And often actors who are a little older or a little less attractive would get roles on the stage because they are stars and have great talen. In Hollywood, that's less likely to happen.
So, I don't see why Broadway fans should begrudge the TV success of Lea or Matt Morrison or Cheno or Audra or Cherry Jones, etc. Viola Davis is having some success in films (but someone bring her back to the stage!). There really should be more Broadway stars on TV and in the movies. Why isn't Raul Esparza a leading man in film? Why aren't Sutton Foster or Laura Benanti, say, starring in romantic comedies?
Coach Bob knew it all along: you've got to get obsessed and stay obsessed. You have to keep passing the open windows. (John Irving, The Hotel New Hampshire)