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When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star? — Page 3

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#53

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/25/13 at 5:23pm

I see the distinction that is made in "star" and I think these days it's a bit harder to reach stardom.

I wonder what hinders a rise in fame. For example, Kelly Bishop won the Tony for Sheila in "A Chorus Line" and two years later had a good supporting role in An Unmarried Woman, but she didn't seem to be able to sustain the career climb.

I think many actors had respectable stage careers and then became known through tv, although not what you would consider stars. Patti LuPone, Cherry Jones, Stockard Channing, Jerry Orbach, S. Epatha Merkerson, Bea Arthur, Rue MacLanahan, Doris Roberts
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#54

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/25/13 at 6:02pm

I think eventually, Lea and Megan Hilty will achieve movie star status.

Although not a movie star, Kristin Chenoweth is quite famous, and I'd say she's on her way to becoming a household name, if she isn't already.
#56

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/25/13 at 11:50pm

Depending on when you think they became "stars" - John C. Reilly and Philip Seymour Hoffman both were leading men on Broadway while they were mostly supporting players in Hollywood (and still are, to some extent.)

Also, while I second Nina Arianda as a likely bet to go big, I'll also say James Corden has a great shot at it too. He's huge as a TV star in the UK, but over here he has next-to-little fame except for his Tony win and amazing turn in GUV'NORS, so he might count (loosely).
Words don't deserve that kind of malarkey. They're innocent, neutral, precise, standing for this, describing that, meaning the other, so if you look after them you can build bridges across incomprehension and chaos. But when they get their corners knocked off, they're no good anymore…I don't think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.
#58

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/25/13 at 11:55pm

Ha, that's a good point. I forget how popular (and wonderfully so) Doctor Who is slowly becoming over here.
Words don't deserve that kind of malarkey. They're innocent, neutral, precise, standing for this, describing that, meaning the other, so if you look after them you can build bridges across incomprehension and chaos. But when they get their corners knocked off, they're no good anymore…I don't think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.
#63

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/26/13 at 11:43am

Yes, Bernadette was big in the eighties. She was the romantic lead opposite Steve Martin in many of his movies...Pennies From Heaven, The Jerk, etc. She was also huge in the 70s. She was practically a regular on the Carol Burnett Show and appeared on every single variety show you can think of. I think she was on TV at least once a week back then. She was definitely a household name. It was mainly after that, when TV variety and Specials faded away that she returned to Broadway where she works more now. But I'd bet you couldn't find anyone over the age of 40 who didn't know who she was.
Art has a double face, of expression and illusion.
#64

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/26/13 at 11:46am

artscallion I was just posting the same idea. Bernadette Peters shows up in a lot of 1970s shows. All in the Family, Maude, etc. Coupled with the fact that she was the variety show darling. I remember seeing her on Carol Burnett.

eta: Poor Kristen Chenoweth was born at the wrong time. If variety shows were still popular, she would be on all of them.
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.

Updated On: 4/26/13 at 11:46 AM

#65

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/26/13 at 12:24pm

Bernadette went from Off-Broadway (Dames at Sea) to Broadway (George M!) to TV variety show guest (on everything you can think of, including Carol Burnett, Bing Crosby, etc.) That was all in the '60s and early '70s.

Then came her movie career, and yes, she was a "star" (name above the title in films, several with Steve Martin).

Then she went back to Broadway as a household name in "Sunday in the Park With George."
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22

Updated On: 4/26/13 at 12:24 PM

#66

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/26/13 at 12:36pm

Viola Davis's film career as a "star" is short, but hot right now (although she's been a working actress in film and on TV for going on 17 years now). I guess she might be the "latest." She was a lead in a big hit film "The Help."

She is only the second African American female to receive more than one Oscar nomination for acting (Whoopi Goldberg was the first).

She has several more film projects in production now, mostly in ensemble or supporting roles, so it seems. That doesn't mean she won't stand out, but she's not "carrying" any upcoming film work. They're definitely A-list projects, though (with Harrison Ford, Chris Hemsworth, Jessica Chastain, Ben Kingsley, etc.).

I'd count her!
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#67

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/26/13 at 1:10pm

I have been thinking the same question lately. Mostly because I'm eager to have the next "Liza" or "Barbra" annointed. There have been dozens of girls just as talented in the decades since they moved from Broadway to film but none of them have had the same kind of success (with movies created for them, oscars, recording careers, etc.).

I sixth or seventh the idea that Nina will go on to be a HUGE film star, and agree with best12bars that none of the actors who recently moved from broadway to film were as well known from Broadway BEFORE they became film stars. Hugh Jackman had gained enough buzz from his theater career to go into movies but it was definitely his film career that made him a star - though it's a little gray of an area.

Even counting Matthew Broderick and SJP... that was still 30 years ago...

There have definintely been a few dozen actors who have had success on Broadway and then had success on film, but none with thet kind of GIANT buzz and association of "BROADWAY" attached to their entire careers the way that Liza and Barbra had.

There was something about Nina Arianda's GIANT buzz from BORN YESTERDAY and VENUS IN FUR that felt like it was going to explode onto the movies. It felt like it could not be stopped by anyone. It felt like... or rather feels like she is a ball of gas that is exploding into a star. I hope the film career that follows will be as huge as her Broadway buzz. Lea Michelle's career felt like it was going in that direction... and then she stayed on GLEE too long...

The reason I've been thinking about this lately is because I've become a fan of Jessie Mueller. She reminds me of the kind of diva that Judy, Liza, and Barbra are. If this were the 60's she would be scooped up any moment to become the next big diva.

Today... she may have to settle for a show a season (ain't nothing wrong with that) BUT it would be nice to see her in the pictures!!!!!

I'm sure everyone has their own Broadway diva they'd like to see in Hollywood.... who is yours?
#68

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/26/13 at 4:29pm

Viola Davis will next be seen in a movie called PRISONERS ( due out in September). The film is a dark thriller, with Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal leading the cast. Others in the film include Melissa Leo, Paul Dano, Maria Bello, Terence Howard, and of course Viola ( although her role is a featured one). The movie is already creating some buzz because its script ( Aaron Guzikowski) was a toprated Black List script and the director is a new exciting one ( Denis Villeneuve who helmed Incendies)and due to clips shown at the recent CinemaCon ( convention of theatre exhibitors).

In Hollywood, it seems that the narrow definition now of who is an A-list star is one who not only carries a movie but one who can "open" a movie ( who can bring in those first weekend numbers regardless of reviews or advance word).










Updated On: 4/26/13 at 04:29 PM

#69

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/27/13 at 2:08am

movies are more about pretty faces nowadays (especially for woman.) I doubt Lea Michelle, Megan Hilty, Nina Arianda (or Barbra Streisand if she were staring today) fit the mold.


I could see Nina Arianda doing well on a TV sitcom.
#73

When was the last time a Broadway star became a film star?

Posted: 4/27/13 at 3:31am

Is Megan Hilty beautiful? Yes


Is she beautiful and anorexic enough by Hollywood movie standards....I'm sorry but no. I'm not making the rules....just noticing that you seem to have to be a tiny little waif to be in films today....not Marilyn-esque sadly.

So what... TV and theatre produce better stuff than the crap at the cinema.

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