Which major movie/tv star has contributed the most to Broadway?

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 1:33am

Well, I suppose the "major" is realtive so don't limit yourself!
Mine is Bernadette Peters :)

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 1:34am

UM. BP started on Broadway. She is known FOR Broadway.

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 1:47am

To clarify my question...the actor could have started in Bway, or not.
The point is that they brought attention TO Bway after they became famous OUT of Bway and have contributed enormously to the Great White Way...:)

[Connemara]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 2:43am

Honestly, I don't know how you could name anybody but Lansbury. The quintessential triple-threat actress (major screen, TV and stage star).

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 2:54am

Wow! How could I forget Ms. Lansbury?! I guess because Angela is SO diverse, that she has contributed to a lot of areas. I suppose BP has mostly added to Broadway...

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 3:38am

What do you mean by contribute? Originate roles? Re-invent roles in revivals? Participate in most charities? Create their own charity? It's a really vague question, and how do you define major movie/tv star? I consider Peters a Broadway actress but most people I talk to about her only know her as the lady with the beautiful curly hair who used to be in the Muppets, Carol Burnett, and a few comedies/TV shows back in the days. They're not aware of her Broadway fame. I'd say she is great in that she has done extensive charity work for GMHC, she founded Broadway Barks, and she has originated a few iconic roles on Broadway (Mabel Normand, Dot, and the Witch).
If you want to go bigger, I'd say Kevin Spacey, Meryl Streep, Rosie O'Donnell, Dustin Hoffman have given much attention to Broadway (or theater in general). Particularly O'Donnell.

[bwaybabe2]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 6:00am

ray...you got it!

In a nutshell, I meant someone who is famous outside of Bway with the "general" public (as opposed to us, theater devotees), and have made Broadway known through their star status, to the general masses...more clear...?

[The Other One]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 7:34am

Broadway has done more for the careers of "outsiders" than they have ever done for it.

[lildogs]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 9:18am

ANGELA all the way...she had racked up 3 Oscar nominations before she hit her major successes on the Bway.

BUT Rosie O'Donnell did a HUGE service to Bway by increasing awareness and exposure.

So those two for different reasons.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 9:33am

Suzanne Somers

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 9:47am

Mario Lopez, Lisa Rhinna and Harry Hamlin!

[sally1112]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 9:50am

I have to second the Rosie O'd. On her solo show and later on the View she continued to promote Broadway and it was always so sincere since it comes from her true love and passion of Broadway.

[JRybka]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 9:58am

Phylicia Rashad is one of those actresses who was hugely sucessful on television and then went back to broadway and now has done some amazing work.

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 10:03am

Historically, Ed Sullivan contributed to Broadway's success in a major way.

[shh282]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 10:06am

I wouldn't say the MOST - but Nathan Lane has contributed a butt load.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 10:07am

Yeah Ed Sullivan would trump Rosie. Not only did his #1 TV show feature Broadway performances, it could turn a flop into a hit with one appearance.

[dented146]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 10:11am

Julie Andrews

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 10:26am

Interesting choice of words, shh.

Yes, I'm 12.

First person that came to mind to me was Angela Lansbury.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 10:35am

Angela Lansbury

To a lesser extent: Carol Burnett, Whoopi Goldberg, Liza Minelli, Kelsey Grammer, Bebe Neuwirth, James Earl Jones, Alec Baldwin, Linda Lavin

Updated On: 6/6/08 at 10:35 AM

[landryjames2]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 10:39am

Another like question, what major superstar has had the most broad Broadway influence among the multitudes and public at large making them at least somewhat aware of Broadway--Streisand wins that award hands down, with Julie Andrews being a close second.

[lildogs]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 10:40am

I thought of Ed Sullivan but figured I'd get a bunch of "Who?"

I think too that alot more people were aware of Bway back in the Sullivan days--there was alot less media back then and less to watch and most the major stars toured back then and Joe Schmo at least had a chance to see Merm or Mary.

[best12bars]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 10:56am

I would definitely say Ed Sullivan, followed by Rosie O'Donnell.

[sally1112]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 11:07am

Now that Ed Sullivan has been mentioned, that reminds me, David Letterman has continuously had Broadway acts on his show. Now he doesn't get all hyped up like say Rosie, but he always makes time on his show for Broadway acts, not to mention his crush on Sarah Jessica Parker. He really went nuts when she was doing Once Upon a Mattress. And his big stunt with Oprah for the Color Purple's opening.

[skb2010]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 11:13am

Kristen Chenoweth, Matthew Brodderick, Megan Mullaly

[ErinDillyFan]

Posted: 6/6/08 at 11:50am

Ed Sullivan is tops easy.

Other names that haven't been mentioned:
Johnny Carson
Oprah
Hugh Jackman