Stars Who Started their Careers in Theater
Theater has always been a platform for performers to showcase their talent and hone their craft. It is a place where aspiring actors and actresses get their start before making a name for themselves in the entertainment industry. In this article, we will learn about some of the biggest stars who began their careers in theater.
1. Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep is a name synonymous with excellent acting. She is known for her tremendous range and has won numerous awards for her work on both stage and screen. Before becoming a Hollywood icon, Streep was a regular presence on New York City's theater scene. She performed in numerous theater productions, including "The Cherry Orchard" and "The Taming of the Shrew."
2. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is a two-time Academy Award-winning actor who got his start in theater. He was a member of the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco before moving to New York City to pursue his acting career. In New York, Washington quickly made a name for himself in theater, appearing in productions of "A Soldier's Play" and "Richard III."
3. Viola Davis
Viola Davis began her acting career in theater, performing in productions across the United States. She won a Tony Award for her role in the play "Fences" and has since become a household name in Hollywood. Davis has spoken about how important theater was in her career, stating that "theater is the foundation of all actors."
4. Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman's career has been nothing short of exceptional. The Australian actor is known for his roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as "The Wolverine" and "Les Misérables." But before he became an action hero, Jackman was a prominent figure in the theater scene in Melbourne, Australia. He performed in productions of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Sunset Boulevard" before making his way to Broadway.
5. Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o is an actress, writer, and director who first gained prominence for her role in the film "12 Years a Slave." But before making it big in Hollywood, Nyong'o was an accomplished theater actress. She studied acting at the Yale School of Drama and appeared in various productions, including the play "Eclipsed," which earned her a Tony Award nomination.
6. James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones is a legendary actor known for his distinctive voice. He has appeared in countless movies over the years, including the "Star Wars" series and "Field of Dreams." But before making it big in Hollywood, Jones was a prominent figure in the New York City theater scene. He appeared in productions of "Othello" and "The Great White Hope," winning a Tony Award for his role in the latter.
7. Nathan Lane
Nathan Lane is a Tony Award-winning actor who is best known for his roles in Broadway productions. He has appeared in numerous productions, including "The Producers" and "Guys and Dolls." Lane began his career in theater and has spoken about how important it was in his development as an actor. "The theater was always my first love," he said in an interview with The New Yorker.
8. Audra McDonald
Audra McDonald is a singer and actress who has won six Tony Awards for her work on Broadway. She has appeared in numerous productions, including "Ragtime" and "A Raisin in the Sun." McDonald began her career in theater and has since become a household name in Hollywood. She has spoken about how theater was instrumental in her success as an actress, stating that "theater has been the backbone of my career."
9. Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a writer, composer, and actor who has become a household name in the entertainment industry. He is known for creating the hit Broadway musicals "In The Heights" and "Hamilton." Miranda began his career in theater and has spoken about how important it was in his development as an artist. "The theater has always been my laboratory," he said in an interview with The New Yorker.
10. Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel is a singer and actress who is known for her roles in Broadway productions such as "Rent" and "Wicked." She has also had success in Hollywood, appearing in films such as "Frozen" and "Enchanted." Menzel began her career in theater and has cited it as essential in her development as an actress. "The theater gave me confidence," she said in an interview with The New Yorker.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many stars who got their start in theater. Theater has been instrumental in the development of many successful actors and actresses and has provided them with a foundation on which to build their careers. So the next time you attend a theater production, keep in mind that you might be watching the next big star take their first steps towards becoming a Hollywood icon.