Megan Kathleen Hilty (born March 29, 1981)[1] is an American actress and singer. She rose to prominence for her roles in Broadway musicals, including her performance as Glinda in Wicked, Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5: The Musical, and her Tony Award–nominated role as Brooke Ashton in Noises Off. She also starred as Ivy Lynn on the musical-drama series Smash, on which she sang the Grammy Award-nominated "Let Me Be Your Star", and portrayed Liz on the sitcom Sean Saves the World.
Megan Hilty | |
|---|---|
 Hilty in May 2008 | |
| Born | March 29, 1981 Bellevue, Washington, U.S. |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon University (BFA) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1995; 2004–present |
| Spouse |
Brian Gallagher (m. 2013) |
| Children | 2 |
Early life
editHilty was born in Bellevue, Washington, the daughter of Donna and Jack Hilty. She began taking vocal lessons at the age of 12 and was interested in performing opera. She attended Sammamish High School in Bellevue then transferred to the Washington Academy of Performing Arts Conservatory High School in Redmond, and later attended the Chrysalis School in Woodinville.[2]
Hilty graduated from the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in 2004 and is a member of the Actors' Equity Association.[3][4] She is a recipient of the National Society of Arts and Letters Award for Excellence in Musical Theater.[5]
Career
editShortly before graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, Hilty auditioned for the 2004 national tour of Little Shop of Horrors for the role of Audrey. However, despite being initially cast as Audrey, the producers let her go after Anthony Rapp was cast as Seymour and they told Hilty she was "too young/not age appropriate" to play opposite Rapp.
Hilty then auditioned for the musical Wicked. She moved to New York City after graduating and, in August 2004, made her Broadway debut as the standby for Glinda the Good Witch. She performed in the role for the first time on October 8, 2004, opposite Idina Menzel as Elphaba. Hilty took over the role from Jennifer Laura Thompson on May 31, 2005.[6] After playing the role for a year, Hilty ended her run on May 28, 2006, and was succeeded by Kate Reinders.[7]
Hilty then reprised the role on the first national tour of the show from September through December 2006, replacing Kendra Kassebaum. Soon after, Hilty originated the role in the Los Angeles sit-down production, which began previews on February 10, 2007, and opened on February 21. She left the production on May 18, 2008, and was replaced by Erin Mackey, only to return on October 31, 2008, to close the production, which played its final performance on January 11, 2009.[8]
Hilty starred in the musical Vanities during its premiere engagement at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts in Mountain View, California. In addition to her stage work, Hilty has made guest appearances on television shows including The Closer, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, Ugly Betty, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Desperate Housewives, and Shark. She was the singing voice of Snow White in the animated feature film Shrek the Third.
In 2008, Hilty joined Allison Janney, Stephanie J. Block, and Marc Kudisch in the musical adaptation of the 1980 film 9 to 5. The production was directed by Joe Mantello, with a pre-Broadway run at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, which opened on September 9, 2008. Hilty had participated in workshops and readings as the character Doralee Rhodes (the character Dolly Parton had played in the film version). The musical began preview performances on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre on April 7, 2009, with an official opening on April 30, 2009, closing on September 6, 2009. For this role, Hilty was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical, the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance, and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical.[9][10][11]
In 2009, Hilty appeared in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation entitled "Deep Fried and Minty Fresh", playing a fast food manager helping out with a murder at Choozy's Chicken. She also appeared in two episodes of Desperate Housewives as the other woman to Carlos' boss. Hilty also lent her talents in Rated RSO: The Music and Lyrics of Ryan Scott Oliver at the Boston Court Performing Arts Center in December 2009, alongside Lesli Margherita, Steve Kazee, Morgan Karr, Natalie Weiss, and others. Hilty also branched off into a coffee and tea product line.[12] In 2010, Hilty confirmed that she would voice the character of the China Princess in the animated film Dorothy of Oz. In 2011, it was announced that she was cast in the NBC musical-drama series Smash, opposite Debra Messing, Anjelica Huston, and Brian d'Arcy James.[13] The series premiered on February 6, 2012, and aired for two seasons.
In May 2012, Hilty appeared in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes as a part of the Encores! staged concert series. She appeared as Lorelei Lee alongside Brennan Brown, Simon Jones, and Rachel York. Hilty received rave reviews for her performance, with The New York Times rating her performance on par with those of Carol Channing and Marilyn Monroe.[14][15]
In November 2012, it was announced that Hilty would appear on the album I'm Ready: The Songs of Rob Rokicki.[16] Hilty released her debut solo album, It Happens All the Time, on March 12, 2013.[17] On June 13, 2013, it was announced that Hilty would star alongside Sean Hayes in the NBC sitcom Sean Saves the World. The series was cancelled on January 28, 2014, after airing 13 episodes.[18]
In July 2015, it was reported that Hilty would return to Broadway in the Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of Noises Off, portraying Brooke Ashton.[19] For her performance, Hilty received nominations for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play, and the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance.[20][21][22] That same year, she recurred as Charlene on Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce.[23] On July 7, 2016, Hilty appeared alongside Matthew Morrison for an evening with The New York Pops at the Forest Hills Stadium in Queens.[24]
In November 2021, it was announced that Hilty would be playing Lily St. Regis in NBC's Annie Live!, replacing Jane Krakowski who withdrew from the show after getting a breakthrough case of COVID-19.[25]
In 2024, Hilty starred in the stage adaptation of Death Becomes Her as Madeline Ashton, opposite co-lead Jennifer Simard as Helen Sharp.[26] The production's out of town tryout ran at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre from April 30 through June 2, 2024. Hilty and Simard will lead the production on Broadway, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, with previews beginning Oct 23, before opening on Nov 21st.[27]
Personal life
editHilty was in a relationship with actor Steve Kazee from 2005 until 2012.[28] On November 2, 2013, Hilty married actor Brian Gallagher in Las Vegas, Nevada.[29] In March 2014, she announced that she was expecting their first child.[30] Hilty gave birth to a girl, Viola Philomena Gallagher, on September 18, 2014.[31] On September 24, 2016, she announced that she was pregnant with her second child.[32] Their son, Ronan Laine Gallagher, was born on March 13, 2017.[33]
On September 4, 2022, Hilty's sister Lauren, brother-in-law Ross Mickel, and nephew Remy were killed in a floatplane crash into Puget Sound off the coast of Whidbey Island.[34] Lauren Hilty-Mickel was eight months pregnant at the time of her death.[35]
Stage
edit| Year | Title | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–05 | Wicked | Standby for Glinda | Gershwin Theatre |
| 2005–06 | Glinda | ||
| 2006 | Vanities | Mary | Mountain View Center |
| Wicked | Glinda | North American National Tour | |
| 2007–08; 2008–09 | Hollywood Pantages Theatre | ||
| 2008 | 9 to 5: The Musical | Doralee Rhodes | Ahmanson Theatre |
| 2009 | Marquis Theatre | ||
| 2012 | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | Lorelei Lee | New York City Center |
| 2015 | Annie Get Your Gun | Annie Oakley | |
| 2016 | Noises Off | Brooke Ashton | American Airlines Theatre |
| 2018 | Little Shop of Horrors | Audrey | John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts |
| 2024 | Death Becomes Her | Madeline Ashton | Cadillac Palace Theatre |
| Lunt-Fontanne Theatre |
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Shrek the Third | Snow White (singing voice) | Uncredited role |
| 2010 | What Happens Next | Ruthie | |
| Bitter Feast | Peg | ||
| Happiest Man Alive | Woman | Short film | |
| 2011 | The Maiden and the Princess | Adult Maiden (voice) | |
| 2012 | Secret of the Wings | Rosetta (voice) | |
| 2014 | The Pirate Fairy | ||
| Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast | |||
| Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return | China Princess / Queen Mouse (voice) | ||
| 2016 | Rules Don't Apply | Sally |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | The Suite Life of Zack & Cody | Enid | Episode: "The Arwin That Came to Dinner" |
| The Closer | Michelle Edwards | 2 episodes | |
| Ugly Betty | Glinda the Good Witch | Episode: "Something Wicked This Way Comes" | |
| 2008 | Shark | Laurel Hasbrouck | Episode: "One Hit Wonder" |
| 2009 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Kiwi Long | Episode: "Deep Fried and Minty Fresh" |
| Desperate Housewives | Shayla Grove | 2 episodes | |
| Eli Stone | Cheryl | Episode: "Flight Path" | |
| 2009–2010 | Glenn Martin, DDS | Singing Bum (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 2010 | Phineas and Ferb | Aunt Tiana (voice) | Episode: "Just Passing Through/Candace's Big Day" |
| Bones | Julie Coyle | Episode: "The Death of the Queen Bee" | |
| Louie | Heckler | Episode: "Heckler/Cop Movie" | |
| 2011 | Prayer Hour | Jo Ellen | Television film |
| Melissa & Joey | Tiffany Longo | 2 episodes | |
| The Penguins of Madagascar | Frances Alberta (voice) | Episode: "The Hoboken Surprise" | |
| Pixie Hollow Games | Rosetta (voice) | Television short | |
| 2012–2013 | Smash | Ivy Lynn | Lead Role- 32 episodes |
| Robot and Monster | J.D. (voice) | 12 episodes | |
| 2012 | Robot Chicken | Barbie/Johnny's Mother (voice) | Episode: "Poisoned by Relatives" |
| 2013 | Family Guy | Helen Keller's Teacher/Old Woman (voice) | Episode: "The Giggity Wife" |
| 2013–2014 | Sean Saves the World | Liz | 13 episodes |
| 2014 | Dora and Friends: Into the City! | La Diva (voice) | Episode: "Dora Saves Opera Land" |
| 2016 | I Shudder | Sarah Morelle | Television pilot |
| Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce | Charlene Frumpkis | 3 episodes | |
| The Good Wife | Holly Westfall | ||
| BrainDead | Misty Alise | 4 episodes | |
| 2017–2018 | Sofia the First | Princess Charlotte and Prisma (voice) | |
| 2018 | The Wingits | Mom (voice) | Pilot |
| The Good Fight | Holly Westfall | Episode: "Day 457" | |
| Santa's Boots | Holly | Television film | |
| 2019 | Sweet Mountain Christmas | Laney Blue | |
| 2019 | Patsy & Loretta | Patsy Cline | |
| 2019–2022 | T.O.T.S. | K.C the Koala | Main role |
| 2020 | It's Pony | Beatrice (voice) | |
| Trolls: TrollsTopia | Holly Darlin' (voice) | Main role | |
| 2021 | Centaurworld | Wammawink (voice)[36] | |
| Annie Live! | Lily St. Regis | Live performance | |
| Trolls: Holiday in Harmony | Holly Darlin' (voice) | Television short |
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Female Replacement | Wicked | Nominated |
| 2009 | Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical | 9 to 5: The Musical | |
| Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance | |||
| Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical | |||
| Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Actress in a Musical | |||
| 2013 | Dorian Award for TV Musical Performance of the Year | "Let Me Be Your Star" from Smash | |
| Behind the Voice Actors Award for Best Vocal Ensemble in a New Television Series | Robot and Monster | ||
| Behind the Voice Actors Award for Best Vocal Ensemble in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Theatrical Short | Secret of the Wings | ||
| 2015 | The Pirate Fairy | ||
| Behind the Voice Actors Award for Best Female Vocal Performance in a Feature Film in a Supporting Role | Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return | ||
| 2016 | Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Featured Actress in a Play | Noises Off | Won |
| Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play | Nominated | ||
| Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play | |||
| Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance |
References
edit- ^ "30 Under 30 – Megan Hilty". BroadwaySpace.com. 2011. Archived from the original on 2012-02-03.
- ^ Owen, Rob (January 29, 2012). "'Smash's' Megan Hilty 'obsessed' with singing". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ "Kennedy Center bio". Retrieved 7 September 2022.
- ^ "Last FM bio". Retrieved 7 September 2022.
- ^ "National Award Winners". Retrieved 7 September 2022.
- ^ Andrew Gans. "McClanahan, Vereen and Hilty Fly Into Wicked May 31". Playbill. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
- ^ Simonson, Robert (May 30, 2006). "Kate Reinders to Join Broadway's Wicked on May 30 as New Glinda". Playbill.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (October 17, 2008). "Espinosa and Hilty to Return to Los Angeles Cast of Wicked". Playbill. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (April 20, 2009). "Billy Elliot and Shrek Top Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations". Playbill. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (April 21, 2009). "75th Annual Drama League Award Nominees Announced". Playbill. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (April 27, 2009). "Drama Desk Nominees Announced; 9 to 5 Garners 15 Nominations". Playbill. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ "Megan Hilty". Net Worth Coffee Brokers. Archived from the original on March 12, 2009. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
- ^ Diamond, Robert (February 9, 2011). "Megan Hilty to Star in NBC's Musical Pilot". BroadwayWorld.
- ^ Brantley, Ben (May 10, 2012). "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, with Megan Hilty, at City Center". The New York Times. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
- ^ Lipton, Brian Scott (May 10, 2012). "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Review". TheatreMania.
- ^ Rosky, Nicole (November 2, 2012). "Megan Hilty, Emma Hunton and More Set for Rob Rokicki's Album Release Concert, 11/19". BroadwayWorld.
- ^ "New CD from 'Smash' star Megan Hilty doesn't ease on down the Broadway-diva road". The Washington Post. March 15, 2013. Retrieved March 21, 2013.[dead link]
- ^ Goldberg, Lesley; O'Connell, Michael (January 28, 2014). "NBC Cancels 'Sean Saves the World'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
- ^ Snetiker, Marc (July 24, 2015). "Megan Hilty, Campbell Scott and more join Noises Off on Broadway". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
- ^ Diamond, Robert (May 3, 2016). "2016 Tony Awards Nominations: HAMILTON Breaks Record with 16! And the Nominees Are..." Broadway World.
- ^ Rosky, Nicole (April 28, 2016). "SHE LOVES ME, HAMILTON, THE CRUCIBLE & More Earn 2016 Drama League Nominations; Check Out the Full List!". Broadway World.
- ^ Rosky, Nicole (April 28, 2016). "The 2016 Drama Desk Nominations: SHE LOVES ME, AMERICAN PSYCHO & BRIGHT STAR Lead!"". Broadway World.
- ^ Sandberg, Bryn Elise (July 21, 2015). "'Smash' Alum Megan Hilty Joins 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce'". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Clement, Olivia (July 7, 2016). "Megan Hilty and Matthew Morrison Join the New York Pops Tonight". Playbill.
- ^ Evans, Greg (November 12, 2021). "Megan Hilty Steps In As Replacement For Covid-Struck Jane Krakowski In 'Annie Live!'". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ Gans, Andrew (March 4, 2024). "Christopher Sieber, Michelle Williams, More Join Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard in Death Becomes Her Musical". Playbill. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Abourizk, Michael (May 15, 2024). "'Death Becomes Her' musical will open on Broadway; Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard to star". Retrieved 2024-05-28.
- ^ Healy, Patrick (May 16, 2012). "A Role That Cuts Close to His Heart". The New York Times.
- ^ Webber, Stephanie (November 3, 2013). "Megan Hilty Marries Brian Gallagher, Former Smash Star Weds In Intimate Las Vegas Venetian Chapel". Us Weekly.
- ^ "Megan Hilty Pregnant With First Child". The Hollywood Reporter. March 30, 2014.
- ^ Maquina, Sierra (September 19, 2014). "Megan Hilty Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby Girl Viola Philomena With Husband". Us Weekly.
- ^ Clement, Olivia (September 24, 2016). "Megan Hilty Announces Pregnancy". Playbill.
- ^ McPhee, Ryan (March 20, 2017). "Megan Hilty and Brian Gallagher Welcome Newborn Son". Playbill.
- ^ Houghtaling, Ellie Quinlan (September 6, 2022). "'Smash' Actress Megan Hilty's Family Killed in Plane Crash". The Daily Beast. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
- ^ Patterson, Charmaine (September 7, 2022). "Megan Hilty Breaks Silence on the Death of Her Sister, Brother-in-Law and Nephew: 'No Words'". People. Retrieved September 7, 2022 – via MSN.
- ^ Gordon, David (June 14, 2021). "Kimiko Glenn, Jessie Mueller, Megan Hilty Lend Voices to New Musical Animated Series Centaurworld". TheaterMania.
External links
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