Top 10 Broadway Actors Who Reprised Their Roles for Films

The musical version of “The Producers” is one of the most successful Broadway productions of all time. The show snagged 12 Tony awards, including a win for Nathan Lane and a nomination for Matthew Broderick. Lane and Broderick became synonymous with “The Producers.” So it’s no wonder they were both cast in the 2005 film adaptation. The movie wasn’t incredibly successful, but none of that can be blamed on this dynamic duo. The actors took the delightful interplay and chemistry that made them so watchable on stage and perfectly translated it to the big screen.

When Hollywood decided to make the hit musical “Rent” into a feature film, casting was of the utmost importance. The movie ended up using the majority of the 1996 Broadway production’s original cast. Now, some people may have mixed opinions on whether that was the best move or not considering the amount of time that had passed. However, there’s no denying there were some stand outs. Idina Menzel proved she could still send us over the moon and Jesse L. Martin absolutely stole the show. As Collins, Martin delivers a sensational and empathetic performance that’s just as captivating as it was on Broadway.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has become a cinematic phenomenon since it first debuted in 1975. After all these years, it’s genuinely impossible to separate Tim Curry from the lead role. Well, musical theater fans will know that was also the case when they were casting the movie. The 1975 film is based on a stage production called “The Rocky Horror Show,” which premiered on the West End in 1973 before later moving to Broadway. The musical starred none other than Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, delivering a mesmerizing performance that no doubt solidified his inclusion in the film.

When “In the Heights” hit the Broadway stage in 2008, it made an absolute splash. 13 years later, we had all been waiting patiently for the show to hit the big screen. When it finally did, pretty much none of the original cast were included, and if they were, they weren’t reprising their roles. However, there was one notable exception. Olga Merediz, who originated the part of Abuela Claudia on the stage, also played the character in the movie. And she did so wonderfully, we might add. Merediz has a comforting presence to her that resonates both on stage and on screen.

It’s hard to imagine a world without Dick Van Dyke in the movies. But before 1963, that’s exactly the type of world we lived in. Though he had his own sitcom, Van Dyke was mainly a Broadway baby at the time, having just starred as Albert Peterson in the 1960 production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” When Hollywood decided to make a film version of the show, he made the transition from stage to silver screen. The performance would be followed by many more wonderful Van Dyke showings that defined many a childhood. From “Mary Poppins” to “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” we have a lot to thank “Bye Bye Birdie” for.

It’s hard to imagine anyone but Ellen Greene as Audrey in the 1986 movie version of “Little Shop of Horrors.” But that’s almost what happened. Although Greene brought the character to life in both the original Off-Broadway as well as West End productions, she was not the original choice for Frank Oz’s film. Reportedly, Cyndi Lauper was offered the role first, and Barbra Streisand allegedly had to say no before the studio turned to Greene. And boy, are we glad they did. She brings the perfect mix of cheese and earnestness to make Audrey feel real.

Sometimes, you don’t need huge, super experienced movie stars to make a great movie musical. The 1973 film version of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is proof of this. Many of the performers came straight from the stage, almost all of them having acted in the Broadway production the flick was adapting. This choice means that all of the actors have incredible singing voices, but we’ve got to talk about Carl Anderson specifically. Anderson reprises the role of Judas, and delivers not just a phenomenal vocal performance, but an acting one that blows everyone out of the water.

Sometimes, your performance is so iconic it’s your way or the highway. So is the case with Joel Grey in “Cabaret.” Grey originated the role of the Master of Ceremonies in 1966. His performance in the original Broadway production was so lauded that he won a Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical. Apparently, director Bob Fosse didn’t care so much about that. Indeed, Fosse reportedly didn’t want Grey for the Emcee role in his movie. However, production stepped in. Fosse was essentially told that he could cast Grey or leave the project. We’re glad he picked the former.

Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison were the first to take on the roles of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins on stage in the original Broadway production of “My Fair Lady” in 1956. Famously, Andrews was not selected for the 1964 film version, which instead starred Audrey Hepburn in the titular role. However, Harrison did go on to star in the movie to great acclaim. He won one of the film’s many Academy Awards, and for good reason. He is excellent in the dramedy, bringing the same curmudgeonly charm that made him so wonderful in the stage version.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

William Bramley, “West Side Story” (1961)
Gee, He’s a Fantastic Officer Krupke

Paul Lynde, “Bye Bye Birdie” (1963)
Something Might Be the Matter with Kids Today, but Nothing’s the Matter with Lynde’s Portrayal of Harry Macafee

Robert Preston, “The Music Man” (1962)
A Capital T & That Rhymes with P & That Stands for Preston

Ted Neeley, “Jesus Christ Superstar” (1973)
Neeley’s Work as Jesus Christ Truly Is the Stuff of Superstars

Many people have played Fanny Brice, but Barbra Streisand will always be the one that makes our hearts sing the loudest. She brought the iconic woman to life in the original Broadway production of “Funny Girl” in 1964, and was nominated for a Tony for her phenomenal performance. While she didn’t win that award, she wasn’t done. In 1968, Streisand became Fanny in the “Funny Girl” movie, making her feature film debut with swagger. And guess what? She won the Academy Award for Best Actress! Whether she’s on Broadway or gracing our movie screens, she embodies Fanny like nobody else.

Which of these performers is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!