Emmy and Tony Award winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voiceover and stage. In 2015, Chenoweth received a coveted star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2009, she received an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in “Pushing Daisies.” In 1999, she won a Tony Award for “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and she was also nominated for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked” in 2004. Chenoweth has been nominated for two Emmy Awards and for a People’s Choice Award for her role on “Glee.” In 2009, she wrote an upliftingly candid, comedic chronicle of her life so far, “A Little Bit Wicked,” which debuted on the New York Times Hardcover Non-Fiction Best Seller List. Chenoweth will star alongside Scott Wolf will star in upcoming holiday film “The Christmas Song,” which is slated to debut on Hallmark Channel in November 2019. She will also star as “Madeline” in the upcoming musical comedy “Death Becomes Her,” an adaptation of the 1992 film directed by Robert Zemeckis.
With all this on her plate we were honored she made time to speak with us a couple weeks before her performance at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
When did the performing bug hit you?
It was in church, when I was singing a solo when I was 8 years old and I thought this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life
What was your first paid gig?
It was at that’s same church and I started saving for college.
When did you know performing would be your career?
To be honest, when I started singing at church I really knew this performing is what I would do for the rest of my life. I know that’s a young age to be thinking of your future, but I knew this is what I loved.
I know it’s a long time ago, but when you were in rehearsals for Wicked, did everyone realize how special it would be?
I knew it was going to be special when we had a green girl flying and a girl in a bubble. I knew it was going to be a hit but everyone else wasn’t so sure and the reviews weren’t that great. I love being right!!
You are a singer, actor, writer, etc. Is there one you enjoy better than the others?
No question singing, but it all goes together in a way. I usually write my own material and I enjoy it more as it is mine.
Do you remember the feeling when they called your name to win the Tony?
I remember thinking it was a mistake, then I thought get up and get up there. It was a cool unexpected moment. People were asking me why I was shocked as I was predicted to win, but all I thought was I am the girl from Oklahoma, not a Broadway star and Tony winner. I am so thankful!
How was it to receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
It certainly feels really nice that people recognize you and put your DNA on the street.
You have a few upcoming projects but the one I am most interested in is the musical comedy of Death Becomes Her where you play Madeline (Meryl Streep’s Role). Can you tell me about this project and is there extra pressure that Meryl played the role in the move?
There really is no pressure for me as it is being re-written for the stage. We will be changing the story somewhat so it works as a musical comedy. I got my name on it, so I want it to be fantastic!
What should our readers expect from your “An Intimate Evening” on May 25 at the Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino Event Center?
It’s going to be opera, country, Broadway, and everything I have ever done. I promise if you like me, and my music you will have a wonderful time.
What else is ahead for Kristin Chenoweth?
I am going to do a pilot for Disney and I have an album coming out in the fall and currently I am doing concerts and a movie for Netflix.
Catch Kristin Chenoweth perform “An Intimate Evening” at the Hard Rock Event Center at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Saturday, May 25th at 8pm. Tickets are $45 and $80. For more information or to purchase tickets go to: Seminolehardrockhollywood.com/events.
