Who are some tony award winners who’s careers didn’t really take off after winning the tony?
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Mercedes Ruehl is the one I always think of when this question is asked. In a 10 month period in 1991-92, she won both an Oscar and a Tony and still, her career never really went anywhere beyond one episode TV guest spots, parts in minor movies and an occasional theater role every 6 or 7 years in New York.
I also expected much from Melba Moore, but I think I remember reading that drugs got in the way, which is a damn shame.
Janie Sell gave a great comedy performance in Over Here, then disappeared. I remember that she understudied Carol Burnett in Moon Over Buffalo, but that is it.
Julie White. I thought she would either get some (originating) roles on Broadway or at least go off to TV-land and get rich.
I would have said Steve Kazee, but there is hope, given Pretty Woman (although that is planning to open in the Nederlander, which shocked me...I would have expected that it would get a better theatre just due to the name recognition).
Alice Ripley. I would have expected a little more after N2N. Seems like she has been doing filler since then.
Helen Gallagher. Two Tony awards, although both were in bad years. I can't remember if she did anything after No No Nanette.
ABC quickly put her under contract and developed projects for her but nothing came of it and contract ended with nothing ever being greenlit.
She did the quickly canceled FOX comedy STACKED (with Pamela Anderson), and that was the extent of her post-HAIRSPRAY achievements in her career aside from her stint on DANCING WITH THE STARS and her cameo in HAIRSPRAY Live!
Jarrod has been dealing with a bi-polar condition. He went public with it only recently. He's under doctor's care and seemingly on his way back to a good health. I hope we'll be seeing him in something soon.
Maryann Plunkett has received raves from Ben Brantley 6 times since 2011, and her her performances as Barbra in "The Apple Family Plays" and Mary in "The Gabriels: Election Year In the Life of One Family" were acclaimed (and both were or are going to be broadcast on PBS). I think she's been doing just fine, especially since she's been able to do 7 plays with her husband and long-time collaborator Richard Nelson.
"Sticks and stones, sister. Here, have a Valium." - Patti LuPone, a Memoir
ethan231h said: "Lisa Kron, Victoria Clark, The Billy Elliot boys, Ruthie Ann Miles, Lena Hall, Cynthia Erivo,Christian Hoff, John Lloyd Young"
Cynthia Erivo has been working constantly since she left Broadway, with 4 high-profile feature films in various stages of production. I don't think she belongs on this list.
CT2NYC said: "ethan231h said: "Lisa Kron, Victoria Clark, The Billy Elliot boys, Ruthie Ann Miles, Lena Hall, Cynthia Erivo,Christian Hoff, John Lloyd Young"
Cynthia Erivo has been working constantly since she left Broadway, with4 high-profile feature films in various stages of production. I don't think she belongs on this list."
Add Victoria Clark...that tony was her transition from "Stalwart Broadway supporting player" to "Broadway Grand Damme specializing in leading and meaty supporting roles"
Christian Hoff's injury on Pal Joey seemed like it was a bit of a career ender, unfortunately.
Yes, I don’t believe Lena, Cynthia, and Ruthie-Ann should be included. Those are recent Tony wins and should be given a chance before writing off their careers.
You feel supporting roles in two blockbuster Hunger Games movies and a series regular on Madam Secretary, a hit TV show in it's 4th season is a career going nowhere?
"Lisa Kron, Victoria Clark, The Billy Elliot boys, Ruthie Ann Miles, Lena Hall, Cynthia Erivo, Christian Hoff, John Lloyd Young."
Is Lena still attached to THE CHER SHOW? And Ruthie was just in SUNDAY IN THE PARK... as well as SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.
"I saw Pavarotti play Rodolfo on stage and with his girth I thought he was about to eat the whole table at the Cafe Momus." - Dollypop
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
In regards to Victoria Clark and Alice Ripley, keep in mind that middle aged women have a limited number of roles available to them in comparison to men.
Ultimately, winning a Tony is not a guarantee of anything. There are “one hit wonders” in all entertainment mediums.