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Megan Hilty

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Megan Hilty
Hilty in May 2008
Born (1981-03-29) March 29, 1981 (age 43)
Bellevue, Washington, U.S.
EducationCarnegie Mellon University (BFA)
Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
Years active1995; 2004–present
Spouse
Brian Gallagher
​
(m. 2013)​
Children2

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.

Early life

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Hilty 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

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Shortly 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]

Hilty supporting The Trevor Project in December 2013

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

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Hilty 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

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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

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Film

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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

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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

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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

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  1. ^ "30 Under 30 – Megan Hilty". BroadwaySpace.com. 2011. Archived from the original on 2012-02-03.
  2. ^ Owen, Rob (January 29, 2012). "'Smash's' Megan Hilty 'obsessed' with singing". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  3. ^ "Kennedy Center bio". Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  4. ^ "Last FM bio". Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  5. ^ "National Award Winners". Retrieved 7 September 2022.
  6. ^ Andrew Gans. "McClanahan, Vereen and Hilty Fly Into Wicked May 31". Playbill. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  7. ^ Simonson, Robert (May 30, 2006). "Kate Reinders to Join Broadway's Wicked on May 30 as New Glinda". Playbill.
  8. ^ Gans, Andrew (October 17, 2008). "Espinosa and Hilty to Return to Los Angeles Cast of Wicked". Playbill. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  9. ^ Gans, Andrew (April 20, 2009). "Billy Elliot and Shrek Top Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations". Playbill. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  10. ^ Gans, Andrew (April 21, 2009). "75th Annual Drama League Award Nominees Announced". Playbill. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  11. ^ Gans, Andrew (April 27, 2009). "Drama Desk Nominees Announced; 9 to 5 Garners 15 Nominations". Playbill. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  12. ^ "Megan Hilty". Net Worth Coffee Brokers. Archived from the original on March 12, 2009. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  13. ^ Diamond, Robert (February 9, 2011). "Megan Hilty to Star in NBC's Musical Pilot". BroadwayWorld.
  14. ^ Brantley, Ben (May 10, 2012). "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, with Megan Hilty, at City Center". The New York Times. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
  15. ^ Lipton, Brian Scott (May 10, 2012). "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Review". TheatreMania.
  16. ^ Rosky, Nicole (November 2, 2012). "Megan Hilty, Emma Hunton and More Set for Rob Rokicki's Album Release Concert, 11/19". BroadwayWorld.
  17. ^ "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]
  18. ^ Goldberg, Lesley; O'Connell, Michael (January 28, 2014). "NBC Cancels 'Sean Saves the World'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  19. ^ Snetiker, Marc (July 24, 2015). "Megan Hilty, Campbell Scott and more join Noises Off on Broadway". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
  20. ^ Diamond, Robert (May 3, 2016). "2016 Tony Awards Nominations: HAMILTON Breaks Record with 16! And the Nominees Are..." Broadway World.
  21. ^ Rosky, Nicole (April 28, 2016). "SHE LOVES ME, HAMILTON, THE CRUCIBLE & More Earn 2016 Drama League Nominations; Check Out the Full List!". Broadway World.
  22. ^ Rosky, Nicole (April 28, 2016). "The 2016 Drama Desk Nominations: SHE LOVES ME, AMERICAN PSYCHO & BRIGHT STAR Lead!"". Broadway World.
  23. ^ Sandberg, Bryn Elise (July 21, 2015). "'Smash' Alum Megan Hilty Joins 'Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce'". The Hollywood Reporter.
  24. ^ Clement, Olivia (July 7, 2016). "Megan Hilty and Matthew Morrison Join the New York Pops Tonight". Playbill.
  25. ^ Evans, Greg (November 12, 2021). "Megan Hilty Steps In As Replacement For Covid-Struck Jane Krakowski In 'Annie Live!'". Deadline Hollywood.
  26. ^ 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.
  27. ^ Abourizk, Michael (May 15, 2024). "'Death Becomes Her' musical will open on Broadway; Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard to star". Retrieved 2024-05-28.
  28. ^ Healy, Patrick (May 16, 2012). "A Role That Cuts Close to His Heart". The New York Times.
  29. ^ Webber, Stephanie (November 3, 2013). "Megan Hilty Marries Brian Gallagher, Former Smash Star Weds In Intimate Las Vegas Venetian Chapel". Us Weekly.
  30. ^ "Megan Hilty Pregnant With First Child". The Hollywood Reporter. March 30, 2014.
  31. ^ Maquina, Sierra (September 19, 2014). "Megan Hilty Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby Girl Viola Philomena With Husband". Us Weekly.
  32. ^ Clement, Olivia (September 24, 2016). "Megan Hilty Announces Pregnancy". Playbill.
  33. ^ McPhee, Ryan (March 20, 2017). "Megan Hilty and Brian Gallagher Welcome Newborn Son". Playbill.
  34. ^ Houghtaling, Ellie Quinlan (September 6, 2022). "'Smash' Actress Megan Hilty's Family Killed in Plane Crash". The Daily Beast. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
  35. ^ 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.
  36. ^ Gordon, David (June 14, 2021). "Kimiko Glenn, Jessie Mueller, Megan Hilty Lend Voices to New Musical Animated Series Centaurworld". TheaterMania.
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