Megan Hilty
Megan Hilty | |
|---|---|
 Hilty in May 2008 | |
| Born | Megan Kathleen Hilty March 29, 1981[1] Bellevue, Washington, U.S. |
| Education | Carnegie Mellon School of Drama |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1995; 2005–present |
| Spouse |
Brian Gallagher (m. 2013) |
| Children | 1 |
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 the Good Witch 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
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, Woodinville.[2]
She graduated from the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama in 2004, and is a member of Actors' Equity Association. She is a recipient of the National Society of Arts and Letters Award for Excellence in Musical Theater.
Career
Shortly before graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, Hilty 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, before taking over the role from Jennifer Laura Thompson on May 31, 2005. After playing the role for a year, Hilty ended her run on May 28, 2006 and was succeeded by Kate Reinders. She then reprised the role on the first national tour of the show from September through December 2006, replacing Kendra Kassebaum. She was succeeded by Christina DeCicco. Soon after, she originated the role in the Los Angeles sit-down production, which began previews on February 10, 2007, and opened February 21. She left the production on May 18, and was replaced by Erin Mackey, only to return on October 31, 2008, to close the production, which played its final performance January 11, 2009.[3]
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 various 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 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.[4][5][6]
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, among others. Hilty also branched off into a coffee and tea product line.[7] 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.[8] 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 performers 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.[9][10]
In November 2012, it was announced that Hilty would appear on the album I'm Ready: The Songs of Rob Rokicki.[11] Hilty released her debut solo album, It Happens All the Time, on March 12, 2013.[12] On June 13, 2013, it was announced that Hilty would star alongside Sean Hayes in NBC sitcom Sean Saves the World.
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.[13] For her performance in the role, 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.[14][15][16] That same year, she recurred as Charlene on Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce.[17] On July 7, 2016, Hilty appeared alongside Matthew Morrison for an evening with The New York Pops at the Forest Hills Stadium, Queens.[18]
Personal life
Hilty was in a relationship with actor Steve Kazee from 2005 until 2012.[19] On November 2, 2013, Hilty married actor Brian Gallagher in Las Vegas, Nevada.[20] In March 2014, she announced that she was expecting their first child.[21] Hilty gave birth to a girl, Viola Philomena Gallagher, on September 18, 2014.[22]
Stage
| Year | Title | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–06 | Wicked | Glinda the Good Witch | George Gershwin Theatre |
| 2006 | Vanities | Mary | Mountain View Center |
| 2009 | 9 to 5: The Musical | Doralee Rhodes | Marquis Theatre |
| 2012 | Gentlemen Prefer Blondes | Lorelei Lee | New York City Center |
| 2015 | Annie Get Your Gun | Annie Oakley | New York City Center |
| 2016 | Noises Off | Brooke Ashton | American Airlines Theatre |
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Shrek the Third | Snow White (singing voice) | |
| 2010 | What Happens Next | Ruthie | |
| 2010 | Bitter Feast | Peg | |
| 2010 | 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 | Rosetta (voice) | |
| 2014 | Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast | Rosetta (voice) | |
| 2014 | Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return | China Princess / Queen Mouse (voice) | |
| 2016 | Rules Don't Apply | Sally | Completed |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | The X-Files | Jessica (uncredited) | Episode: "Irresistible" |
| 2007 | The Suite Life of Zack & Cody | Enid | Episode: "The Arwin That Came to Dinner" |
| 2007 | The Closer | Michelle Edwards | 2 episodes |
| 2007 | 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" |
| 2009 | Desperate Housewives | Shayla Grove | 2 episodes |
| 2009 | Eli Stone | Cheryl | Episode: "Flight Path" |
| 2010 | Phineas and Ferb | Aunt Tiana (voice) | Episode: "Just Passing Through/Candace's Big Day" |
| 2009–10 | Glenn Martin, DDS | Singing Bum (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 2010 | Bones | Julie Coyle | Episode: "The Death of the Queen Bee" |
| 2010 | Louie | Heckler | Episode: "Heckler/Cop Movie" |
| 2011 | Prayer Hour | Jo Ellen | Television film |
| 2011 | Melissa & Joey | Tiffany Longo | 2 episodes |
| 2011 | The Penguins of Madagascar | Frances Alberta (voice) | Episode: "The Hoboken Surprise" |
| 2011 | Pixie Hollow Games | Rosetta (voice) | Television short |
| 2012–13 | Smash | Ivy Lynn | 32 episodes |
| 2012–13 | Robot and Monster | J.D. (voice) | 12 episodes |
| 2013–14 | Sean Saves the World | Liz | 13 episodes |
| 2014 | Dora and Friends: Into the City! | La Vida (voice) | Episode: "Dora Saves Opera Land" |
| 2016 | I Shudder | Sarah Morelle | Television pilot |
| 2016 | Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce | Charlene Frumpkis | 3 episodes |
| 2016 | The Good Wife | Holly Westfall | 3 episodes |
| 2016 | BrainDead | Misty Alise | 4 episodes |
Awards and nominations
References
- ^ a b "30 Under 30 – Megan Hilty". BroadwaySpace.com. 2011.
- ^ Owen, Rob (January 29, 2012). "'Smash's' Megan Hilty 'obsessed' with singing". The Seattle Times. Retrieved March 20, 2013.
- ^ "Espinosa and Hilty to Return to Los Angeles Cast of Wicked". Playbill.com. October 17, 2008.
- ^ "Billy Elliot and Shrek Top Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations". Playbill.com. April 20, 2009.
- ^ "75th Annual Drama League Award Nominees Announced". Playbill.com. April 21, 2009.
- ^ "Drama Desk Nominees Announced; 9 to 5 Garners 15 Nominations". Playbill.com. April 27, 2009.
- ^ "Megan Hilty". Net Worth Coffee Brokers. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
- ^ "Megan Hilty to Star in NBC's Musical Pilot". BroadwayWorld.com. February 9, 2011.
- ^ Brantley, Ben (May 10, 2012). "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, with Megan Hilty, at City Center". The New York Times. Retrieved January 11, 2016.
- ^ "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Review". Theatre Mania. May 10, 2012.
- ^ "Megan Hilty, Emma Hunton and More Set for Rob Rokicki's Album Release Concert, 11/19". BroadwayWorld.com. November 2, 2012.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Snetiker, Marc (July 24, 2015). "Megan Hilty, Campbell Scott and more join Noises Off on Broadway". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 28, 2015.
- ^ "2016 Tony Awards Nominations: HAMILTON Breaks Record with 16! And the Nominees Are..." BroadwayWorld.com. May 3, 2016.
- ^ "SHE LOVES ME, HAMILTON, THE CRUCIBLE & More Earn 2016 Drama League Nominations; Check Out the Full List!". BroadwayWorld.com. April 28, 2016.
- ^ "The 2016 Drama Desk Nominations: SHE LOVES ME, AMERICAN PSYCHO & BRIGHT STAR Lead!"". BroadwayWorld.com. April 28, 2016.
- ^ 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.com.
- ^ 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.
External links
- Megan Hilty at the Internet Broadway Database
- Megan Hilty at IMDb
- Megan Hilty at Playbill Vault
- Playbill article on Wicked
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
- 1981 births
- 21st-century American actresses
- Actresses from Washington (state)
- American female singers
- American musical theatre actresses
- American sopranos
- American stage actresses
- American television actresses
- American voice actresses
- Carnegie Mellon University College of Fine Arts alumni
- Living people
- People from Bellevue, Washington