Laura Benanti is a celebrated American actress and singer, renowned for her captivating performances across Broadway, television, and film. From her early beginnings on stage to her prominent roles in popular TV series, Benanti has consistently impressed audiences and critics alike with her versatility and talent. This article delves into the extensive career of Laura Benanti, highlighting her most notable projects and showcasing the breadth of her accomplishments in the entertainment industry. Whether you’re a long-time admirer or just discovering her work, join us as we explore what Laura Benanti has been in and the journey that has solidified her place as a multi-talented performer.
Laura Benanti’s Broadway Brilliance
Laura Benanti’s career foundation is deeply rooted in the theatrical world of Broadway. Her powerful soprano voice and compelling stage presence quickly made her a standout talent in musical theatre. Benanti debuted on Broadway at the young age of 18 as Maria understudy in The Sound of Music in 1998, signaling the start of an impressive stage career. Here are some of her most iconic Broadway roles:
The Sound of Music (1998)
Although initially an understudy, being part of The Sound of Music marked Benanti’s Broadway debut and provided invaluable early career experience, sharing the stage with seasoned performers and learning the ropes of a large-scale production. This early immersion in a classic musical set the stage for her future successes in theatre.
Swing! (2000)
In Swing!, a high-energy revue celebrating swing dance and music, Benanti showcased her versatility early in her career. This Tony-nominated musical allowed her to demonstrate not only her vocal talents but also her dancing abilities, proving her to be a dynamic performer capable of handling diverse roles.
Into the Woods (2002)
Benanti took on the role of Cinderella in the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. This production earned her her first Tony Award nomination, highlighting her growing recognition within the Broadway community and her ability to tackle complex and beloved musical roles. Her portrayal of Cinderella showcased her comedic timing and vocal range, endearing her to audiences and critics alike.
Nine (2003)
Joining the all-star cast of the revival of Nine, Benanti played Claudia, further cementing her reputation on Broadway. Working alongside seasoned actresses like Chita Rivera provided her with significant mentorship and experience, as she herself has acknowledged. This role expanded her performance repertoire and allowed her to explore a more mature and sophisticated character.
The Wedding Singer (2006)
Originating the role of Julia Gulia in The Wedding Singer, the musical adaptation of the popular Adam Sandler film, Benanti demonstrated her comedic prowess and leading lady capabilities. Her performance earned her another Tony Award nomination, solidifying her status as a leading actress on Broadway, capable of both dramatic and comedic roles.
Gypsy (2008)
Benanti’s portrayal of Louise in the 2008 revival of Gypsy is arguably one of the highlights of her Broadway career. Starring alongside Patti LuPone, her nuanced and heartbreaking performance earned her the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. This role was a critical turning point, proving her dramatic depth and solidifying her place among Broadway’s elite.
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (2010)
Taking on the role of Candela in the musical adaptation of Pedro Almodóvar’s film, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Benanti continued to explore comedic roles with a touch of dramatic flair. Although the show itself had a short run, her performance was praised, showcasing her ability to bring complex characters to life, even in less successful productions.
She Loves Me (2016)
Returning to Broadway in the revival of She Loves Me, Benanti played Amalia Balash, earning her another Tony Award nomination. This charming and classic musical allowed her to display her vocal talent and comedic timing once again, in a role that highlighted her ability to connect with audiences in romantic and light-hearted productions.
Laura Benanti Photo by Laura Marie Duncansmall
Laura Benanti on Television: From Musical Roles to Dramatic Performances
Beyond her celebrated stage career, Laura Benanti has made significant strides in television, showcasing her acting range in a variety of genres. Her transition to the screen has allowed her to reach a wider audience, proving her adaptability and talent extend beyond the live theatre setting. Here are some of her notable television roles:
Nashville (2012-2016)
In the popular musical drama Nashville, Benanti played the recurring role of Sadie Stone. Her character, a country singer and businesswoman, allowed her to combine her acting and singing talents on screen. This role exposed her to a broader television audience and demonstrated her comfort in front of the camera in a contemporary setting.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Various Episodes)
Benanti has made multiple appearances in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, taking on different guest roles across several episodes. These roles showcased her ability to handle dramatic and intense material, a departure from her more known musical theatre persona, and highlighted her versatility as a dramatic actress.
Supergirl (2015-2017) and Arrow (2017)
In the superhero genre, Benanti played Alura Zor-El and Astra in Supergirl, and reprised the role of Alura in Arrow. Playing Supergirl’s mother and aunt, respectively, placed her within the popular world of comic book adaptations, broadening her fan base and demonstrating her capability in science fiction and action-oriented roles.
The Detour (2016-2019)
Benanti took on a comedic role in The Detour, playing Vanessa, a neighbor of the Parker family. This series allowed her to showcase her comedic timing in a sitcom format, further diversifying her television portfolio and highlighting her ability to excel in different comedic styles.
Younger (2018-2021)
Appearing in Younger, Benanti played Quinn Tyler, a self-made millionaire and author. This role allowed her to engage with a contemporary, character-driven comedy-drama, showcasing her ability to portray sophisticated and complex modern women.
Gossip Girl (2021-2023)
In the Gossip Girl reboot, Benanti portrayed Kiki Hope, contributing to the ensemble cast of this teen drama. Her involvement in this updated version of the popular series connected her with a new generation of viewers, and placed her within a well-known and culturally relevant television franchise.
Life & Beth (2022-Present)
In Life & Beth, created by and starring Amy Schumer, Benanti plays Jane, Beth’s sister-in-law. This role in a critically acclaimed comedy-drama series further solidifies her presence in contemporary television and allows her to work alongside prominent comedic talents.
Only Murders in the Building (Season 3, 2023)
Benanti joined the star-studded cast of Only Murders in the Building Season 3 as Loretta Durkin, a struggling actress who becomes entangled in the season’s central mystery. This high-profile role in a popular and critically acclaimed series has brought her even wider recognition and showcased her ability to blend comedy and mystery genres.
Laura Benanti in Film: Notable Big Screen Appearances
While primarily known for her stage and television work, Laura Benanti has also appeared in several films, further demonstrating her range as an actress across different media. Though her filmography is less extensive than her stage and television credits, her movie roles showcase her ability to adapt her performance style for the big screen. Here are some of her film appearances:
Shall We Dance (2004)
Early in her film career, Benanti appeared in Shall We Dance, a remake starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. Although a smaller role, it marked her entry into feature films and provided experience working in a Hollywood production environment.
Take the Lead (2006)
Benanti had a role in Take the Lead, a dance drama film starring Antonio Banderas. This film, centered around dance, aligned with her performance background and allowed her to bring her stage presence to the cinematic screen.
Meskada (2010)
In the independent thriller Meskada, Benanti took on a more dramatic role, showcasing her ability to handle intense and suspenseful narratives in film. This role demonstrated her interest in exploring diverse genres and character types beyond musical theatre.
Here Today (2021)
Starring alongside Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish in Here Today, Benanti played Francine. This dramedy allowed her to blend both comedic and emotional elements in her film work, and to work with established film stars, further broadening her experience in cinematic storytelling.
Beyond Acting: Laura Benanti’s Other Ventures
Laura Benanti’s creative pursuits extend beyond acting. Her wit and humor, often displayed on social media, have led to other opportunities that showcase her multifaceted talents:
Social Media Presence and Comedy
Benanti has cultivated a strong presence on social media, particularly on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Her comedic timing and relatable humor have resonated with a wide audience, leading to viral videos and further recognition of her personality beyond her scripted roles. This online persona has also contributed to redefining the image of women in theatre, as she herself has discussed in interviews.
In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention (54 Below Show and Album)
Benanti’s one-woman show, In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention, performed at 54 Below, was a critical and popular success. The show, and subsequent live album, highlighted her vocal talent, comedic storytelling, and personal anecdotes, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences on a more intimate and personal level.
Book Deal
Inspired by her engaging online presence, Benanti secured a book deal. This venture into writing is a testament to her evolving career and her ability to expand her creative output into different forms of media.
Conclusion
Laura Benanti’s career is a testament to her exceptional talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. From her early days on Broadway to her current roles in popular television series and films, she has consistently delivered memorable performances and captivated audiences. Whether on stage, screen, or through her comedic ventures, Laura Benanti continues to be a dynamic and influential figure in the entertainment industry. Exploring “what Laura Benanti has been in” reveals not just a list of credits, but a rich and ongoing journey of artistic growth and achievement.
