Role

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Performer

Birth

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in Bellevue, WA

 

Megan Hilty is a renowned American actress and singer, best known for her work in musical theatre and television. She was born on March 29, 1981, in Bellevue, Washington, to parents Jack and Donna Hilty. Her father was a chiropractor, and her mother was a voice teacher. Hilty grew up in a musical family and started singing at a young age. She attended Sammamish High School in Bellevue and later went to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she studied musical theatre. Hilty's career in musical theatre began in 2004 when she was cast as Glinda in the national tour of Wicked. She later joined the Broadway production of the show as a standby for the role of Glinda and eventually took over the role full-time in 2006. Her performance in Wicked earned her critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the theatre world. In 2009, Hilty was cast as Doralee Rhodes in the Broadway production of 9 to 5: The Musical, based on the 1980 film of the same name. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Hilty's performance was praised for her comedic timing and powerful vocals. She received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her performance. Hilty's success in musical theatre led to opportunities in television. In 2012, she was cast as Ivy Lynn in the NBC musical drama series Smash. The show followed the production of a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe and featured original songs written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Hilty's performance as Ivy Lynn, a struggling actress vying for the lead role in the musical, was widely praised, and she received a nomination for a Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy. After Smash ended in 2013, Hilty continued to work in both theatre and television. She appeared in the City Center Encores! production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 2012 and starred as Lorelei Lee, the role made famous by Marilyn Monroe in the 1953 film adaptation. She also appeared in the Broadway production of Noises Off in 2016, playing the role of Brooke Ashton. In addition to her work in musical theatre, Hilty has released several albums. Her debut album, It Happens All the Time, was released in 2013 and featured original songs as well as covers of popular songs. She also released a Christmas album, A Merry Little Christmas, in 2016. Hilty has received numerous accolades throughout her career. In addition to her Drama Desk and Satellite Award nominations, she has been nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in Noises Off. She has also been honored with the National Society of Arts and Letters' Dorothy Loudon Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre and the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre. Hilty continues to work in both theatre and television and is considered one of the most talented and versatile performers in the industry. Her powerful vocals, comedic timing, and natural charisma have made her a fan favorite and a respected artist in the world of classical music.

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