TheatreNerds
Famous faces as guest stars are a popular fixture of television and can end up being some of the best episodes of a season. An already great idea becomes even better when the guest star on your much-loved show also happens to be your Broadway favorite.
Here are 9 of Broadway’s best guest starring roles:
1. Nathan Lane on “Sex and the City”
Season five of the mammoth hit show “Sex and the City” featured Broadway actor Nathan Lane guest starring as Bobby Fine. Fine is a friend of Carrie Bradshaw who is assumed to be gay and surprises everyone by coming out as straight when he marries Bitsy von Muffling, a wealthy socialite. Nathan Lane plays the part just right and is hilarious every step of the way.
2. Kristin Chenoweth on “Glee”
Broadway legend Chenoweth made several guest appearances on “Glee” as the quick-witted April Rhodes. Chenoweth’s rendition of “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret” is a showstopper, bringing one character to tears.
3. Cristin Milioti on “The Mindy Project”
Yes, we all know she played the long speculated role of the mother on “How I Met Your Mother.” But even more hilarious was “Once” actor Cristin Milioti’s five-episode guest spot as Whitney, a high-powered hedge fund manager with a drug problem on “The Mindy Project.” After sobering up, Whitney and Mindy strike up a friendship where the two single pals support each other through their difficult challenges.
4. Jeremy Jordan and Darren Criss on “The Flash/Supergirl Crossover”
Two is better than one in the case of both a superhero crossover episode and beloved Broadway stars Darren Criss and Jeremy Jordan. The pair kicks off a throwback musical number on the episode, with a fully choreographed sequence. What’s not to love?
5. Josh Groban on “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”
While most know Josh Groban for his incredible singing voice, the “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812” actor is also pretty funny. In his cameo on the musical comedy show, Groban appears to Rebecca while she’s walking home, to dish out some important life advice about not sleeping with your ex-boyfriend’s father. While that is as hilarious as it sounds, the best part has to be when he announces himself by belting out his name.
6. Ben Platt on “Will and Grace”
“Dear Evan Hansen” star Ben Platt becomes the new younger man in Will’s life when they meet at a bar. Platt’s character Blake is an over the top, millennial that catches Will’s attention but with whom he later struggles to connect. There are some definite similarities between Platt’s character in this episode and his role as Benji in his breakout film “Pitch Perfect.”
7. Lin Manuel-Miranda on “How I Met Your Mother”
Before his “Hamilton” fame, Miranda unleashed his rhyming powers on Marshall in an episode of the popular television comedy “How I Met Your Mother.” Miranda plays Gus, who raps about Canada and generally annoys Marshall.
8. John Gallagher Jr on “The West Wing”
A baby-faced Gallagher had a brief stint on the popular Aaron Sorkin drama, “The West Wing.” Coming to the aide of Josh, Donna, and Toby when they are left behind in a small town after a presidential appearance, Gallagher’s Tyler picks them up, and hilarity ensues as they try to get back on track. This is not the “American Idiot” star’s only appearance on a Sorkin show. He went on to play endearing producer Jim Harper on “The Newsroom.”
9. Andrew Rannells on “Will and Grace”
It seems that Will loves to get his flirt on with the Broadway stars! “Falsettos” Andrew Rannells’ character operates a gay-conversion camp but finds himself falling for Will after a steamy kiss. Rannells is as good as ever, showcasing his perfect comedic timing.
