After nearly two decades on Broadway, two-time Tony Award nominee Jennifer Simard is starring as Helen Sharp in the musical adaptation of "Death Becomes Her," a role she describes as a career retrospective. Her performance has garnered acclaim and is anticipated to secure her a third Tony nomination.
Simard views the character of Helen Sharp as a culmination of her past roles and personal experiences, stating that it is a "pinch me" moment. The musical, based on the 1992 film, follows Madeline Ashton, played by Megan Hilty, a fading actress who invites her rival Helen Sharp and Helen's fiancé, Ernest Menville, into her life.
As the story unfolds, Madeline seduces Ernest, leading Helen to seek a potion for eternal youth from the mysterious Viola Van Horn, portrayed by Michelle Williams. This sets the stage for a fierce rivalry between Helen and Madeline, both now seemingly immortal, echoing the film's themes.
The original movie, starring Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep, was known for skewering societal pressures on women regarding aging. These themes remain central to the Broadway adaptation, along with the 2025 “Sunset Boulevard" revival and the film, “The Substance,” indicating a recurring cultural focus on these issues.
Simard, who debuted on Broadway in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee", recognizes the ongoing public scrutiny women face about their appearance. She emphasizes that individual choices about appearance are personal and should be respected, and also noted that a controversial scene from the movie involving a fat suit was removed from the musical.
The actress, who has openly discussed her experience with anorexia, collaborated with the production team to ensure a more body-positive portrayal of her character's emotional turmoil. She emphasizes that acting is a way to heal from life's hurts.
Simard's love for theater began in childhood. She was inspired by "The Golden Girls" and is now a co-host of "The Golden Girls Deep Dive Podcast". Looking to the future, Simard expresses a desire to do more film and television work, particularly with Megan Hilty, her "Death Becomes Her" co-star.
Simard underscores the strong bond she shares with Hilty, stating their mutual support enhances their on-stage performance. The actress also hopes that “Death Becomes Her” is the beginning of more collaborative projects with her co-star.
