Kristin Chenoweth can do no wrong. She’s worshiped by Broadway lovers everywhere for originating the role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked (alongside Idina Menzel). Over the last decade, she’s seamlessly transitioned into film and TV work with roles in The West Wing, Running With Scissors and even snagged an Emmy for Pushing Daises.
Last year, Kristin Chenoweth made a splash as April Rhodes on a little basic cable show called Glee. When she participated in the National Equality March a few weeks after her Glee debut, marching down the streets of Washington D.C (with Autostraddle!), alongside a couple hundred thousand LGBT people and their allies fighting for equal rights, everybody recognized Kristin. Every homogay in the world wanted to hug/squeeze Kristin Chenoweth for many many minutes.
In March, Kristin returned to Broadway where she stars opposite Will & Grace star Sean Hayes in the revival of Promises, Promises. And when Newsweek scribe Ramin Setoodeh wrote that terrible confusing, homophobic rant singling out Sean Hayes and Glee co-star Jonathan Groff as evidence that gay actors “aren’t believable playing straight,” Kristin laid the smack-down, setting off a media firestorm, at which point every homogay in the world wanted to hug/squeeze/RT Kristin Chenoweth for many many hours.
Jess talks to Kristin about her return to Glee for Season Two with Idina Menzel, her brand new ensemble TV project, her strong Christian faith and her feelings about the overwhelming coverage of her Newsweek response article.
Jess: Was it a conscious decision to go a dramatic route in Promises, Promises, in contrast to the light, bubbly characters you usually play?
Kristin: Yea, it was. It’s so funny because people really start nailing you when you start doing the same thing over and over. I’ve been asked to do more dramatic stuff on TV and in film but never on Broadway, so it’s given me an opportunity to do something that I actually relate to more than people would ever want me to admit. So, I’m thrilled that I got to stretch myself as an actor and found it’s been a great time of healing for me… and our cast… I’m just in love with each and every one of ’em. So, I just feel so lucky to be on stage each and every night with Sean [Hayes] and Tony [Goldwyn] and Katie [Finneran], and the whole ensemble, who of course makes the show. They probably work harder than anybody every night.
Jess: Are you hoping to branch out into more dramatic projects in film & TV after the Broadway run ends?
Kristin: You know, probably so, because I don’t want to be pigeonholed and luckily so far I haven’t been. I certainly am known for comedy but the parts I’ve played have all been very different which makes me happy! I did an independent film about a year and a half ago called Into Temptation with Jeremy Sisto, which was a very dramatic role and that was very well-received… I just want to play good parts. I want to play real people and continue to work consistently!
Jess: How has your life changed since winning the Emmy for Pushing Daises? Was this year the highlight of your career?
Kristin: I think what it did was make my face more well-known in the mainstream… I was so well-known in the Broadway world although I did do TV with The West Wing and of course Pushing Daises, which was such a gift. My career has been a steady path and I’m lucky enough to get to expand in lots of different areas with having a recording career, Broadway career, concert career as well as work in TV and film. So really the thing that’s changed the most is the recognizability factor, I guess. Wonderful opportunities come my way and just as an actor to be able to say that – I know how lucky I am. The hardest part of my work life is trying to decide what I want to do, and that’s a very high class problem to have! Certainly no one expected that I would come back to Broadway after the Emmy, but it’s my roots and it was very important for me to do that. I’m going back to Glee and going on a concert tour soon and I’m currently working on a record in Nashville. I fly to Nashville to record my album on every day off from Promises, Promises. So, I think my mantra is “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” [laughing]
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Jess: I know you’re also also attached to star in a Dusty Springfield biopic. A lot of women are curious about how much it will reveal about her personal life given that she was so silent about it until her death.
Kristin: Awww, you know, that movie kind of died on the vine, I’m sad to say. I’d love to play her and I had a producer who really wanted me to do it and never could seem to get a script together and that really saddens me because I think that’s a great story… not a lot of people know that she was religious but also gay, and battled that. Her sound was different from the way she looked. I really hope that some day I get to play her cause I just think she’s awesome.
Jess: Do you have a dream role?
Kristin: Hmmm, I’d have to say… Dolly Parton!
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Jess: Would you be interested in your own series again after the tough time you had with the “Kristin” sitcom 10 years ago?
Kristin: Well….. I’m actually in development for a new series right now! I can’t really say what the subject matter is about, but here’s the thing– I don’t really have to be the “star” of anything as long as I like my part. A lot of people looked at Promises and went “aw, you don’t have the funny role, you’re so serious and dramatic” and I go, “well, that’s who I am as well.” With this new TV project, the important thing will be to cast wonderful people around me, which will be easy because there are so many great actors out there. The writing and the storylines are the most important thing, so I can’t even tell you yet if I’m going to be the “star” of the show. When I look at Pushing Daises and other shows that are successful like The West Wing and certainly Glee, there are definitely leads, but everybody’s character pops. I’m not out to do a star vehicle for myself, I’m out to work with great people… cause they only make you look better… that’s the secret!
Jess: Is the new series a comedy or drama?
Kristin: It’ll be a mix of both, similar to the balance they strike in Glee or Pushing Daises.
Jess: We have to talk about Glee. Has Ryan Murphy talked to you about coming back on a more regular basis?
Kristin: There has been some talk of that, but I think for me (and for them) it’s great when April Rhodes shows up kind of unannounced, and I think it’s really in line with her unpredictable character. But, I have to say… those people [the Glee cast]… they inspire me, and I’m praying that I get to have a scene with either Jayma Mays [Emma] or Jane Lynch. So, we’ll see what happens to poor little April!
Jess: I think all the Wicked fans are crossing their fingers that you’ll have a big reunion with Idina Menzel as well. Do you know if that’s in the works at all?
Kristin: I don’t know! I know they just started work on season 2 but I don’t even know what they’re writing for April…. I just show up.
Jess: What was it like working with Idina in Wicked?
Kristin: Heaven! She’s an amazing, amazing singer… I really miss her because we had such great chemistry on stage and I think that’s very hard to replicate in that show.
Jess: Were you surprised that your Newsweek response article received so much attention?
“If Jesus were alive today he probably wouldn’t be in churches. He’d be with the sick and the poor and the people who are outcasts and people who feel unloved.”
Kristin: Extremely so. Extremely so. I was not prepared… I don’t think any of us were…nor was Sean [Hayes]. But, if it was a way to get the conversation started then I’m very happy. I said exactly what I needed to in that article and I stand by everything that I said. And Sean stands by everything about who he is and especially what kind of actor he is.
Jess: You’ve been very open about your strong religious beliefs and identifying as a Christian while simultaneously advocating for gay rights. Does the negative connotation associated with Christianity upset you?
Kristin: Oh, I hate it!! I hate it, because being a Christian to me is such an awesome thing. And I hate that there have been those before me who have turned it into an ugly word. Of course it can sometimes be connected with very conservative, right wing, intolerant people, and that’s not the way Jesus was. So, that bums me out that Christianity is linked to such a negative feeling, because I honestly think if Jesus were alive today he probably wouldn’t be in churches. He’d be with the sick and the poor and the people who are outcasts and people who feel unloved and the people who are told that they are not “OK.” If I had to read in the Bible that “it’s a sin to be 4’11” – what would I do? Ya know, I think you are who you are and I don’t think God makes mistakes. I’m hoping that there are a lot more Christians out there who believe like I do and won’t be afraid to say so.
Jess: What do you attribute your liberal stance on Christianity to? Was it the specific church you belonged to as a child or your parents’ influence?
Kristin: I think it came from my parents. They always taught me never to judge anybody, that was my job, and to accept and love people for who they are. I also think it was something I was born with. I know that sounds kind of weird, but I’m not exactly the norm. If you look at me: I have a funny speaking voice, I’m tiny… I’m not exactly what you superficially call a “normal person.” I’m in show-business and you get rejected on a daily basis – no matter who you are or what level you’re at in your career. I just wish that the word “Christianity” would start to change in the minds and hearts of America, even if you don’t believe in it — if you could just respect it. Even if you don’t believe in God or believe in a higher purpose. My Grandma was a great Christian lady and she always used to say, “you read the Bible like you eat the fish – you take the meat that serves you well, but you don’t choke on the bones.”
Jess: There are a lot of gay readers out there who also have a strong faith but feel conflicted between the two worlds. Do you have any advice for those young gay people who struggle to manage the two?
Kristin: I think they should follow the lord because that struggle is between God and the individual. If they follow the path of prayer and keep a close relationship with God, or the power they believe in, they will find the right answers if they keep their beliefs. I’ve had so many gay fans who come up to me and say “thank you for making that Christian album and being so gay-friendly.” Well, I am… To believe it’s a sin for the way you are born… it just isn’t right.
wonderful interview. wonderful woman. if only more people could be like her.
Great interview! I am so glad to see her mention The West Wing! No one talks about how great she was when the show was collapsing around her! (Wow, that was a lot of exclamation marks.)
THE heather hogan! lovely to see you here! :)
amazing lady. :)
Kristin is such a wonderful lady! If there were people like her at my family church I might not have quit going…
It’s nice to hear someone redeeming the christian community the teensiest bit from the non-stop barrage of headlines that make most liberal-minded people dismiss all christians as fundamentalists. the (sometimes equally) hateful backlash against christianity gets under my skin pretty often, so thank you kristin! i’d like to think we gays are higher beings meant to transcend the haters (and assume the throne in gayheaven, which as far as I’m concerned is the men’s section of J Crew if it carried sizes that fit me).
I sound like I’ve been drinking.
Also, jesus was definitely a super chill mofo in his time.
Gayheaven? Now that’s where I want to go. Will there be dancing?
i agree. i really loved what kristin had to say about religion here.
the thing that strikes me the most w/r/t the negative rhetoric we so often confront towards gays is that Jesus was very very very much about helping people, being charitable, and not turning his ‘father’s house into a marketplace’ etc. Yet there are all these fat cat evangelicals who’ve co-opted spirituality to deepen their pockets, and chosen us as scapegoats because you need something to fight against (besides you know, poverty and other things that you can never really “beat,” only help) to keep people pouring their money in.
anyhow sorry ramble.
GREAT INTERVIEW JESS. Lots of heard shaped feelings for Kristin. LOTS OF THEM.
Also I love The West Wing.
I totally agree. Even though I don’t really identify as Christian anymore (more a non-practicing Unitarian), I was raised Catholic by an extremely liberal mother. I was completely shocked in middle school when I realized that what I had been taught was Christian my whole life was completely different from what my Christian classmates believed.
amen sisterfriend. i was pretty much the gayest little gay that ever gayed in my christian youth-y upbringing, and i never really met another christian who gave a shit. i didn’t understand what the big screaming deal was, and i still don’t really. i think what scares me the most is that many fundamentalist evangelical christians want not just to have their beliefs, which is everyone’s right, but to have their beliefs reflected in policy. like that’s crazy. that’s like mariah carey and the brown m&m’s crazy. all jesus ever said to do was love people, like is that SO HARD?
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IN GAY HEAVEN HAPPY HOUR LASTS ALL DAY AND EVERYBODY THINKS YOU LOOK CUTE
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great interview, jess!
Most definitely. What I have had the most personal struggles with is the Christianity issue (maybe b/c after I came out to my mom, the first words out of her mouth were: ‘promise me you won’t stop going to church’…no joke). It is great to hear Kristin’s insightful perspective. Unfortunately, while trying to maintain my Christian upbringing, I never found a church where I felt completely accepted. Acknowledging my cowardice, this just served as a swift kick in the rear to keep searching/reevaluating. I’m so impressed with Kristin’s composure and eloquence in support of gay rights! Awesome interview!
If gay heaven has a happy hour (of course it does), consider this my Protestant equivalent of a confession.
That was supposed to say: “promise me you will keep attending church.” Few brews deep, fuzzy grammar. My b.
I can’t believe I’m the first to say it: I miss Pushing Daisies SO bad. :(
Aren’t she and Idina doing a movie version of Wicked?
She’s such a fantastic and wonderful lady and I’m so glad she’s an ally. I just love her and I desperately want to carry her with me everywhere I go. Preferably in my pocket or on my back.
Lovely interview as always, Jess. :)
You are the first to say it. I’m the second one! PUSHING DAISIES FOR EVER.
Second part of my comment: I was raised catholic but always been an atheist. I now realize that atheism is more practical about ‘love’ than catholicism. My behavior, however, is still of a catholic girl (gayness included, heh) and so I still listen to people like Kristin with hope and excitement. I’ll always be glad when a person focuses on the “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” part of the gospel than in the violent parts. Isn’t love fun you guys? I mean.. it’s awesome.
Also, it’s friday night, I’ve been drinking with my landlady and I’m in Sweden. I’ve been here for 2 years. My first language is Spanish. You can’t imagine how many times I wrote “Jag menar…”.
you said it perfectly Rachel :)
ME TOO. Such a good show. Such a sad loss.
I love this woman, so much. I have to say I didn’t think Promises, Promises was that great… but she was. And Sean Hayes was. Therefore, it was wonderful. Did I just contradict myself? Maybe.
I can’t believe you (Jess) got to talk to her. So jealous.
/end entirely unconstructive comment. Why does my computer think unconstructive is spelled wrong? They suggest nonconstructive. I feel like unconstructive is much more of a word than nonconstructive…
It’s truly as if Kristin took all of the words out of my mouth when I’m asked about the same thing! I used to dream to be famous just so I could share the exact same feelings/stance, haha, but I’m glad Kristin is the one! She’s so well spoken and admirable. Thank you Kristin for standing up for gays, Christians, and Christian gays! :)
nice interview. if all christians were like kristin, I might believe in a god, who knows. she seems so cool and has a good disposition about life.
I feel so happy and loved after reading this. I’ve been drinking rum and coke too so that might have an influence on that but I’m pretty sure its mostly Kristin’s awesomness. :D
What a wonderful and talented lady. She certainly is wise beyond her years. Everybody could use a little Kristin in their life.
Thank you for asking her about Idina Menzel. There’s such an air of mystery about them; always has been.
Lovely interview. She’s such a nice person.
KRISTIN. God she is a slice of fabulous.
God sent Kristin Chenoweth to Earth for a reason. She gives me hope that all religious people aren’t fascist Nazis!
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I really want you to know that there are other Christians out there who are concerned first and foremost with loving and taking Care of God’s people. That means everyone. Whether u believe or not. I’m sorry that some have tainted the name for others ..but she’s right…being Christian is awesome. We’re not here to judge others…we’re here to help and to share the story of Jesus. Not to preach…just want u to know there are nice…normal..fun-loving..awesome Christians out there trying to keep the message clear :)
I totally do believe God sent Kristin Chenoweth to Earth for a reason. I was born and raised Catholic, and struggled with it, always felt close to Judaism, went to synagogue, volunteered with the Methodists and Lutherans and yet I still couldn’t reconcile myself with the religions of men-and especially with the bible.
Kristin makes me want to believe. I look to her as the example of the kind of person I want to be. I used to admire her solely for her talent, but she is just an amazing woman all around!
Actually for a while I ended up at the Unitarian Universalist Society with my family because I definitely respect everyone’s right to religion and spirituality and intellectual approaches to find their own connection. And the community is wonderful-they welcome everybody, and every religion is celebrated and focus is put on helping our fellow humans.
I love Cheno, and this blog, however I must take a moment to collect myself because the picture you guys posted of her on the home page looks completely evil and hilarious. Please look at it again for the LULZ.
Lindsay
I didn’t know autostraddle was interviewing her! What a pleasant surprise. Gah i love her so much. Just saw her in Promises, Promises and I agree it awesome to see her in a more dramatic role. And I’m glad she talked about Idina as well. I heard that at the Tonys this year they got to catch up with each other after what, 6 years? Ps that make out scene with Sean Hayes at the Tonys was classic.
I’m happy :)
i love kristin, but ew…perez hilton tweeted this after he spent the entire day trying to harass lindsay while she’s in jail!
hey, I’ll take what I can get….
oh i agree. but still…ew.
Lea Michele is good, but in that clip, Kristin is major league and Lea sounds like Single A minor league. When put together like that, it just shows how good Kristin is if she can make someone like Lea sound just OK.
See, I think the opposite. Kristin is amazing, no question, but I far prefer Lea’s voice in that (and in general).
Really? That’s funny:)
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It’s too bad she sold her soul out to the 700 Club to sell her album. You can’t have it both ways Kristin and there are a ton of gays who will never forgive you for that.
Okay I do have to speak for her here. I agree that the 700 Club is evil, but Kristin had never ever seen the show before. (She talks about it in her book). I know it’s naive, but she just thought it was a show where people shared her commitment to faith and where she would talk about her new album.
She learned her lesson and said if she could go back she wouldn’t do it again, but I think on both the conservative and liberal sides people started placing judgments on her which were unfair. I think her personal view of Christianity is admirable, and it’s very difficult for her to practice it that way in the career and society we live in today.
Cheno on Autostraddle? i love it when two of my favourite things combine to make my day better. i found what she had to say about christianity really interesting. i feel like i might be guilty of judging people of faith. like, if someone my age (20s) goes to church i automatically assume they are a loon? i’m going to try to stop that.
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