Top 10 Broadway Actors Who Went From Ensemble to Lead

#10: Lea Michele

Considering how much of a star she became as an adult, it may seem hard to believe that Lea Michele got her start as a replacement actor and understudy. Yet, at just eight years old, she did both in “Les Misérables,” for Young Cosette and Gavroche, respectively. She then had a bit part in “Ragtime” the following year, gaining more experience along the way. Her next venture was in “Fiddler on the Roof,” where she had a mid-sized role as Shprintze. Michele would hit her big break as a principal performer in “Spring Awakening,” taking Broadway by storm in 2006. From there, she scored lead after lead, including her dream role of Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” in 2022.

#9: Cheyenne Jackson

He’s become one of the most recognizable names in the modern Broadway scene—and it wasn’t without plenty of hard work. Cheyenne Jackson got his first taste of the New York stage as a Dishwasher in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in 2002, and later on as a standby for Radames in “Aida.” Through it all, he continued working hard there and in regional theater, where he saw more success. In 2005, his life changed when he earned the lead role of Chad in the Elvis Presley jukebox musical, “All Shook Up.” From then on, his days in the chorus were over. From “Xanadu” to “Oh, Mary!,” Jackson has proven to be a truly versatile actor capable of playing any character.

#8: Taye Diggs

When it comes to Broadway résumés, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more impressive one. Since the 1990s, Taye Diggs has portrayed several iconic and beloved characters. Yet, he too didn’t start out receiving them. In 1994, he made his Broadway debut in the chorus of “Carousel,” where he also served as an understudy for Jigger Craigin. Just two years later, he originated the part of Benny in “Rent,” and the rest is history. He’s filled in for other principal roles in shows like “Wicked” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” His career has stayed on the rise, and after his run as the villain in “Moulin Rouge!,” the sky is the limit.

#7: Elaine Stritch

If there was a Mount Rushmore of Broadway, she would surely be on it. From the 1940s all the way to the 2010s, Elaine Stritch was a staple of the theater world. Though her icon status is undisputed, even she had humble beginnings in the children’s production “Bobino” as a tiger and a cow. Just a couple of years later, she struck it big with a role in the 1946 play “Loco.” This kicked off a long and illustrious career, where she brought her infectious energy to every single part. Whether she was a replacement or a principal, her effort never faltered. With legendary runs in the 1970s shows “Company” and “Show Boat” under her belt, it's no wonder why Stritch became a mainstay.

#6: Shirley MacLaine

Even Academy Award-winning actresses have to start somewhere. Before Shirley MacLaine was considered an icon in her industry, she started out like most others—in the chorus. Her first stage appearance was as a member of the Dance Ensemble in “Me and Juliet.” The next year, she scored the part of Gladys in “The Pajama Game.” Her Broadway career halted afterwards, as she focused more on film and television roles. She achieved success in film adaptations of beloved musicals, including the lead in “Sweet Charity.” MacLaine returned to the stage in 1976, this time headlining her own show. It proved to be so successful that she returned for another in 1984, closing out her theater career with a bang.

#5: Bernadette Peters

On the small stage, she saw minor success as a child. As an adult in the big time, however, she had more hurdles to clear. Bernadette Peters started out as a standby in “The Girl in the Freudian Slip,” and her following venture, “Johnny No-Trump,” closed after one performance. Her first true big break was as Josie in “George M!” From there, her spot in Broadway history was cemented. She has since had multiple successful runs, with her iconic portrayal of Annie Oakley earning her a Tony Award in 1999. In 2018, she took on the leading role in “Hello, Dolly!” And a few years later, she starred in a tribute to theater legend Stephen Sondheim.

#4: KO

Though they ended their Broadway career in 2021, their impact on the industry can’t be overstated. Formerly known as Karen Olivo, KO got their start as an understudy for a part they would soon claim as their own: Mimi from “Rent.” After waiting in the wings during its initial run, they took on the role for the national tour. From there, they appeared as a main character in several shows, with the most memorable being Anita in “West Side Story” and Vanessa in “In the Heights.” KO’s final big moment was as Satine in “Moulin Rouge!” Since then, they’ve performed in regional shows. Fans hope KO will someday return to the theater district.

#3: Patina Miller

She’s proof that you can go from ensemble to lead, all in the same show. In 2006, Patina Miller got her start in the chorus for “Sister Act!,” where she also learned the role of Deloris Van Cartier as an understudy. That preparation set her up for success, with her taking on the part for her own esteemed West End and Broadway run years later in 2010. After leaving the production in 2012, she pivoted to her next endeavor as The Leading Player in “Pippin.” Her most recent theatrical stint was as The Witch in the 2022 version of “Into the Woods,” adding yet another iconic character to her résumé.

#2: Audra McDonald

With six Tony Awards to her name so far, it’s hard to imagine her as anything but the starring role. Even legends like Audra McDonald get their start on the sidelines. She started out as a replacement for Ayah in “The Secret Garden,” but it wouldn’t take long for that to change. Her next endeavor, 1994’s “Carousel,” took her from the wings to the third-highest billing as Carrie. The ball started rolling there, and it hasn’t stopped since. From “Ragtime” to “Porgy and Bess,” she’s headed multiple runs of acclaimed Broadway shows. Her most recent stint as Rose in “Gypsy” has cemented her as one of the biggest industry icons of the 21st century, and deservedly so.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Phylicia Rashad

Her Role in “Raisin in the Sun” Took Her from Longtime Ensemble Member to Leading Player

Kelli O’Hara

After Humble Beginnings in “Jekyll & Hyde” and “Follies,” She’s Become a Household Name

JJ Niemann

After Years in Various Ensembles, He Scored His First Lead in 2025’s “Catch Me If You Can”

Matthew Morrison

Before His Iconic Portrayal of Link Larkin, He Performed in the Chorus of “Footloose”

#1: Sutton Foster

If there’s anyone who’s proven that paying your dues in the beginning can pay off with an illustrious career, it’s her. In 1992, Sutton Foster debuted in the chorus of the tour for “The Will Rogers Follies.” Afterwards, she remained in the ensemble and as a replacement for several shows, from “Les Misérables” to “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” After a decade of work and plenty of experience in regional theater, she got her first big break on Broadway as the titular role in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” The floodgates opened from there, with Foster securing multiple principal parts in “Anything Goes,” “Little Women,” “Shrek,” and more. She’s shown no signs of slowing down, and we can’t wait to see which classics she takes on next.

Which former ensemble member do you think made the most impressive leap to principal role? Let us know in the comments below!