First Female Actress To Take Over Historically Male Role of the Genie in ‘Aladdin’
For the first time in the character’s history, a woman is stepping into the role of the Genie in Disney‘s “Aladdin” on Broadway, breaking a casting tradition that dates back to Robin Williams’ original onscreen performance.
Sherri Shepherd Breaks New Ground
Disney on Broadway’s official “Aladdin” Instagram account confirmed the news on Tuesday, following a teaser earlier in the week. Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd, widely known for her time as a cohost on The View, will take on the Genie role for a limited engagement running from October 16, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The announcement read:
Say HEYYYY to Sherri Shepherd as our newest Genie! 🧞♀️✨ Catch her granting wishes from Oct. 16 through Jan. 3, 2027. Visit our link in bio to book your tickets today! 🎟️
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The role has historically been performed by male actors, including Robin Williams in the original animated film, James Monroe Iglehart on Broadway, and Will Smith in the 2019 live-action adaptation. Shepherd steps in following Caleb A. Barnett, who took over the Broadway role in May after Michael James Scott’s departure. Scott had played the Genie across Broadway, North American tours, and international productions since 2014.
Shepherd Reflects on the Milestone
In a statement, Shepherd shared her excitement about taking on the historic role:
“Joining ‘Aladdin’ on Broadway is an absolute dream come true—and an incredible honor. The Genie is such an iconic character, and I’m beyond excited to bring my own energy, humor, heart, and a little bit of magic to this role. I hope audiences see themselves in this Genie and leave the theater feeling so much joy and inspired to believe in the impossible. To step on that stage as the first woman to ever play the Genie is something I don’t take lightly. I’m ready to rub the lamp, unleash some magic, and have the time of my life on Broadway.”
A Familiar Face to Broadway Audiences
Shepherd isn’t new to Broadway. She made her debut in 2014, becoming the first African-American actress cast as the Stepmother in “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.”
Outside of the theater, Shepherd built her career as a cohost on ABC’s The View from 2007 to 2014, occasionally returning as a guest contributor in the years since. She also starred in a self-titled 2009 Lifetime sitcom based on her life, Sherri, and later hosted a talk show of the same name for four seasons from 2022 to 2026.
Disney Theatrical Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart spoke about why Shepherd was the right fit for this milestone casting, saying:
“Throughout her career, Sherri has represented delight, wit, and loving good humor, making her the perfect entertainer to play the life force that is the Genie. We can’t wait to see what happens when Sherri’s authentic, brilliant comic energy meets the joyous escape of ‘Aladdin.’ Audiences are going to adore her take on this iconic role.”
Where and When to Watch
Shepherd’s run as the Genie begins October 16, 2026, and runs through January 3, 2027, performing alongside current cast members Rodney Ingram as Aladdin, Sonya Balsara as Jasmine, and Dennis Stowe as Jafar. Disney on Broadway hasn’t announced who will take over the role of the Genie once Shepherd’s engagement wraps up.
Tickets for “Aladdin” on Broadway are available through the show’s official website.
Have you ever seen “Aladdin” on Broadway? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments!
