When it comes to on-stage chemistry, Broadway thrives on collaboration. But not every pairing makes it offstage without drama. Laura Benanti, a Tony Award-winning Broadway actress, has recently made headlines for her candid remarks about her former She Loves Me costar, Zachary Levi. Speaking on the That’s a Gay Ass Podcast, Benanti didn’t hold back, delivering a scathing critique of the Disney star.
“I never liked him,” Benanti admitted during the interview. “Everyone was like, ‘He’s so great!’ And I was like, ‘No, he’s not. He’s sucking up all the f***ing energy in this room.’” Her remarks were fueled by years of frustration with what she described as Levi’s overbearing demeanor and alleged attempts to dominate the spotlight.
Related: ABC Star Called “Nasty” and Worst Podcast Guest
A Friendship That Never Was
Laura Benanti and Zachary Levi shared the stage in the critically acclaimed Broadway production of She Loves Me, which also starred the late Gavin Creel. Despite the praise the production garnered, Benanti revealed that Levi’s behavior made her experience less than enjoyable. According to Benanti, Levi’s larger-than-life energy often crossed into unwelcome territory.
“He wants to mansplain everybody’s part to them,” Benanti said. She described his insistence on hosting pre-show dance parties as emblematic of his need for attention. “Like, ‘We’re doing a dance party at half-hour.’ I was like, ‘Good luck. Have fun.’”
View this post on Instagram
Related: Zachary Levi Reveals How a Small Lie Landed Him His ‘Tangled’ Role
A Controversial Track Record
Benanti’s comments come at a time when Zachary Levi’s public image has been mired in controversy. Once beloved for his role as Flynn Rider in Disney’s Tangled, Levi has faced significant backlash for his political views and statements in recent months.
During the 2024 presidential election season, Levi publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump, a figure convicted of numerous felonies and widely criticized for his behavior toward women. Levi’s decision to back Trump shocked fans, particularly in light of his longstanding Disney affiliation. While announcing his endorsement, Levi acknowledged the risks, calling the move “career suicide.”
The criticism didn’t stop there. Levi later made headlines for false claims about the COVID-19 vaccine. In October, he alleged that the vaccine caused the death of Gavin Creel, his former Broadway costar. Creel’s actual cause of death, a rare and aggressive form of sarcoma, was unrelated to vaccination, making Levi’s comments both factually incorrect and highly inflammatory.
Benanti Responds to Vaccine Comments
Benanti did not mince words when addressing Levi’s vaccine claims. She described his remarks as not only inaccurate but deeply disrespectful to Creel’s memory. “To use his memory for his political agenda and to watch him try to make himself cry until he had one single tear, which he did not wipe away—I was like, ‘F*** you forever,’” she said.
This statement, as blunt as it is emotional, has sparked widespread discussion about Levi’s actions and their impact on his reputation. For Benanti, the line was crossed when Levi politicized a tragic loss.
Levi’s Future in Question
Zachary Levi’s career, once marked by beloved roles in Chuck and Shazam!, now stands at a crossroads. Rumors of his involvement in a live-action adaptation of Tangled (2010) have been overshadowed by his recent controversies, leaving fans and industry insiders wondering if Disney will risk collaborating with the embattled actor again.
While Levi has several projects in development, his polarizing statements and growing list of detractors may limit future opportunities. Benanti’s candid critique, coupled with the backlash Levi has faced, highlights the growing challenges he faces in rebuilding trust with audiences.
Reflection on Broadway and Hollywood Dynamics
Benanti’s remarks pull back the curtain on the sometimes tense dynamics of Broadway and Hollywood collaborations. Her refusal to stay silent underscores the importance of speaking out against behaviors or statements that harm others, even when they come from celebrated figures.
For fans of Disney, Broadway, and beyond, this story serves as a reminder that what happens offstage can often overshadow the magic created on it. Whether Zachary Levi’s career can recover from the controversies he’s courted remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Laura Benanti’s fiery honesty has made waves, sparking a conversation that is far from over.
What do you think about Laura Benanti’s comments and the ongoing controversy surrounding Zachary Levi? Share your thoughts below!
Sounds as if she is jealous of his popularity with the crew!