“The name on everybody’s lips is gonna be Roxie…” Roxie Hart, a fictional nightclub dancer in the longstanding hit musical, Chicago. Chicago first hit the legendary stages of Broadway in 1975, where it quickly amassed a revolving door of celebrities, each cast as Roxie. But in 2006, the first reality television star entered this chat. And most recently, Whitney Leavitt signed on, making her one of six reality television stars to perform as Roxie at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City.
From Bravo to Peacock to Hulu, these faux-Roxies are all talented. From singing and dancing to simply being a force that draws crowds in, these stars all had the chops needed. In chronological order, these are the six reality TV personalities able to say, “I’m a star… and the audience loves me,” on Broadway.
Ashlee Simpson
In 2006, Ashlee Simpson needed a win. Her lip-synching scandal was still fresh, and she had just started a relationship with her ex. So, Ashlee overtook the role of Roxie during the London production of Chicago. And she held this spot for five weeks straight.
Then, in 2009, Ashlee signed on for another ten-week run, this time on Broadway. She nailed this assignment. And since she previously starred in The Ashlee Simpson Show, a reality television series about her life, Ashlee is our first reality TV star to appear on this list. And yes, she later starred in another short-lived docudrama, this time with her current husband, aptly titled Ashlee+Evan.
In 2013, Ashlee reprised her role as Roxie at the Hollywood Bowl.
Lisa Rinna
Lisa Rinna enjoys dancing, with or without clothing or recognizable rhythms. Therefore, it makes sense that, back in the day, this Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum also starred as Roxie on Broadway. But, unlike the other stars on this list, Lisa got to bring her man along for the ride.
In 2007, Lisa portrayed Roxie on Broadway. At her side, her husband, Harry Hamlin, played Billy Flynn, the lawyer who helps Roxie get acquitted of murder. Thanks to high ticket sales, their roles got extended at the Ambassador Theater by one extra week.
As Lisa described to Playbill during that period, “Being on Broadway is truly one of the most thrilling things I’ve done in my career. And to be starring in this great show with my husband has been a dream come true for both of us.”
Erika Jayne
Pat the Playbill, because up next is another RHOBH star turned Roxie cosplayer, Erika Jayne. Her limited 12-week run began in January 2020. But, towards the end of her stint, the COVID-19 pandemic entered the chat. And the proceeding shutdown cut her time short in NYC.
Erika felt bummed. As she penned, “Well, this is not the way I wanted to say goodbye to Roxie and my Chicago family, but I have no choice. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who came to the shows. I leave NYC feeling like my mission is incomplete, but I will treasure this time always.”
But luckily for her, this story still had another chapter in it. Earlier this year, Erika reprised her role as Roxie for a handful of weeks. On this, she likely gives many f*cks.
Pamela Anderson
When you hear the name Pamela Anderson, you likely recall her iconic roles on Baywatch and Home Improvement first. However, Pamela also has several reality TV stints under her belt. These currently-defunct series include Pamela’s Garden of Eden and Pam & Tommy, the latter of which involved her then-husband, Tommy Lee.
In 2022, Pamela added another role to her resume, courtesy of Roxie on Broadway. Here, she gave every crowd a solid Razzle Dazzle. All that jazz she threw out then resulted in numerous rounds of standing ovations.
This role felt tailor-made for Pamela, which she noted to Deadline. “There is a freedom, a unique joy in knowing it’s all about the work. Playing Roxie Hart is a sweet escape for me.” She further labeled this stint as “a dream fulfilled.”
Ariana Madix
When Ariana Madix lost her man on Vanderpump Rules, she ended up gaining the world, complete with several new booked gigs. Everyone loves a happy clap-back story. That is, unless you were one of her less-than-thrilled costars, unable to deal with the “god-like status” Ariana received.
Among these gigs was a shot on Broadway, which Ariana always had on her vision board. From January 29, 2024, to April 7, 2024, Ariana played the role of Roxie well. She packed out the theater, and then received an extension, followed by a return engagement later that same year in August.
Whitney Leavitt
Although Whitney Leavitt failed to win Dancing with the Stars Season 34, she managed to show the world what she can do. And now, Broadway is interested in this star. And to their calls, Whitney recently answered, YES. Her debut begins February 2, 2026, and ends on March 15, 2026.
As this Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star recently shared on TikTok, she feels “Grateful beyond words” to join the cast of Chicago. As she now prepares to take over the “iconic part of Roxie Hart,” we’re sure her new fans from DWTS are already running to their laptops, eager to buy a ticket to her upcoming shows on Broadway. And if all goes well, as it has for various other reality TV stars on this list, a reprisal will soon follow.
Ashlee+Evan, Vanderpump Rules, and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills are all streaming on Peacock. Meanwhile, Pamela’s Garden of Eden, Pam & Tommy, Dancing with the Stars, and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are all available to stream on Hulu.
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