Patti LuPone Discusses Career and Broadway Resignation in Candid Interview

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Patti LuPone, the celebrated Broadway star, recently opened up about her career and her frustrations with the current state of Broadway during a recording session for the upcoming season of “And Just Like That…” LuPone, 76, plays Gianna, an Italian mother, and was adjusting some lines for her character in a midtown studio.

As she recorded her lines, LuPone showcased her comedic talent, trying out various ways to greet her on-screen friend Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. Showrunner Michael Patrick King guided her through the process, praising her vibrant personality.

Reflecting on her lengthy and eventful career, LuPone expressed her displeasure with Broadway’s changes, particularly criticizing the pedestrianization of Times Square. “It’s impossible for us to get to work,” she lamented, noting that she often starts her day fueled by irritation over the city’s traffic difficulties.

LuPone holds a reputation as a volatile yet beloved figure in the theater community, known for her strong opinions and memorable performances. She argued that the current Broadway scene has become too sanitized, mourning the loss of the city’s gritty and creative spirit from earlier decades.

Her outspoken nature has sparked both admiration and controversy over the years. In 2017, her fiery comments about performing for former President Donald Trump became a viral sensation.

As LuPone concludes her run on Broadway, she made it clear that her future endeavors will not include traditional stage performances: “I don’t want to be onstage anymore. Period.”

Despite her discontent, the actress remains a symbolic figure in theater, celebrated not only for her roles in major productions like “Evita” and “Gypsy,” but also for her willingness to speak her mind about the industry.

“If you don’t value me, why am I there?” she asserted, emphasizing the importance of respect in her career. LuPone has faced numerous challenges throughout her life, including conflicts with Broadway giants and tough personal experiences that shaped her resilience.

Amidst the ups and downs, LuPone continues to inspire with her passionate performances and her relentless pursuit of authenticity, embodying the complexities of an artist navigating the evolving landscape of theater.