Dylan Mulvaney, the award-winning actress and trans activist, has reflected on how Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth played a pivotal role in helping her realize her musical theatre dreams. The actress, who will make her West End debut later this year, shared a heartfelt story about how the Wicked star’s encouragement as a young teen gave her the confidence to pursue a career on the stage.
In an appearance on MTV UK’s Queerpiphany, Mulvaney opened up about her formative years and how she found solace and identity in the musical theatre world, particularly through the Wicked soundtrack. Mulvaney, who came out as trans in her teens, recalled how listening to the Wicked cast album became a way for her to navigate her identity while growing up.
Music as a Safe Haven for a Young Trans Person
“I would listen to the Wicked cast album on repeat, and Kristin was the Glinda on that album,” Mulvaney recalled. She explained that Chenoweth had already left the role of Glinda by the time she was listening to the recording, but the Broadway star still held a special place in her heart. At the time, Chenoweth was performing in the musical Promises, Promises on Broadway, which became another source of inspiration for Mulvaney.
The 12-year-old Mulvaney, deeply captivated by Chenoweth’s performance and personality, decided to write her a fan letter. In the letter, she even asked the iconic star for a coffee date. “At this point, I’m probably 12, as a 12-year-old does,” Mulvaney joked. To her surprise, she received a response that would change the course of her life.
“I get an email that was like, ‘Kristin has never received a better letter in her life. No, she can’t go to coffee with you, but she’d like to bring you backstage at Promises, Promises,’” Mulvaney shared.
A Life-Changing Moment with Kristin Chenoweth
Mulvaney continued her story, recounting the magical experience of meeting Chenoweth backstage at the Broadway show. The star welcomed her and her family with warmth and enthusiasm. “We go see the show, she brings us backstage, and she’s like, ‘You’re going to sing with me one day and you’re going to do this with your life, I already know it.’”
Chenoweth’s words left a lasting impact on Mulvaney, not only fueling her passion for musical theatre but also influencing her personal journey with faith and identity. The star’s message of encouragement extended beyond her career, touching on Mulvaney’s struggle with coming out as a trans woman and finding peace with her faith.
“She basically was like, ‘Go with God and do musical theatre, and I will see you on the stage,’” Mulvaney said. The words of validation gave Mulvaney the strength to continue pursuing her dreams despite the challenges she would later face in her adolescence, including grappling with her gender identity.
The Power of Faith and Theatre
Mulvaney reflected on how important Chenoweth’s influence was during her journey of self-discovery. “Even when I was struggling with my identity and coming out and navigating my puberty and my adolescence, I always came back to theatre,” Mulvaney said. For her, the stage provided not only an outlet for self-expression but a sense of belonging that transcended the challenges of growing up trans.
The Wicked soundtrack, in particular, became a constant source of comfort for Mulvaney. The original cast album, which featured Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, offered a refuge during difficult times, as it resonated with her emotional and spiritual journey.
“Kristin helped make that idea possible,” Mulvaney said, adding that the star’s unique connection to faith and the LGBTQ+ community had a profound influence on her own understanding of spirituality. “What really inspired me was that she has such a unique, special relationship with a higher power and faith, and she loves queer people, but she also loves church.”
Embracing Both Identity and Faith
Mulvaney, who grew up in a religious environment, revealed that Chenoweth’s example of loving both her faith and the LGBTQ+ community helped her reconcile these two important parts of her own life. “I grew up very religious, and so for me, she kind of was the thing that felt like I was allowed to be both and that maybe a God could love me.”
Chenoweth’s combination of faith and love for queer individuals provided Mulvaney with a sense of acceptance that was not always present in other aspects of her life. The idea that she could embrace both her spiritual side and her identity as a trans woman was transformative, giving her the strength to continue living authentically and pursue her dreams without fear.
Looking Ahead to West End Debut
Now, as she prepares for her West End debut later this year, Mulvaney continues to be inspired by the lessons she learned from the Broadway stars who helped shape her journey. Her upcoming performance is a testament to the power of following one’s dreams and finding support in unexpected places.
Mulvaney’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the impact that encouragement from mentors can have, especially for young people navigating their identities. From a 12-year-old fan writing letters to Broadway stars, to a trans activist making her mark in the theatre world, Mulvaney’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of art and human connection.
As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, it’s clear that Mulvaney will continue to use her platform to inspire others, just as Kristin Chenoweth inspired her. The dream of musical theatre that seemed impossible for a young Mulvaney has now become a reality, and her story is one of perseverance, hope, and the importance of finding community.