Patti LuPone, a name synonymous with Broadway excellence, has been making headlines in the United States for both her storied career and recent off-stage dramas. At 76, the three-time Tony Award winner continues to captivate audiences with her commanding presence while stirring conversations with her candid remarks and unapologetic personality. From her iconic roles in musicals like Evita, Gypsy, and Sunset Boulevard to her recent feuds and reflections on her past, LuPone remains a polarizing yet undeniable force in the entertainment world. This article explores her latest endeavors, controversies, and enduring legacy in American theater and beyond.
A Storied Career on Broadway and Beyond
Patti LuPone’s journey in the performing arts began decades ago, and her contributions to Broadway have cemented her as one of its greatest stars. Born in Northport, New York, in 1949, LuPone rose to fame in the 1970s with her role as Eva Perón in Evita, earning her first Tony Award in 1980. She later won two more Tonys for her performances in Gypsy (2008) and Company (2022), showcasing her versatility as both a dramatic actress and a powerhouse vocalist. Her work with legendary composers like Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber has left an indelible mark on American theater.
Beyond Broadway, LuPone has ventured into television and film, with notable roles in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story and, more recently, Marvel’s Agatha All Along. Her performance as Lilia Calderu in the latter earned praise, though she confirmed in a January 2025 interview with Andy Cohen that the series would not return for a second season, citing creator Jac Schaeffer’s preference for standalone stories. LuPone’s television work, including an upcoming role in Apple TV+’s Palm Royale Season 2 and HBO’s And Just Like That Season 3, shows her ability to adapt her stage-honed talents to the screen.
Recent Controversies: Broadway Feuds and Outspoken Comments
LuPone’s recent activities have not been without controversy, particularly in the Broadway community. In May 2025, a New Yorker profile titled “Patti LuPone Is Done with Broadway” sparked widespread discussion. The article detailed her frustrations with the theater industry, including a pointed remark about Hell’s Kitchen, a musical playing next to her show The Roommate. LuPone had contacted the Hell’s Kitchen team about sound bleeding through the walls, a common issue in Broadway theaters with shared spaces. While she later sent flowers as a gesture of gratitude when adjustments were made, her initial complaint led to a public response from Hell’s Kitchen star Kecia Lewis, who called LuPone’s actions “racially microaggressive” in a six-minute Instagram video. Lewis, a Tony Award winner herself, took issue with LuPone’s language and approach, sparking a debate about professionalism and sensitivity in the theater world.
The New Yorker piece also highlighted tensions between LuPone and Audra McDonald, another Broadway titan. When asked about McDonald’s current role as Mama Rose in Gypsy—a part LuPone famously played—LuPone’s 15-second silence followed by a quip about the weather spoke volumes. The two have a history, having worked together in productions like Sweeney Todd (2000) and Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny (2007), but LuPone’s comment that McDonald is “not a friend” fueled speculation of a rift. This exchange, amplified by posts on X, has divided fans, with some praising LuPone’s candor and others criticizing it as unnecessarily harsh.
LuPone’s outspoken nature is nothing new. She has a history of bold actions, from snatching a phone from an audience member during a 2016 performance of Shows for Days to publicly criticizing political figures, including former President Donald Trump. In a 2025 Variety “Actors on Actors” interview with George Clooney, she expressed concerns about the state of American discourse, saying, “We can’t seem to have a dialogue, a diverse dialogue or a dissenting views dialogue.” Her willingness to speak her mind, while admired by some, has often landed her in hot water, as seen in her recent clash with Lewis and her comments about McDonald.
Reflections on Past Relationships and Roles
In addition to her professional controversies, LuPone has been open about her personal life, particularly her “painful” seven-year relationship with actor Kevin Kline in the 1970s. The two met at Juilliard, where LuPone admitted to taking an “instant dislike” to Kline, describing him as a “Lothario” with “skinny legs.” Despite their fraught romance, which Kline himself called “Strindbergian” for its constant fighting, the two have remained friends. LuPone’s candid reflections in a May 2025 New Yorker interview and other outlets reveal a woman unafraid to confront her past, even when it paints her in a vulnerable light.
LuPone’s relationship with Sunset Boulevard has also resurfaced in recent news. She originated the role of Norma Desmond in the 1993 London production but was famously fired before the show reached Broadway, leading to a lawsuit against Andrew Lloyd Webber. She won a reported $1 million settlement, which she used to build a pool she cheekily named “The Andrew Lloyd Webber Memorial Pool.” Despite this tumultuous history, LuPone has been surprisingly positive about the 2024 Broadway revival starring Nicole Scherzinger. In a December 2024 interview, she called Scherzinger’s performance “unbelievable” and said the production “energized” her, though she noted minor “quibbles” about creative choices, such as a scene filmed outside the theater. Her praise for Scherzinger, whom she wrote about for Time 100, shows a gracious side to LuPone, even as she remains unapologetic about her past grievances.
Looking Ahead: LuPone’s Next Chapter
Despite her claim of being “done with Broadway,” LuPone’s career shows no signs of slowing down. Her upcoming roles in Palm Royale and And Just Like That signal a continued presence in television, where she brings the same intensity that made her a stage legend. In And Just Like That Season 3, she’ll play the mother of a character’s love interest, a role that promises to showcase her dramatic flair. Meanwhile, her collaboration with Rupert Everett on a new act called “Knockouts” hints at her desire to explore new creative avenues, blending her theatrical roots with her knack for reinvention.
LuPone’s legacy is one of contradictions: a fiercely talented performer who commands respect but courts controversy with her bluntness. Her recent comments about Hell’s Kitchen and Audra McDonald have sparked debates about professionalism, race, and the pressures of Broadway’s close-knit community. Yet, her ability to remain relevant after five decades in the industry speaks to her undeniable talent and charisma. Whether she’s belting out Sondheim, sparring with fellow stars, or reflecting on a “painful” past, Patti LuPone continues to be a lightning rod for attention and admiration.
Why Patti LuPone Matters
For theater fans and casual observers alike, Patti LuPone represents the heart of Broadway—a place where passion, talent, and drama collide. Her recent controversies remind us that even legends are human, prone to missteps but capable of growth. As she navigates her next career phase, from television roles to new stage projects, LuPone remains a cultural touchstone, embodying the highs and lows of a life in the spotlight. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of authenticity, even when it comes at a cost.
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