Michelle Williams, renowned for her time with Destiny’s Child, is currently captivating audiences on Broadway in the critically acclaimed musical adaptation of the dark comedy “Death Becomes Her.” This marks a significant milestone for Williams, as it’s her first originating role on a New York City stage, more than two decades after her Broadway debut as a replacement in “Aida.”
Williams’ journey back to Broadway has been one of resilience and personal growth. In 2018, she was forced to leave the revival of “Once on This Island” after only two weeks due to her struggles with depression. This experience left her questioning her future in theater. “I had to leave the Broadway show because of my mental health,” Williams shared with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. “And I thought that door was closed for me to return on Broadway… I thought I’d be seen as a liability.”
However, six years later, Williams received an unexpected call, inviting her to star in “Death Becomes Her.” This opportunity represented a second chance and a testament to her perseverance. While the possibility of a Tony Award nomination exists, Williams emphasized that her return to Broadway itself feels like a victory. “I feel like I’ve already won,” she stated.
Williams candidly discussed the challenges she faced during her time in “Once on This Island.” She acknowledged that she wasn’t in the best mental state and ultimately had to prioritize her well-being. “I wasn’t as well as I probably should have been, and it just got to the point where I had to check out of the show,” she explained. “To me, that was two blows in the same year: checking into a treatment facility for depression and then checking out of show, still, because of it.”
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Since then, Williams has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, using her platform to share her experiences and encourage others to seek help. She is currently pursuing a life coaching certification from the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute. “I love being able to help people,” Williams expressed. “I love helping people make certain life transitions or coaching them out of what I was in.”
Williams emphasized the importance of having anchors in life to weather difficult times. She believes that preparation and a strong foundation are crucial for navigating challenges. Her return to Broadway embodies this philosophy, showcasing her ability to overcome adversity and pursue her passions.
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Performing eight shows a week at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, Williams is embracing this new chapter with gratitude. She recently had a memorable encounter with Isabella Rossellini, who originated the role of Lisle Von Rhuman in the film version of “Death Becomes Her,” the character that inspired Williams’ role of Viola Van Horn.
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Williams described the meeting as a humbling experience. “I turned into a little girl… I didn’t want to keep her waiting. My hair and makeup was all over the place!” she recounted on GMA. She praised Rossellini’s kindness and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to follow in her footsteps. “For her to say she’s so proud and how excited she was to see the show?… She was the trailblazer. So I’m just following her footsteps,” Williams shared. Michelle Williams’ journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience, self-care, and the transformative power of second chances.
