Broadway was filled with emotion on Sunday, January 11, as Megan Hilty took her final bow in Death Becomes Her at New York City’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
The matinee performance turned into a heartfelt celebration of Hilty’s run, with friends, fans and members of the show’s creative team packing the theatre to witness the milestone moment. Among those in attendance were director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli and Julia Mattison, who co-wrote the musical’s score with Noel Carey.
From the moment she stepped onstage, Hilty was met with overwhelming applause. The audience erupted into extended cheers at her entrance, while her Act I showstopper, “Falling Apart,” earned a rare mid-performance standing ovation.
The most emotional moment came during the curtain call. As Hilty took her bow, she broke down in tears while the entire theatre — including her fellow cast members — rose to their feet in applause.
“We are all obviously here to celebrate the one and only Megan Hilty,” co-star Josh Lamon told the audience as he presented her with a bouquet of flowers. He described Hilty as “extraordinary,” praising her not only as a performer but as a leader and a person.
“Megan, you are an extraordinary actress, comedian and human,” Lamon said. “You are not just our lead, you are our leader. Anyone who walks into this building, you lift them up.”
Lamon also paid tribute to Hilty’s life offstage, calling her “an extraordinary mother” and noting how she balanced raising her two children — daughter Viola Philomena, 11, and son Ronan Laine, 7, whom she shares with husband Brian Gallagher — while carrying the demands of a Broadway lead role.
“This is not goodbye,” he added. “This is a celebration.”
As the tribute continued, Hilty was embraced by her co-stars, including Michelle Williams and Dee Roscioli, who offered comfort as she wiped away tears. When the curtain finally came down, Hilty waved to the audience, blew kisses and jumped in celebration with her cast.
Hilty originated the role of glamorous and immortal Madeline Ashton during the musical’s Chicago premiere in 2024 and later on Broadway. Her performance earned her a second Tony Award nomination, this time for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. She has been involved with the project since its early development in 2023.
Broadway star Betsy Wolfe, herself a Tony nominee for & Juliet, is set to take over the role beginning Friday, January 16.
Following the 2025 Tony Awards in June, Hilty briefly stepped away from the production for four weeks to recover from a vocal injury. At the time, she described the role as “the most challenging and rewarding” of her career before returning to the stage in July.
Based on Robert Zemeckis’ 1992 dark comedy film, Death Becomes Her has become a major Broadway hit, earning 33 nominations across the 2024–2025 theatre season, including 10 Tony Award nods. The musical has been widely praised for its sharp, comedic take on vanity, fame and immortality.
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