Broadway's Megan Hilty on SMASH: 'I Felt I Had a Lot to Prove'

In an interview with The Daily Beast, Broadway star Megan Hilty looks back on her experience on the NBC musical drama Smash as well as her recently canceled NBC comedy 'Sean Saves the World.'

"I was terrified," says the actress of being cast in the lead role of Smash. "I also felt like I had a lot to prove, being the theater gal in the cast, because we get a bad rap. People think that theater actors are too big for the camera. It's like, 'No, we're actors and we adjust for our audience.' So without being like, 'I'm going to show that every theater girl can do it!' I felt like I had to prove something."

While initially a hit show, ratings began to decline in the show's sophomore season, causing the network to fire the show's creator, Theresa Rebeck and replacing her with Gossip Girl's Joshua Safran. Things quickly took a turn for the worse, which no doubt had its effects on the cast and crew.

"Honestly, we were so separate from it all," explains Hilty. "I dealt with the cast and the crew all the time, but it was just them. I was aware of all the other drama, but that's it-I was aware of it. And it's so far out of your control when that's going on, whatever the fans or critics or whoever is saying and whatever anyone is doing at the network. There's nothing I can about it."

After an unsuccessful run on NBC's 'Sean Saves the World,' the actress maintained her positive attitude and remains grateful for all the success she has enjoyed in her career. "It's funny because on social media and stuff, everybody's like, 'Oh, poor Megan. When is she going to catch a break?'" she says. "It's like, guys. Do you know how hard it is to even get on TV? I'm lucky to have any of these opportunities at all. Don't cry for me. I'm going to be just fine."

Read the story in full here!

Megan Hilty began her career as Glinda's understudy in the New York company of WICKED. She went on to assume the role. She then got star billing in Dolly Parton's musical NINE TO FIVE and caused a sensation when she essayed the role of Lorelei Lee in the Encores! production of GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES. She recently starred in the NBC musical drama series SMASH.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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