Broadway star Laura Benanti has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, and in a recent interview on the That’s a Gay Ass Podcast, she left no room for doubt about her feelings toward former costar Zachary Levi. Known for their time together in the critically acclaimed Broadway revival of She Loves Me, Benanti and Levi’s behind-the-scenes relationship was far from harmonious.
Her brutally honest remarks about Levi, coupled with his recent controversies, have reignited discussions about his role in the entertainment industry.
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“I never liked him,” Benanti declared, setting the tone for an unfiltered conversation. “Everyone was like, ‘He’s so great!’ And I was like, ‘No, he’s not. He’s sucking up all the f***ing energy in this room.’”
A Fraught On-Stage Dynamic
Benanti starred alongside Zachary Levi and the late Gavin Creel in She Loves Me, a beloved musical that earned widespread acclaim. However, Benanti revealed that Levi’s offstage behavior often overshadowed the camaraderie typically expected in Broadway productions. She accused Levi of being overbearing and self-centered, claiming he frequently tried to dominate the atmosphere during rehearsals and performances.
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“He wants to mansplain everybody’s part to them,” she said, describing his tendency to insert himself into situations unnecessarily. She also pointed out Levi’s habit of organizing pre-show dance parties, which she found grating rather than inspiring. “He really sucked everybody in with his, like, dance party energy. I was like, ‘Good luck. Have fun.’”
Zachary Levi’s Controversial Public Statements
Benanti’s comments come amid a wave of backlash against Levi for his recent behavior and public remarks. Levi, who rose to Disney fame as the voice of Flynn Rider in Tangled, has faced sharp criticism for his political endorsements and controversial claims.
In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, Levi openly endorsed former President Donald Trump, a move that shocked many of his fans. Levi described his support for Trump as a return to his conservative roots, admitting that the decision could spell “career suicide.” His endorsement drew widespread condemnation, particularly from fans who struggled to reconcile his family-friendly Disney persona with his support for a polarizing figure.
Levi’s controversies didn’t end there. In October, he falsely claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine caused the death of Gavin Creel, his former Broadway costar. Creel, who tragically passed away from a rare form of sarcoma, had no documented link between his illness and vaccination. Levi’s comments sparked outrage, with many accusing him of spreading harmful misinformation.
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Benanti Speaks Out on Levi’s Claims
For Laura Benanti, Levi’s comments about Gavin Creel were particularly upsetting. She criticized Levi for politicizing Creel’s death and questioned the sincerity of his grief. “To use his memory for his political agenda and to watch him try to make himself cry until he had one single tear, which he did not wipe away—I was like, ‘F*** you forever,’” Benanti said.
Her remarks highlighted a deep frustration with Levi’s actions, which she saw as not only insensitive but exploitative. Fans of She Loves Me have since rallied around Benanti’s candid critique, applauding her for calling out behavior she deemed unacceptable.
What’s Next for Zachary Levi?
Zachary Levi’s career has taken a sharp turn in recent years. While he continues to work on several projects, including rumors of a potential live-action Tangled (2010) adaptation, his reputation has been deeply affected by his string of controversies. Once celebrated for roles in Chuck and Shazam!, Levi now faces an uphill battle to rebuild trust with both fans and industry insiders.
Disney, which has long relied on Levi’s charm as Flynn Rider, has yet to comment on his recent statements or whether they will continue working with him in future projects. However, as Benanti’s remarks demonstrate, his actions have not gone unnoticed by those who’ve worked closely with him.
What do you think about Laura Benanti’s comments and the ongoing controversies surrounding Zachary Levi? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
