History is being made on Broadway, as Disney announces that a woman will step into the role of the Genie for the first time ever in “Aladdin,” a character previously defined by Robin Williams onscreen and originated by James Monroe Iglehart on stage.
Sherri Shepherd Named the New Genie in “Aladdin”
Following a teased announcement earlier in the week, Disney on Broadway's official “Aladdin” Instagram account revealed on Tuesday that Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd, best known as a former cohost of The View, will take over the role for a limited engagement running October 16, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The announcement read:
Say HEYYYY to Sherri Shepherd as our newest Genie! 🧞♀️✨ Catch her granting wishes from Oct. 16 through Jan. 3, 2027. Visit our link in bio to book your tickets today! 🎟️
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Shepherd becomes the first woman ever cast as the Genie, joining a lineage of performers that includes Robin Williams, James Monroe Iglehart, and Will Smith, who played the role in the 2019 live-action film. She'll be taking over from Caleb A. Barnett, the current Broadway Genie who stepped into the role in May following the departure of longtime Genie performer Michael James Scott, who had played the character on Broadway, national tours, and international productions since 2014.
In Shepherd's Own Words
Shepherd spoke about the milestone in a statement, saying:
“Joining ‘Aladdin' on Broadway is an absolute dream come true—and an incredible honor. The Genie is such an iconic character, and I'm beyond excited to bring my own energy, humor, heart, and a little bit of magic to this role. I hope audiences see themselves in this Genie and leave the theater feeling so much joy and inspired to believe in the impossible. To step on that stage as the first woman to ever play the Genie is something I don't take lightly. I'm ready to rub the lamp, unleash some magic, and have the time of my life on Broadway.”
Shepherd's Broadway and TV Background
This isn't Shepherd's first time on a Broadway stage. She made her debut in 2014, becoming the first African-American actress to play the Stepmother in “Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella.”
Beyond Broadway, Shepherd is widely recognized for cohosting ABC's The View from 2007 to 2014, and has occasionally returned since as a guest contributor. She also starred in a 2009 Lifetime sitcom based on her life, simply titled Sherri, and later hosted a talk show of the same name for four seasons from 2022 to 2026.
Disney Theatrical Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart praised the casting choice, stating:
“Throughout her career, Sherri has represented delight, wit, and loving good humor, making her the perfect entertainer to play the life force that is the Genie. We can't wait to see what happens when Sherri's authentic, brilliant comic energy meets the joyous escape of ‘Aladdin.' Audiences are going to adore her take on this iconic role.”
When to See Her Perform
Sherri Shepherd's run as the Genie begins October 16, 2026, and continues through January 3, 2027, alongside current cast members Rodney Ingram as Aladdin, Sonya Balsara as Jasmine, and Dennis Stowe as Jafar. Disney on Broadway has not yet announced who will take over the role once Shepherd's engagement concludes.
Tickets for Disney on Broadway's “Aladdin” are available through the show's official website.
What do you think about Sherri Shepherd taking over the role of the Genie in “Aladdin” on Broadway? Share your opinion with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
