Michelle Williams marked her return to Broadway this year in the new musical Death Becomes Her, adapted by Universal Pictures from the 1992 cult dark comedy film. In the show, she plays the enigmatic Viola Van Horne. Earlier this month, Death Becomes Her received ten Tony Award nominations, tying with A Strange Loop and The Lehman Trilogy for the most nods this season.
Despite the production’s acclaim, Williams was notably absent from the list of acting nominees. “It stung a little,” Williams admitted shortly after the nominations were announced on May 2. “But I reminded myself: girl, you’re back on Broadway. That’s something I never thought I’d do again. Who’s the real winner? I am. That brought me back to reality.”
Since her time with Destiny’s Child, Williams has pursued a solo music career, releasing several gospel hits. She has also remained a frequent presence on stage, having appeared in Aida (2003) on Broadway, Chicago in both Broadway and West End productions, The Color Purple in Chicago, and touring productions of Jesus Christ Superstar.
In 2018, Williams starred in the Tony-winning Broadway revival of Once On This Island but was forced to withdraw after just two weeks due to medical advice and treatment for depression. She feared this setback might end her stage career. “I felt like a burden,” she recalled. “I thought I’d never be welcome back in theater.”
Since then, Williams has become an outspoken advocate for mental health, regularly speaking on the topic and publishing her memoir Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life — and Can Save Yours in 2021. Death Becomes Her marks her return to a major new musical and to Broadway stages she once worried might be closed to her forever. “I don’t take it for granted. I savor every moment,” she said.
Williams has also enjoyed the camaraderie of the cast and special backstage visits from notable guests, including Isabella Rossellini, who played Viola in the film, and Emmy-winning actress Michelle Williams—whom she met for the first time this April to much online fanfare. “It was so fun,” Williams recalled.
As Death Becomes Her prepares for its November opening, fellow Destiny’s Child alumnae Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland have come out to support Williams’ performances. “I admire them so much,” Williams said. “They helped shape who I am. I love them—they are wives, mothers, artists, and friends.”
On stage, Williams relishes playing a cunning, arrogant character, challenging herself not to always be likable. “Viola and I are nothing alike—unless you’re lying to me!” she joked. “At first, I didn’t want people to think badly of me. I’m a good person! I’m a gospel singer! But now I’m embracing the chance to play Viola.”
Williams is developing Viola’s backstory to explain her obsession with eternal life and the consequences of her actions. “I know why she wants immortality,” Williams said with a laugh. “Because she loves meddling. She wants to see everything and watch everyone evolve.”
With her time currently divided between Broadway and mental health advocacy, Williams is unsure when new music might arrive. Her last album, Journey to Freedom, was released in 2014. “I’m working with others, maybe an EP,” she said. “I don’t want to make a full album—I think I don’t want to. You say that and suddenly you have 12 songs. We’ll see. I just want to use my talents in different ways to impact people.”
She added with a smile, “But sometimes it’s nice to hear a hit song every now and then.”
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