Ashley Graham Wants to Rep ‘Curvy Women’ Everywhere in Broadway Debut: ‘Not Going to Let You Down’ (Exclusive)

Ashley Graham Makes Broadway Debut Championing Curvy Women

Ashley Graham, the renowned model, is currently making her mark on Broadway in the role of Roxie Hart in the hit Broadway revival of Chicago. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Graham expresses her desire for her casting to serve as a trailblazing opportunity for other plus-size women in the theatre industry. She hopes that her portrayal of a leading role will challenge stereotypes and showcase that curvy women can excel in any role, including being the lead, performing intricate dance moves, and playing love interests. Graham, a staunch advocate for body positivity, has used her platform to empower women of all body shapes and sizes, garnering a vast following of fans who look up to her as a role model.

Upon the announcement of her casting in Chicago back in March, Graham received an overwhelming amount of positive support and love from her fans. She shares, “I did get a lot of really positive outpouring and love for the fact that this was going to be one of those moments, and I’m here for it.” Graham is enthusiastic and determined, expressing her commitment to not let down her female supporters. Transitioning from the world of modelling to acting on Broadway has been a dream come true for Graham, who had set her sights on singing in Broadway as early as 2019. Since landing the role, she has devoted five to eight hours a day, six days a week to rigorous training, pushing herself to excel in her new venture.

While Graham acknowledges that her experience in modelling has provided her with a solid foundation, she recognises the additional challenges that come with acting, such as memorising lines, mastering choreography, and staying in character. Despite the demanding nature of Broadway, Graham is determined to give her best performance. She reflects on her journey, stating, “I have been told no so many times in my career. I’ve been told that I’m not good enough. All the things. And I’m using that and bringing that to the stage.” Through her portrayal of Roxie Hart, Graham aims to embody the character’s resilience and determination to succeed, resonating with her own experiences of overcoming obstacles.

Graham joins an esteemed list of celebrities who have previously taken on the role of Roxie Hart on Broadway, including Pamela Anderson, Brandy Norwood, and Brooke Shields. Shields, who offered Graham invaluable advice before her audition, emphasised the importance of staying true to oneself. Graham’s performance has captivated audiences, with her portrayal of Roxie Hart serving as a testament to inner strength and empowerment. Audiences can catch Graham live in her limited engagement in Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City until May 25th, with tickets now available for purchase.

As Graham continues to break barriers and inspire others with her talent and determination, her Broadway debut stands as a testament to her versatility and commitment to challenging norms in the entertainment industry. The impact of her presence on stage extends beyond the narrative of Chicago, resonating with audiences and aspiring actors alike. Ashley Graham’s portrayal of Roxie Hart serves as a beacon of representation for curvy women in theatre, encouraging inclusivity and diversity on the Broadway stage.