“Madam Secretary”’s Erich Bergen Sold Broadway T-Shirts as a Teen. Now He Stars in a Show in the Theater Next Door (Exclusive)

Erich Bergen’s Journey from Selling Broadway T-Shirts to Starring in a Musical On the Same Street

Erich Bergen, well known for his role in “Madam Secretary,” has come a long way from his days selling Broadway T-shirts as a teenager. Now, he is making his Broadway debut in the show “Boop! The Musical” at the Broadhurst Theatre. With three Tony nominations under its belt, “Boop! The Musical” has already been making waves in the theatre scene.

Not only an actor, but Bergen is also an executive producer, with his latest project being “Joan Rivers: A Dead-Funny All-Star Tribute,” set to air on May 13th. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Bergen expressed his satisfaction at finally realising his dream of originating a role on Broadway and paving his path to success, both on and off the stage.

Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Bergen shared an anecdote from his teenage years when he worked at the Schubert Theatre. He mentioned how he couldn’t afford to watch Broadway shows frequently, so he took up a job selling T-shirts next door to the Broadhurst Theatre. This is where his journey towards the stage began, as he observed actors like Bernadette Peters in action, planting the seed for his own Broadway aspirations.

Bergen emphasized the importance of finding one’s own path to success, highlighting that there is no set formula for achieving one’s dreams. For him, selling T-shirts was his way into the industry, allowing him to learn from seasoned performers and understand the level of dedication required to excel in the field. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future ventures in acting and producing.

Having portrayed various roles on television and Broadway, Bergen’s career reached new heights when he landed a part in “Boop! The Musical.” Initially sceptical about the concept, he was drawn to the unique storyline and engaging music crafted by David Foster. The show, which breathes life into the iconic character Betty Boop, has been praised for its charm and infectious melodies, resonating with audiences of all ages.

Since its opening, “Boop! The Musical” has received positive reviews, with Bergen’s co-star Jasmine Amy Rogers earning a Tony nomination for her performance. Bergen commended Rogers for her talent and compared her to the legendary Lucille Ball, foreseeing a bright future in her theatrical journey. For Bergen, originating a role in a Broadway production has been creatively fulfilling and satisfying, marking a significant milestone in his career.

As Bergen juggles his commitments between “Boop! The Musical” and producing endeavours like “Joan Rivers: A Dead-Funny All-Star Tribute,” he remains eager to explore new opportunities in the entertainment industry. His steadfast belief in creating one’s own path serves as a guiding principle, driving him to seek collaborations with acclaimed individuals such as Ryan Murphy and Aaron Sorkin. Recognising the changing landscape of the industry, Bergen advocates for actively pursuing one’s goals and making a mark in a noisy world.

In conclusion, Erich Bergen’s inspiring journey from a Broadway T-shirt seller to a leading actor in a musical exemplifies the resilience and determination required to succeed in show business. His unwavering passion for the arts and willingness to embrace challenges have positioned him as a versatile talent, ready to embark on new creative ventures with zeal and enthusiasm. As he continues to shine on the Broadway stage, Bergen’s story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work in fulfilling one’s dreams.