Broadway’s “Death Becomes Her” Cut the Film’s Fat Suit. Why ‘It Was the Right Decision’ for Jennifer Simard (Exclusive)

Broadway’s ‘Death Becomes Her’ Embraces Body Positivity by Skipping Fat Suit​

Broadway’s adaptation of ‘Death Becomes Her’ has taken a bold step by choosing to forgo the use of a fat suit, a decision that has resonated with many for its embrace of evolving beauty standards and body positivity. Jennifer Simard, a three-time Tony nominee, who plays the role of Helen Sharp in the musical, shared her insights with PEOPLE on the significant change made by the show’s creative team.

In the 1992 film directed by Robert Zemeckis, Goldie Hawn’s character, Helen, is portrayed wearing a padded bodysuit to depict a significant weight gain as part of her character’s dramatic transformation. However, audiences watching the stage adaptation will not witness such a portrayal. Simard, at the age of 54, expressed that the decision to exclude the fat suit was a deliberate choice made in recognition of the progress made in terms of body positivity over the last three decades.

The creative team of ‘Death Becomes Her’ found alternative ways to address Helen’s character development without focusing on her size. Simard openly shared her own struggles with anorexia, emphasising the importance of avoiding triggering content for those grappling with disordered eating. She highlighted that their production aimed to update the narrative to align with current societal values, rather than perpetuate outdated stereotypes.

Drawing from her personal experiences with mental health challenges, Simard explained how the show explores Helen’s emotional turmoil following betrayal by her ex-fiancé and friend. The actress, known for her candid discussions on mental health advocacy, has brought authenticity to her portrayal of Helen’s descent into a world of vanity, revenge, and immortality.

Simard shared that tapping into Helen’s trauma on stage has been a cathartic experience for her. She expressed her belief in using comedy as a coping mechanism to navigate through pain, noting that some of the best humour stems from personal struggles. By infusing her performance with a healed perspective, Simard has found a sense of liberation in merging her own journey with that of her character.

As ‘Death Becomes Her’ continues to captivate audiences, the show has garnered 10 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Positioned as a beacon of hope and resilience post-pandemic, the production promises a grand Broadway experience. The musical is currently running at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City, inviting viewers to witness a reimagined rendition of a beloved classic.

Simard’s dedication to portraying Helen’s complexities on stage reflects her commitment to authenticity and storytelling. As the Tony Awards approach, the spotlight shines on the transformative power of theatre and the ability to engage audiences with narratives that resonate on a personal and societal level. Embracing change and celebrating diversity, ‘Death Becomes Her’ stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of modern storytelling in the realm of Broadway.

In conclusion, ‘Death Becomes Her’ not only reframes a classic tale for contemporary audiences but also champions inclusivity and empowerment through its innovative approach to character portrayal. Jennifer Simard’s nuanced performance serves as a testament to the transformative potential of theatre in sparking meaningful conversations and promoting positive representation on stage.