Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth recently revisited her teenage years during an appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” where the subject of a nostalgic hairstyle emerged. The actress, now 57, took a humorous look back at her time as a cheerleader in high school, prompted by a throwback photograph shared by host Seth Meyers.
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In the throwback image, which Chenoweth sweetly reminisced about, she donned a full cheerleading outfit, consisting of a pleated yellow, black, and white skirt. The classic look was rounded out with knee socks and a “Tigers” sweatshirt, combined with a trendy mullet hairstyle that was characteristic of the ’80s. Meyers, intrigued by the photo, jokingly grilled Chenoweth on what to ask for should he ever decide to sport a similar hairdo.
Between laughs, Chenoweth playfully suggested that he would in fact be requesting a “perm bi-level cut.” She went on to offer some insights into the specifics of her youthful hairstyle, explaining that it was akin to a female mullet and revealing that it was her mother who achieved the perm using Ogilvie products. “And so anyway, don’t do this,” she quipped, clearly expressing her reluctance to revisit those hairstyles should they ever make a comeback.
In light-hearted jest, Chenoweth compared her hairstyle to that of her friend Renée Zellweger, hinting that they both shared similar ’80s looks. She even prompted Meyers to ask Zellweger about her past hair choices when she next appears on his show, leading to a chuckle from the late-night host.
Chenoweth’s latest role as Tammy Istiny, an assistant cheerleading coach, in NBC’s new comedy series “Stumble,” complements her reflections on her cheerleading past. “Stumble” debuted on November 7, 2025, and explores the antics of a misfit cheerleading squad at a junior college. The show has gained traction, returning from its winter break on January 16, 2026.
During her discussion with Meyers, the conversation turned to Chenoweth’s more serious recent project, “The Queen of Versailles,” which had its run on Broadway. The show, which premiered on November 9 and featured 32 preview performances, lasted for just 41 regular performances before closing two weeks earlier than expected on December 21.
As she addressed the audience on the emotional final night, Chenoweth became visibly moved, delivering a heartfelt speech. She thanked the audience for supporting new work, reflecting on the pride the cast felt in their creative adventure, saying, “We chose a big swing, and we are so proud of where we landed.”
This moment of reflection marked the culmination of her emotional journey with “The Queen of Versailles,” a process which she described as particularly special due to the responses from audiences who took a chance on something new. In her closing remarks, she expressed profound gratitude to those who came out to support the production.
Kristin Chenoweth’s career has spanned multiple decades, showcasing her talent on Broadway and on screens, both big and small. Her ability to blend humour with heartfelt sentiment connects her with audiences in a unique way, underscored by her willingness to share personal anecdotes from her formative years.
As she continues to evolve as an actress and performer, it is clear that Kristin Chenoweth retains a special fondness for her past while moving forward to embrace new challenges and roles. Whether reminiscing about her high school cheerleading days or reflecting on her Broadway experiences, Chenoweth’s candour and charisma charm audiences, paving the way for her enduring legacy in entertainment.