Megan Mullally Says Rosie O’Donnell Would Pinch Her During 1994 Broadway Production of “Grease”

Megan Mullally and Rosie O’Donnell recently reminisced about their first encounter while starring in the 1990s Broadway production of “Grease.” Their shared memories, narrated during O’Donnell’s guest appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” offer a humorous insight into their time on stage together.

O’Donnell, now 66, played the role of Betty Rizzo, while Mullally, aged 67, portrayed Marty and was O’Donnell’s understudy. The two performers reflected on how their initial meeting was marked with playful antics. O’Donnell admitted to Mullally that she found her a bit annoying when they first worked together, clearly setting the stage for their longstanding friendship.

In a light-hearted confession, Mullally described O’Donnell as a “vicious pincher.” “She would get just a tiny bit of skin, and it really hurt,” Mullally recalled. O’Donnell explained that her motivation for pinching Mullally was boredom from performing the same show for nearly a year. “I thought, ‘What can I do? I’m going to pinch Megan during this,’” she said with a chuckle.

Their performances were not solely limited to acting; Mullally revealed that O’Donnell often made dinner plans with friends from the audience during the show. “We would be on stage doing our choreography, and she’d be mimicking holding a phone and pointing to the audience,” Mullally shared. O’Donnell candidly acknowledged that she wasn’t particularly professional at the time.

Mullally also expressed her discomfort with the role of being an understudy. She recounted being assured by O’Donnell that she “never ever” got sick. However, in a twist of fate, O’Donnell was out for two weeks due to laryngitis soon after making that promise. “Back then, they would announce over the loudspeaker that the role of Rizzo would be played by Megan Mullally,” Mullally recalled, noting that this was before she gained wider recognition.

The audience’s reaction to this announcement was not lost on her. Mullally described the sound of people standing up in shock and programmes flying through the air, capturing the candid excitement and confusion that such a sudden change could evoke. It was a moment that helped shape her early career in theatre, demonstrating how unpredictability can play a role in the world of performance.

In a more personal segment of the show, Mullally was accompanied by her husband, Nick Offerman. The couple, who began dating in 2000 after starring together in the play “The Berlin Circle,” have created a life together marked by shared interests and mutual respect. Their engagement took place in London in 2002, culminating in a surprise wedding at their home in Los Angeles in September 2003.

Through their playful exchanges and cherished memories, Mullally and O’Donnell have showcased the enduring ties formed within the competitive world of Broadway. Their stories not only reflect the challenges and surprises of theatre life but also highlight the fun and camaraderie that can develop amongst colleagues.

This nostalgic glance back at their time in “Grease” underlines the often-overlooked aspects of performing arts, where behind-the-scenes antics can lead to lasting friendships. Their interaction serves as a reminder of the value of laughter and levity in the midst of hard work.

As both Mullally and O’Donnell celebrate their respective careers, they underscore how early experiences shape their paths. Their time together in “Grease” remains a cherished memory, filled with laughter, mischief, and the beginning of a lovely friendship that has continued to shine over the years.