Harvey Guillén Throws His Hat in the Ring for ‘Oh, Mary!’ Role at Emmy Awards 2025
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At the 77th Emmy Awards in 2025, Harvey Guillén expressed his interest in taking on the iconic role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the Broadway production of ‘Oh, Mary!’. The actor behind the beloved show ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ shared his dream role during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly on the red carpet.
Guillén, aged 35, revealed his aspiration to portray Mary Todd Lincoln, following in the footsteps of notable stars such as Cole Escola. With enthusiasm, he declared, “I just saw Cole’s Oh, Mary! and I was just like, ‘You know what, I could be Mary Todd Lincoln, I think.’ Yeah, maybe! So I’m gonna put that in the universe.”
‘Oh, Mary!’ directed by Tony winner Sam Pinkleton, made its grand debut on Broadway in July 2024 at the Lyceum Theatre. The production has been a remarkable success, setting box-office records and becoming the first show in the Lyceum’s extensive history to exceed $1 million in weekly revenue. Guillén’s interest in joining the cast speaks to the allure of the production and the esteemed role he aspires to play.
Over the years, ‘Oh, Mary!’ has showcased a rotation of esteemed talents in the title role, including Emmy nominees Tituss Burgess and Betty Gilpin, as well as two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race champion Jinkx Monsoon. The original star, creator, and Tony winner Cole Escola brought the character to life with their unique flair. Currently, Monsoon leads the production, with Jane Krakowski set to take on the role for an eight-week engagement starting in October 2025.
Krakowski, known for her exceptional performances, expressed her excitement about joining the cast, saying, “I am so honored to slip into the bratty curls previously worn by Cole Escola, Betty Gilpin, Tituss Burgess and Jinkx Monsoon. From the first time I watched Oh, Mary! downtown I thought, ‘How do I get myself on that stage in this role?’”
‘Oh, Mary!’ delves into the life of Mary Todd Lincoln in the days leading up to her husband’s tragic assassination, offering a unique take on historical events with a comedic twist. Escola’s portrayal earned them critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including the prestigious Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play.
As Guillén and Krakowski express their interest in joining the cast of ‘Oh, Mary!’, the production continues to captivate audiences with its blend of history and humour. With new stars adding their own interpretations to the iconic role, the legacy of Mary Todd Lincoln is brought to life on stage in a refreshing and captivating manner.
The popularity of ‘Oh, Mary!’ underscores the enduring appeal of Broadway productions that combine historical narratives with contemporary storytelling. As Guillén and Krakowski aim to make their mark on the theatrical landscape, audiences can anticipate new and exciting performances that breathe fresh life into this beloved production.
In a world where entertainment and history collide, ‘Oh, Mary!’ stands out as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. As actors like Guillén and Krakowski embrace the challenge of stepping into iconic roles, they continue to enrich the theatrical landscape with their talent and creativity.