Sherri Shepherd Makes History as ‘Aladdin’s First Female Genie
Broadway’s ‘Aladdin’ has been captivating audiences for over a decade with its vibrant interpretation of Disney’s cherished animated classic. The role of Genie has consistently been one of the most sought-after opportunities for comedic talent. Since its debut at the New Amsterdam Theatre in 2014, this character has become a hallmark role, allowing performers to infuse their unique personalities and comedic flair into one of Disney’s most iconic figures.
This tradition of larger-than-life performers stepping into the blue-tinted magic is set to take an extraordinary turn. Sherri Shepherd, the Emmy-winning former co-host of ‘The View’, is set to join the Broadway production of ‘Aladdin’ this fall, marking the first time a woman has ever portrayed the Genie in any Disney-produced version of the musical.
Disney Theatrical Group has confirmed that Shepherd will begin her limited engagement on October 16, running through January 3, 2027, at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Current Genie Caleb A. Barnett will continue with the production as the character’s standby during Shepherd’s run, ensuring a seamless transition for the long-running hit.
Shepherd expressed her enthusiasm, sharing the news on social media before the official announcement. “Well…THE SECRET IS OUT! I’ve got a whole new kind of magic up my sleeve! I’m beyond excited, honored, and ready to rub the lamp and make some Broadway magic as the first woman to ever play the Genie in Disney’s ALADDIN!” she shared, reflecting on her journey from stand-up comedy to television and now back to the stage.
In a statement after the announcement, Shepherd shared what this milestone means to her personally. “To step on that stage as the first woman to ever play the Genie is something I don’t take lightly,” she said, expressing her hope that audiences will see themselves in her performance and leave feeling inspired to believe in the impossible.
This will be Shepherd’s second Broadway credit, following her 2013 debut as the Evil Stepmother in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’, a role that made her the first African American actress to portray that character on Broadway. Her stage résumé also includes Off-Broadway shows like ‘Love, Loss, and What I Wore’ and Joy Behar’s ‘My First Ex-Husband’.
Disney Theatrical Group’s leadership praised Shepherd’s comedic instincts as a perfect match for the role. “Throughout her career, Sherri has represented delight, wit, and loving good humor, making her the ideal entertainer to embody the life force that is the Genie,” said Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart in a joint statement announcing her casting.
Shepherd, a Daytime Emmy Award winner in 2009, co-hosted ‘The View’ for seven years and has a diverse résumé that includes sitcoms like ’30 Rock’, ‘Friends’, and ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, along with film roles in ‘Precious’ and ‘Ride Along 2’. Her casting adds another significant credit to a year that already features her upcoming Lifetime film ‘Angel in the Rubble’, premiering on September 12.
Since its opening in 2014, ‘Aladdin’ has emerged as one of Broadway’s most successful productions, setting 17 house records at the New Amsterdam Theatre and attracting over 22 million audience members worldwide across performances on four continents. Shepherd’s arrival injects fresh energy into a show that has continually evolved to remain culturally relevant even after more than a decade.
With her limited engagement now confirmed, Shepherd’s portrayal of the Genie is expected to bring a unique comedic flair to a role traditionally associated with show-stopping charisma.
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