Celebrity Info
Keala Settle was a highly acclaimed singer and actress who made her mark on both Broadway and the big screen. She is most recognized for her unforgettable portrayal of Lettie Lutz, the bearded lady, in the 2017 musical film The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman. Settle was born and raised in Hawaii, where she discovered her passion for singing at a very young age. After pursuing her education at Southern Utah University, she committed herself fully to a career in music and acting.
Like many hopeful performers, she moved to New York City to chase her dreams. As she worked hard to establish herself in the competitive world of theater, Settle auditioned tirelessly, always keeping her eyes set on a Broadway stage. It wasn’t an easy journey—she faced many challenges along the way—but her perseverance paid off when she finally made her Broadway debut in 2011 in the musical Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Two years later, Settle returned to Broadway in a brand-new role—Norma Valverde in Hands on a Hardbody, which she originated. Her performance earned her widespread acclaim and even a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. By this time, Keala Settle had firmly established herself as a powerful presence on stage.
Expanding her career beyond theater, she made her film debut in 2015 with a role alongside Meryl Streep in the musical comedy Riki and the Flash. Then, in 2017, she reached a new level of fame with The Greatest Showman, where she delivered a stirring performance of the now-iconic song “This Is Me.” The track received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, further cementing Settle’s place in the entertainment world.
Following the success of the film, Keala Settle continued to take on exciting new roles. In 2019, she appeared in the live television production of the beloved musical Rent, broadcast on Fox. In the show, she played multiple characters, including Cy and Mrs. Davis, showcasing her incredible versatility as a performer. Rent: Live aired on January 27, 2019, and gave audiences yet another chance to witness the talent of this extraordinary artist.
Keala Settle has been part of several film and television projects throughout her career, but among all of them, her highest rated movie to date is Wicked (2024). On the flip side, one of her lowest rated performances came with Rent Live (2019), which received a much more mixed reception from both critics and audiences. While Keala Settle has consistently delivered strong performances, these two projects represent the extremes in terms of public and critical response. It’s interesting to see how different roles and productions can impact the perception of Keala Settle’s work in the entertainment industry.
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