Megan Hilty Reflects on Her Emotional Farewell to Death Becomes Her in Heartfelt Final Bow on Broadway

Megan Hilty as she takes her final bow in Broadway’s ‘Death Becomes Her’ on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.
Credit :

Dave Quinn

NEED TO KNOW

• Megan Hilty was brought to tears on Sunday, Jan. 11, as she took her final bow in Broadway’s Death Becomes Her
• The actress originated the role of Madeline Ashton in the musical, which was portrayed by Meryl Streep in the 1992 film.
• Betsy Wolfe will step into the role of Ashton beginning Friday, Jan. 16.

The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City was filled with emotion on Sunday, Jan. 11, as Megan Hilty performed her final show in Broadway’s Death Becomes Her. The sentiment in the theater was palpable, with a supportive audience and members of the show’s creative team present, including director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli and composer Julia Mattison.

Throughout her final performance, Hilty received warm applause, highlighted by a mid-show standing ovation during her Act I number, “Falling Apart.” The audience showed immense enthusiasm, giving her an extended round of applause upon her entrance.

Megan Hilty in ‘Death Becomes Her’ on Broadway.

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

However, it was during the curtain call that Hilty was truly overcome with emotion. As she took her bow, tears filled her eyes, and she was surrounded by applause from both the audience and her castmates.

“We are all obviously here to celebrate the one and only Megan Hilty,” said her co-star Josh Lamon, presenting her with a bouquet of flowers. “I tried to think of something to say, and the word that kept coming to mind is ‘extraordinary.’ You are not just our lead; you are our leader.” Lamon further praised Hilty, calling her an “extraordinary mother,” mentioning her dedication to her children, Viola Philomena and Ronan Laine, while leading the show.

“We love you to the moon, and this is not goodbye; this is a celebration,” Lamon concluded. Following a heartfelt hug, Hilty continued to embrace her emotions as her co-stars Michelle Williams and Dee Roscioli offered her comfort. As the curtain closed, she waved and blew kisses to the audience, finishing her performance by jumping in celebration with her cast.

Megan Hilty poses during the New York City premiere of the film ‘Wicked: For Good!’ at David Geffen Hall on Nov. 17, 2025, in New York City.

Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

Hilty, who has been with the project since its early development, originated the role of the glamorous, immortal Madeline Ashton, and has earned her second Tony nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for this performance. Following her absence due to a vocal injury, she returned to the stage in July after a four-week recovery, calling this role “the most challenging and rewarding” of her career.

Based on Robert Zemeckis’s 1992 dark comedy, Death Becomes Her has been a Broadway sensation, securing 33 nominations throughout the 2024–2025 theater season, including 10 Tony nods, and has captivated audiences with its comedic take on vanity and fame.

Hilty has been joined by notable co-stars including Jennifer Simard as Madeline’s rival, Helen Sharp, Christopher Sieber as Ernest Menville, and Grammy Award winner Michelle Williams as Violet Van Horn. The original characters were famously played on screen by Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis, and Isabella Rossellini.