Laura Benanti, a celebrated Broadway actress, has publicly expressed her disdain for fellow performer Zachary Levi, citing his behavior on the set of their recent production and his controversial remarks following the death of their co-star, Gavin Creel. Benanti's comments were made during her appearance on the December 4 episode of the "That's a Gay Ass Podcast," where she candidly addressed her negative feelings towards Levi.
"I never liked him," Benanti stated unequivocally about Levi, 44, the actor known for his role in "She Loves Me." "Everyone was like, 'He's so great!' And I was like, 'No, he's not. He's sucking up all the f------ energy in this room. He wants to mansplain everybody's part to them.'" Her blunt assessment paints a stark contrast to the public persona Levi has maintained.
Benanti went on to describe Levi's attempts to boost morale on set through nightly dance parties, an initiative she clearly did not support. "He really sucked everybody in with his like dance party energy," she continued. "Like, 'We're doing a dance party at half-hour.' I was like, 'Good luck. Have fun.'" This behavior, according to Benanti, created an uncomfortable atmosphere for her and possibly other cast members.
The tension between the two actors intensified following the untimely death of Gavin Creel, their fellow cast member, who passed away on September 30, 2023, at the age of 48. Creel succumbed to metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Diagnosed just two months prior in July, Creel's battle with the disease was both brief and brutal.
Benanti was particularly upset by Levi's public statements regarding Creel's death. During an Instagram Live session in October, Levi suggested that Creel's demise was linked to the COVID-19 vaccine, a claim that has been widely discredited and criticized. "To use his memory for his political agenda and to watch him try to make himself cry until he had one single tear, which he did not wipe away, I was like, 'F--- you forever,'" Benanti remarked during her podcast appearance. Her strong language underscores the depth of her frustration and disapproval of Levi's actions.
In addition to her criticisms, Benanti shared her perspective on Levi's future in the entertainment industry. "Everyone's like, 'It's career suicide.' But it's not career suicide because Christian, faith-based TV and film is huge," she stated. "He's going to be a huge f----- star in that realm. He's going to make more money than he ever has. It makes me nauseous, but also a little bit, like, 'I told you, motherf------.'" Benanti's prediction suggests that Levi's conservative views may propel him into a different segment of the industry, potentially distancing him from mainstream Broadway and its diverse audiences.
Levi's representatives have not yet responded to Benanti's statements. The lack of response leaves the situation unresolved, with only Benanti's words adding to the ongoing drama surrounding the "She Loves Me" cast.
The aftermath of Creel's death has been marked by a mix of grief and controversy, particularly due to Levi's unfounded claims linking the COVID-19 vaccine to Creel's cancer. "I know that this is going to offend some people and make some people mad, and I wish it didn't," Levi said during his Instagram Live, where he referred to Creel as one of the "healthiest" people he knew. His assertion that the vaccine was responsible for Creel's death has been met with backlash from both fans and fellow actors.
Broadway star Norbert Leo Butz also voiced his disappointment in Levi's comments. "So incredibly disappointed you would politicize Gavin's death. Really tried to give you the benefit here. Made it halfway through, which was hard as hell," Butz commented, highlighting the broader disapproval within the Broadway community.
Contrastingly, Benanti took to social media in September to honor Creel's legacy, emphasizing his positive impact on those around him. "Anyone who has ever met Gavin remembers a moment (or many) when he made them feel seen and special," she wrote. "A moment (or many) when they basked in his reflected glow. A moment (or many) when that glow made its way into their hearts and remained there forever. Gavin was the brightest light in any room. Long may he shine."
Benanti's public airing of her grievances against Levi underscores the complexities and interpersonal dynamics that can arise within the high-pressure environment of Broadway productions. Her comments not only shed light on her personal frustrations but also reflect broader tensions that can surface in the wake of a tragedy.
