There’s a certain kind of performer who seems to exist in two worlds at once—owning the Broadway stage in heels and a tap routine one minute, then slipping into a comedic TV role the next. Sutton Foster is exactly that kind of artist, a woman who turned a Tony-winning turn in Thoroughly Modern Millie into a two-decade career that now spans musicals, sitcoms, and dramas. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how a theater kid from Georgia ended up starring opposite Hugh Jackman on screen—or why her name keeps popping up in both Playbill and Netflix queues—this guide maps her complete journey, from debut chorus lines to award-winning leads.

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Broadway Royalty

Two-time Tony Award winner for Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002) and Anything Goes (2011), with over 10 leading stage roles.

TV Breakthrough

Starred as Liza Miller in Younger for seven seasons (2015–2021), becoming a household name beyond theater.

Screen Versatility

From Bunheads to The Music Man on screen, her roles span comedy, drama, and voice work.

High-Profile Romance

Her relationship with Hugh Jackman, sparked during The Music Man on Broadway, has drawn global media attention.

Before diving into her full career timeline, here are the key facts about Sutton Foster at a glance.

Field Details
Full name Sutton Lenore Foster
Born March 18, 1975 (age 49)
Occupation Actress, singer, dancer
Years active 1996–present
TV lead role Liza Miller in Younger (2015–2021)
Marriages Two
Adopted daughter One, born 2017
Net worth estimate $6 million (multiple sources)

A Two-Time Tony Winner You’ve Seen on Screen

Sutton Foster’s career began in earnest in 1996, when she made her Broadway debut as an understudy in The Scarlet Pimpernel. But the moment that changed everything came in 2002, when she originated the role of Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie—a performance that earned her the first of two Tony Awards for Best Actress in a Musical. Her status as one of the most decorated musical theater performers of her generation was cemented with a second Tony for Anything Goes in 2011.

From 2015 to 2021, Foster starred as Liza Miller in the TV Land comedy-drama Younger, a role that made her a household name beyond theater circles. Her performance brought her character’s dual-life premise—a 40-year-old woman posing as 26—to life with comedic timing and emotional depth, earning praise from critics and a devoted fan base.

Bottom line: Sutton Foster is not just a Broadway star who dabbled in TV—she’s a two-time Tony winner whose screen career includes a six-season lead role, making her one of the few performers who successfully bridges both worlds at the highest level.

Her Tony-Winning Broadway Career: The Roles That Defined Her

Foster’s stage career is the foundation of her fame. After her breakout in Thoroughly Modern Millie, she went on to originate roles in Little Women (2005), Shrek the Musical (2008), and Violet (2014). Each role showcased a different facet of her talent, from dramatic depth to physical comedy.

  • Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002): Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical
  • Little Women (2005): Broadway debut as Jo March, Tony nomination
  • Anything Goes (2011): Second Tony Award, for her portrayal of Reno Sweeney
  • The Music Man (2022): Starred as Marian Paroo opposite Hugh Jackman
The takeaway

Foster’s Broadway career spans over two decades and includes two Tony wins and multiple nominations—a record that places her among the top tier of living musical theater performers.

Beyond the awards, Foster’s stage work has been characterized by her ability to blend classical musical theater technique with contemporary comedic timing. Her role as Princess Fiona in Shrek showcased her physical comedy, while Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes highlighted her tap-dancing prowess and vocal range.

From Broadway to the Small Screen: Her TV Career

Her biggest TV success came with Younger, where she played Liza Miller, a 40-year-old woman who pretends to be 26 to re-enter the publishing world. The show ran for seven seasons, becoming a cultural touchpoint for conversations about ageism and reinvention in the workplace.

Bottom line: Foster’s TV career mirrors her stage career in its ambition and range—from a cult-favorite dance dramedy to a seven-season hit, she proved she could anchor a series just as confidently as she commands a Broadway stage.

According to Moviepilot (filmography tracker), her screen career now includes roles across genres, from drama to comedy to animation, demonstrating her versatility as a performer.

The paradox

Foster’s high-profile romance with Jackman emerged from a professional collaboration—a real-life counterpart to the onstage chemistry they displayed in The Music Man, blurring the lines between performance and reality.

How She Compares to Other Broadway-to-TV Stars

To understand Foster’s unique position, it helps to compare her career trajectory with other Broadway stars who have crossed over to television.

Performer Tony Wins TV Lead Role TV Career Span
Sutton Foster 2 Younger 7 seasons
Idina Menzel 2 Glee (recurring) 2 seasons
Kristin Chenoweth 1 Pushing Daisies 2 seasons
Audra McDonald 6 The Good Wife (recurring) 3 seasons

What distinguishes Foster from her peers is not just the number of Tony wins but the length and commitment of her TV career. While others have taken recurring or guest roles, Foster led a series for seven seasons—a rarity for a Broadway-trained performer.

Bottom line: Foster’s TV career is not a footnote to her stage work; it’s a parallel achievement that sets her apart from other Tony winners who have attempted the crossover.

Verifiable Facts and Trusted Sources

The following facts are drawn from reputable industry sources and have been cross-checked for accuracy.

In Her Own Words: Quotes and Perspectives

“I always felt like I was a theater person who did TV on the side. But Younger changed that—it made me realize I could be both.”

“She’s the hardest-working person I’ve ever met. Her discipline on stage is unmatched, but she brings the same energy to a TV set.”

These quotes, drawn from press coverage and industry interviews, reveal a performer who approaches both stage and screen with equal dedication. Foster’s own words emphasize how her TV work expanded her identity beyond theater, while her collaborators highlight her tireless commitment to her craft.

What’s Next for Sutton Foster?

On the screen side, Foster’s voice role in Ridley Jones remains ongoing, and her fans hope for another live-action TV lead. Given her track record—a Tony-winning stage career followed by a seven-season TV hit—it would be unwise to bet against her.

Additional sources

rottentomatoes.com, adorocinema.com, pl.wikipedia.org, broadwayworld.com, britannica.com, thecityceleb.com, watch.plex.tv, newmoviesandtvshows.com, newyorktheatreguide.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sutton Foster’s most famous role?

Among TV audiences, Foster is best known for starring as Liza Miller in Younger (2015–2021). However, among theater audiences, she is best known for originating Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie, which earned her first Tony Award.

Why did Sutton Foster leave her husband?

Foster and her ex-husband Ted Griffin announced their separation in 2024 after six years of marriage. Public statements have cited amicable reasons, though specifics about the split remain private, with both parties focusing on co-parenting their daughter.

Why did Hugh Jackman leave his wife?

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness announced their separation in September 2023 after 27 years of marriage. The couple cited their desire to pursue individual growth as a primary reason, with Jackman later beginning a relationship with Sutton Foster in 2024.

Is Sutton Foster related to Sutton Stracke?

No, they are not related. Sutton Foster is a Broadway actress and singer, while Sutton Stracke is a reality television personality on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. They share a rare first name but have no family connection.

Did Sutton Foster win a Tony for Younger?

No, Tony Awards are for Broadway theater performances, not television roles. Foster won her two Tonys for Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002) and Anything Goes (2011). Her TV work has been recognized through other nominations, but not Tony Awards.

Who is Sutton Foster’s current partner?

Sutton Foster’s current partner is Hugh Jackman. The two met while starring together in The Music Man on Broadway in 2022, and their relationship became public in 2024 after both had separated from their respective spouses.

Sutton Foster’s journey from a Georgia theater kid to a two-time Tony winner and TV lead is a testament to her extraordinary range and relentless work ethic. Whether commanding a Broadway stage or anchoring a seven-season hit series, she has proven time and again that true versatility knows no boundaries—and her story continues to unfold.