Brittney Johnson: First Black Glinda in Broadway's Wicked | Exclusive Interview

In this exclusive interview, NowThis correspondent Luria Freeman sits down with actor Brittney Johnson to discuss her journey as a Black woman in the Broadway industry. From her early days singing in church to making history as the first Black woman to play Glinda in Wicked, Brittney shares her experiences and insights on navigating the challenges of the industry and the responsibilities that come with breaking barriers. Join us for a deep dive into the intersection of art and identity with one of Broadway's rising stars.

’I am a Black woman. I am the first Black woman to play Glinda. I am not 'Black Glinda.‘’ — Brittney Johnson shares what it’s like to be a ‘first’ and how she hopes to ensure she’s not the last in her role on Broadway.

#BrittneyJohnson #interview #wickedthemusical #broadway #exclusiveinterview #nowthis

» Subscribe to @nowthis

Connect with NowThis

NowThis Originals is NowThis' new destination for midform, premium series.

[PrettyPinkPeacock]

She makes a fantastic glinda! She has all of the energy and sweetness she needs!

For people who are upset the character has "changed" 1. Are looks/race everything about the character? Are they even significant to this particular character beyond her looking extremely pretty and feminine?
2. If race isn't a big factor, why shouldn't the casting be open to all people? Each version of the show is different and changing who plays roles according to what is good and creatively fits is a good thing!!

[andrewbellomo]

Brittney Johnson changed Wicked for good. Her historic principal debut at the Gershwin Theatre will go down in the history books. It was such a joy to see her come down in the bubble.

[theroyalebunny]

This really inspires me because Wicked was the first musical I ever saw on broadway and I love Glinda. I hope I can also perform as Glinda one day ❤

[Coolcatmel]

I recently saw this performance and wasn't expecting Glinda to be black. I was so excited! As a POC I felt really thankful to have gotten to see her in the role and she nailed it.

[KCsFunHouse]

I mean if one character can be green then Glinda can be any color! She looks like she nailed the part too! I mean to me, getting the character right in such an iconic play is way more important than what the actress looks like!

[dorothyallspice]

I saw her play Glinda when I to see Wicked on Broadway for my 21st birthday a few years back and she was absolutely perfect!

[platinumbranch]

I really enjoyed this interview. Your Mom had the right idea/theory by NOT teaching you there were skin color limits, and therefore you grew up believing you could do anything. That's the correct formula. Glad to see you giving honor to God as well. Yes, He chose you! CONGRATULATIONS! 🎊

[saldav]

She's so humble! They picked the perfect person for the performance.

[benschaeffer]

Glinda can be played by ANYONE. I REALLY enjoy when Elphaba has been played by a woman of color, so HONESTLY it is REALLY AMAZING to see Glinda being played by Brittney.

[kitxxxxxxx]

What a gorgeous person, inside and out. Her performance looks amazing too, would love to see her on stage

[lyndsayellison]

I LOVE THIS!!! I don’t know her, but I’m super proud of her. What a wonderful role model.😊😊😊

[caitlinweiss]

She seems to have such a sparkle inside her ♥️
Congratulations and good luck on a long and fulfilling career!

[axt]

Why would anyone be upset by her playing Glinda? Race was never a critical attribute of the character or narrative. Give the job to the best actor! She has a nice smile too btw

[Kesh_Keeeesh]

I have always wanted to see Wicked!! I REALLY want to now!! ♥️

[mclr]

Good on you Missus. Fantastic to see talent being the first choice.

[ikGREENY]

Why am I subbed to this channel I never did that…

[laurice]

Lena Horne played as Glinda the Good in the movie the Wiz. But the Wiz had an All Black cast.

Brittany is a beautiful talented actress in her own right. And she nailed her role as Glinda.

But unfortunately when it comes to productions with the major characters routinely being played by White actors this is what happens. The Non White actor, especially a Black actor or actress will Always be considered the first. They will always be labeled by their race.

Brittany will join the list of other famous first like Black Annie, Black Arial, Black Cinderella, even Black Jesus. But hopefully she won’t be the last.

The key is for the cast directors to not wait so long in presenting a multi cultural cast. Even for traditionally White main characters and other roles. After all, they get their revenue from an integrated audience.
👏🏻👏🏽👏🏼👏🏾👏🏿

[hyun-shik]

Keep in mind that this world has an RGB horse.

[Ricanchitown]

Why do they have to say what race she is, why not just her name, her achievements and what not.

[WokeDetection]

So why does she have to wear such light makeup if you wanted her to be black on the screen.

I'll simply not watch it because you put a black person to replace a white character whose identity was solidified as white to the fans of the show.

I'm black so don't even think about it. I hate being pandered to that's all