Robyn Hurder’s Unbelievable Journey to Becoming Marilyn Monroe on Broadway

The lights of Broadway have once again illuminated a new, thrilling portrayal of a beloved cultural icon with Robyn Hurder’s performance as Marilyn Monroe in the musical Smash. Officially opening on April 10, 2025, at the Imperial Theatre, Smash brings the creation of a fictional Broadway show about Monroe, titled Bombshell, to the stage. As Ivy Lynn, Hurder’s character takes on the monumental task of playing Monroe, a challenge she describes as a dream come true but also a unique emotional and artistic journey.

The Role of a Lifetime: Marilyn Monroe Through the Lens of Ivy Lynn

Smash is a comedic, behind-the-scenes exploration of the making of Bombshell, a Broadway production based on Marilyn Monroe’s life and career. Hurder plays Ivy Lynn, an aspiring Broadway star who takes on the iconic role of Monroe in the show within a show. This meta-layer makes her performance particularly complex, as she’s tasked not only with portraying Monroe but with embodying a character who’s herself playing the legendary star. It’s an opportunity that Hurder cherishes deeply, as she discussed in her recent appearance on The View.

Hurder opened up about how playing Monroe in Smash has been a dream fulfilled, sharing a poignant personal anecdote. She recalled getting a tattoo of stars on her wrist seven years ago after being rejected for a role in Moulin Rouge! The tattoo, she explained, symbolized her resolve not to let setbacks diminish her passion for performing. Now, with the opportunity to take center stage in a role that had long been a personal aspiration, she sees the tattoo as a manifestation of her persistence and triumph in the industry.

Extensive Preparation: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Hurder’s Dedication

For Hurder, the preparation for her role as Monroe is both physically and emotionally demanding. She revealed that she arrives at the theater two hours before each show to go through an intensive pre-performance routine. This includes a 20-minute vocal warm-up, a 25-minute dance and cardio workout, followed by makeup, wig application, and stretching. She also runs through the opening number by herself in her dressing room, ensuring that she’s fully prepared for the challenges of the performance.

Hurder’s commitment to her craft is clear, and it speaks to the complexity of bringing such an iconic figure to life. Monroe’s legacy, already larger than life, requires Hurder to balance respect for the character with a unique interpretation, making it a constant challenge to ensure a powerful and authentic performance every night.

A Role with Emotional Range: Flexing Character Muscles

In an interview with CBS News, Hurder likened her role in Smash to “a sandbox,” giving her the freedom to explore a wide range of emotions and actions. “I get to be crazy, I get to be mean, I get to be sweet, I get to be funny, I get to cry, you know? And I get to sing and dance. It’s everything.” This emotional versatility is at the heart of her performance, allowing Hurder to embody not just Ivy Lynn but also the complex and multifaceted figure of Monroe, weaving in humor, depth, and raw emotion.

Her ability to navigate these different dimensions of character has been central to her portrayal of Monroe and adds a unique layer to the production. As an actress who has spent over 20 years in the industry, Hurder’s experience and adaptability shine through in every aspect of her performance, making her portrayal of Monroe both fresh and faithful to the spirit of the star.

Embracing the Meta: “I’m Robyn, Playing Ivy, Playing Marilyn”

One of the challenges Hurder faced in taking on this iconic role was the potential pressure to mimic Monroe’s famous performance style. Instead of trying to directly imitate Monroe, Hurder has embraced a meta-approach to her role, which she describes as liberating. “It actually makes me feel better when I say, ‘I’m Robyn, playing Ivy, playing Marilyn,’” Hurder explained. This layered approach allows her to stay grounded in her own performance as Ivy Lynn, who is herself portraying Marilyn, instead of getting lost in the weight of the character’s real-world legacy.

This perspective is key to Hurder’s success in the role, as it gives her the freedom to inject her own personality and flair into the performance. It also allows her to honor Monroe’s legacy while bringing her own unique interpretation to the stage, which is essential when playing a character as iconic and beloved as Marilyn Monroe.

Personal Journey and Career Reinvention

Beyond the stage, Hurder’s personal journey adds depth to her approach to the role. In a heartfelt interview, she shared that there were moments in her career when she considered stepping away to focus on starting a family. That period of reflection led to the birth of her son, Hudson, and a reinvigoration of her career. Hurder’s transition from being a dancer to taking on a leading acting role highlights her versatility and dedication to growth, both personally and professionally.

Her journey, with its ups and downs, has clearly shaped her approach to Smash. This is not just a role for Hurder—it’s a culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and a passion for the arts. As she brings Monroe to life, Hurder is not just performing a role; she’s channeling her own personal growth and determination, making her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe not just a tribute, but a personal achievement.

Conclusion: A Star on the Rise

Robyn Hurder’s performance as Marilyn Monroe in Smash is more than just a stage role; it is a powerful testament to her dedication, talent, and the personal journey that has brought her to this point in her career. Through meticulous preparation, emotional range, and a deep connection to the role, Hurder brings a new layer to the legacy of Marilyn Monroe, while also forging her own path as a leading actress. As Smash continues to captivate audiences, Hurder’s star is undoubtedly on the rise, and her portrayal of Monroe is sure to be remembered as a highlight of Broadway’s 2025 season.