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Jennifer Simard

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BIO

Simard is from Litchfield, New Hampshire. She studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music and Hunter College. After studying, Simard moved to New York, where she appeared in Forbidden Broadway '93.


She made her Broadway debut in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and later performed in the Broadway productions of Shrek The Musical and Sister Act.
She received Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical for her roles in I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, The Thing About Men, and Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit (2005).
She originated the role of Sister Mary Downy in the 2016 Broadway musical Disaster!, for which her performance earned her a Tony Award nomination and a Drama League Award nomination in 2016. She was also nominated for a Drama Desk Award for the role, which she performed off-Broadway in 2014.
She appeared on Broadway as Ernestina in the 2017 revival of Hello, Dolly!, starring Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce. Simard played Miss Hannigan in the St. Louis Muny production of Annie from July 18–25, 2018. In August 2018, it was announced that Simard would join the Tony-nominated musical Mean Girls as Mrs. Heron, Ms. Norbury, and Mrs. George that September, replacing Kerry Butler. Her last performance was on December 8, 2019.
In October 2019, it was announced that Simard would join the gender-swapped revival of Company as Sarah at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. She returned to the production after the pandemic, starring as Sarah over the course of 2020 to 2022. Between February 26 to March 6, 2022, she took over the role of Joanne due to the indisposition of Patti LuPone. At the 75th Tony Awards Simard received her second nomination for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical.
In 2023, she originated the role of Stepmother in the Britney Spears jukebox musical Once Upon a One More Time at the Marquis Theatre.
In 2024, Simard starred in the stage adaptation of Death Becomes Her as Helen Sharp, opposite co-lead Megan Hilty as Madeline Ashton. The production's out of town tryout ran at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre from April 30 to June 2, 2024. Simard and Hilty will lead the production on Broadway, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, with previews beginning Oct 23, before opening on Nov 21st.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2024
Helen Sharp

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2023
Stepmother

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2021
Sarah

[St. Louis, MO (Regional)]
Muny Production, 2018
Miss Hannigan

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2018
Mrs. George [Replacement]

Mrs. Heron [Replacement]

Ms. Norbury [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2017
Ernestina

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Sister Mary Downy

[Off-Broadway]
Return Engagement [Off-Broadway], 2013
Sister Mary [Replacement]

Sister Mary

[Off-Broadway]
2013
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2008
Performer

[US Tour]
First National Tour, 2006
Rona Lisa Peretti

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2005
Clara Kinsey

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Clara Kinsey

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2005
Rona Lisa Peretti [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2004
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2003
Woman

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1996
Woman #1

Woman #1

Performer (Understudy)

Movies

The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas
[ 2000 ] Bride-To-Be
Wish You Were Dead
[ 2001 ] Cake Girl
Shrek the Musical
[ 2013 ] Wicked Witch
Sisters
[ 2015 ] Pet Activist at Party
Respect the Jux
[ 2022 ] Ms. Hall
Somewhere in Queens
[ 2022 ] Patsy

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical

Jennifer Simard, Death Becomes Her

Drama League Awards - 2025 - DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE

Jennifer Simard, Death Becomes Her

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2025 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical

Jennifer Simard, Death Becomes Her

Tony Awards - 2025 - BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE IN A MUSICAL

Jennifer Simard, Death Becomes Her

Drama Desk Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Jennifer Simard, Company

Tony Awards - 2022 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Jennifer Simard, Company

Drama League Awards - 2016 - Distinguished Performance Award

Jennifer Simard, Disaster

Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Jennifer Simard, Disaster!

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Jennifer Simard, Disaster!

Drama League Awards - 2014 - Distinguished Performance Award

Jennifer Simard, Disaster!

The Lortels - 2005 - Outstanding Featured Actress

Jennifer SimardForbidden Broadway: SVU


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Jennifer Simard, The Thing About Men

Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Jennifer Simard, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change

Videos

News


Photos: Meet the 2025 Tony Award Nominees from Musicals
by Bruce Glikas - May 9, 2025

The 2025 Tony nominees gathered at the Sofitel New York yesterday to meet the press for the first time and BroadwayWorld was there for the special day. Check out photos of the 2025 musical nominees here.
DEATH BECOMES HER Partners With Local Artists to Create Work Inspired By the Show
by Stephi Wild - May 9, 2025

The Broadway production of Death Becomes Her has partnered with a curated group of contemporary NYC artists for a brand-new “Artists on Artists” series. Learn more here!
Breaking Down the 2025 Tony Awards Nominations
by Nicole Rosky - May 4, 2025

Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from Tuesday's big announcement and recap the full list and the nominees' reactions!
Videos: Watch the Cast of DEATH BECOMES HER Perform on The TODAY Show
by Josh Sharpe - May 2, 2025

As The TODAY Show's Broadway Week comes to a close, the cast of the Tony-nominated musical Death Becomes Her visited the morning show plaza to perform a selection of musical numbers from the hit show. Watch them now!
Broadway Box Office Analysis- April 2025 + How Tony Nominations Might Affect May and Beyond
by Ben Waterhouse - May 2, 2025

The past month represented the strongest April grosses in Broadway history, with each week being well over the $40 million mark, and Easter week peaking at over $50 million. Several shows opened, bringing the total number conncurrently running shows on Broadway to 40, the highest mark since 2018. As ever, some of those 40 are doing much better than others. 
DEATH BECOMES HER Releases New Block of Tickets
by Stephi Wild - May 2, 2025

A new block of tickets is now on sale for DEATH BECOMES HER, with performances now on sale through Sunday, April 5, 2026. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
2025 Tony Awards- The Nominees React
by Robert Diamond - May 1, 2025

Tonys time is here at last! The nominations for the 78th Annual Tony Awards were announced this morning by Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce. Follow us throughout the day, as we'll bring you Tony nominee reactions, exclusive reports, surprises, behind the scenes coverage and oh, so much more!
2025 Tony Awards Nominations - Show by Show
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2025

The nominations are in! Below, check out how each show fared individually in a full list of nominations by show and find out who earned the most nominations this year.
2025 Tony Award Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards nominations were announced by Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce and here they are... celebrating the best of the 2024-25 theatre season. Check out the full list of nominees here.
2025 Tony Awards Nominations- A Complete Guide
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards nominations will be announced soon and we are catching you up on the full season of shows, who is eligible for what, and so much more!
2025 Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025

Nominations for the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards were announced. This year’s awards, hosted by Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess, will be held on Sunday, June 1 at 6:15pm at NYU Skirball  Check out the full list here!
TODAY Show Unveils 'Broadway Week' Lineup: BOOP!, MAYBE HAPPY ENDING & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 28, 2025

As we gear up for Tony nominations, TODAY's annual Broadway week returns. The tradition, which honors the best of Broadway each season on the NBC morning show, will feature performances from Smash, BOOP!, Death Becomes Her, and Maybe Happy Ending.
Photos: DEATH BECOMES HER's Megan Hilty Gets Honored with a Sardi's Portrait
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 26, 2025

Megan Hilty, who is currently portraying the role of Madeline Ashton in the Broadway musical Death Becomes Her, recently received her Sardi's portrait! See the photos below.
2025 Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 25, 2025

The Outer Critics Circle has announced the nominees for the 2025 Outer Critics Circle Awards, honoring the 2024-2025 Broadway and Off-Broadway season. We have the full list of nominees here!
Get a Behind the Scenes Look at DEATH BECOMES HER on Bravo Tonight
by Stephi Wild - Apr 25, 2025

Bravo will air the original 1992 film, Death Becomes Her, tonight, Friday, April 25, as part of a special  Death Becomes Her Theme Night. The musical's stars will introduce the film as well as a special behind the scenes look at the musical.
DEATH BECOMES HER Will Launch North American Tour in 2026
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2025

DEATH BECOMES HER, will head out on a multi-year North American tour beginning in Fall 2026. Learn more about the tour and see which cities the tour will stop in!
2025 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 22, 2025

The Drama League announced the 2025 Drama League Awards Nominees for Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Play, Outstanding Direction of a Musical, and the much-coveted Distinguished Performance Award. We have the full list of nominees here!
Video: Watch MCC MISCAST 2025 Featuring Megan Hilty, Jennifer Simard, Cole Escola, Aaron Tveit and More
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 22, 2025

MCC Theater recently presented its annual Miscast gala- one of the most anticipated theater events in New York each year. Watch the video featuring all your Broadway faves, streaming now!
DEATH BECOMES HER Original Broadway Cast Recording Streaming Now
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 21, 2025

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of the drop-dead musical comedy, DEATH BECOMES HER, is streaming now on digital platforms.! The CD and 2-LP vinyl in Potion Purple are also available for pre-order with a release this summer.
Exclusive: Aaron Tveit Sings 'I Know Him So Well' at MISCAST25- a Tribute to Gavin Creel
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 18, 2025

BroadwayWorld is excited to bring you an exclusive sneak peek of one of the most touching moments of the night. Watch in this video as Aaron Tveit sings a tribute to his friend, and frequent Miscast collaborator, the late Gavin Creel.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jennifer Simard been in?

Jennifer Simard has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.

How many West End shows has Jennifer Simard been in?

Jennifer Simard has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Jennifer Simard been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Company, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Company, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Disaster, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Disaster!, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Disaster!, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Disaster!, Outstanding Featured Actress (The Lortels) for Forbidden Broadway: SVU, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Thing About Men and Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change.

What awards has Jennifer Simard won?

Jennifer Simard has won the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for her role in The Thing About Men.

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