From Broadway Powerhouse To Hollywood: Keala Settle's 5 Most Essential Movies And TV Shows (2024 Update)

Keala Settle, the powerhouse vocalist and actress who brought the world to its feet with the anthem "This Is Me," continues to dominate both the stage and screen with a growing and diverse filmography. As of late 2024, her career is experiencing a massive resurgence, transitioning from her celebrated roots on Broadway to major Hollywood productions and popular streaming series.

The latest and most anticipated update in her career is a key role in the upcoming, two-part movie adaptation of the global musical phenomenon, *Wicked*. This new cinematic venture, alongside her existing iconic roles, confirms her status as a versatile performer whose compelling presence and unmatched vocal talent are essential viewing. This article serves as the definitive guide to her most essential movies and TV shows, including her biography and all the latest projects.

Keala Settle: A Complete Profile and Biography

Before achieving global screen fame, Keala Settle was already a highly respected veteran of the Broadway stage, known for her incredible vocal range and commanding presence. Her journey from her Hawaiian roots to a Tony Award nomination provides the foundation for her later success in film and television.

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• Full Name: Keala Joan Settle
• Date of Birth: November 5, 1975
• Place of Birth: Laie, Hawaii, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Ancestry: Settle’s mother is of Māori descent (from New Zealand), and her father is from England.
• Education: Attended Southern Utah University.
• Broadway Debut: *Priscilla, Queen of the Desert* (2011), as Shirley.
• Tony Award Nomination: 2013, Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Norma Valverde in *Hands on a Hardbody*.
• Other Notable Stage Roles: Becky in *Waitress* (Original Broadway Cast) and Madame Thénardier in the 25th Anniversary Tour of *Les Misérables*.
• Breakout Screen Role: Lettie Lutz (The Bearded Lady) in *The Greatest Showman* (2017).

The Cinematic Breakout: From Broadway to the Big Screen

While Settle was a star in the theatre world, her transition to film brought her international recognition, primarily through her unforgettable performance in a beloved musical film. Her ability to convey raw emotion and power through song translated perfectly to the screen, cementing her as a global talent.

1. The Greatest Showman (2017) – Lettie Lutz (The Bearded Lady)

Keala Settle’s role as Lettie Lutz, the Bearded Lady, is arguably her most famous and career-defining performance to date. The film, which tells a fictionalized story of P.T. Barnum’s creation of the circus, became a global phenomenon, grossing over $430 million worldwide.

Settle’s character, Lettie, is the heart of the ensemble of "oddities," and she is the principal vocalist on the film's most powerful song, "This Is Me." The song quickly became an anthem for self-acceptance and empowerment, transcending the film itself.

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• Co-Stars: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Zendaya.
• Impact: "This Is Me" won a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for an Academy Award.
• Topical Authority: Her rendition of the song is credited with changing her life and inspiring millions, making her an icon for body positivity and celebrating differences.

2. Wicked (Part One & Part Two) (2024 & 2025) – Miss Coddle

This is the freshest and most exciting addition to Keala Settle's filmography. The long-awaited film adaptation of the beloved musical *Wicked* is being split into two parts, with *Part One* scheduled for release in late 2024 and *Part Two* following in late 2025.

Settle is cast in the role of Miss Coddle, a character created specifically for the film adaptation and not featured in the original Broadway musical. Reports suggest Miss Coddle serves as a headmistress or a significant staff member at Shiz University, overseeing the students and adding a new layer to the school's hierarchy.

Her casting, alongside other Broadway veterans and rising stars like Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), is a major nod to her theatrical roots and a sign of her rising stature in Hollywood. Her presence guarantees a powerful vocal performance, potentially in a new song or a key ensemble number tailored for her unique talent.

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3. All My Life (2020) – Viv Lawrence

Moving away from musicals, Settle took on a key supporting dramatic role in the 2020 romantic drama *All My Life*. The film is based on the true story of a couple whose wedding plans are drastically altered after the groom is diagnosed with liver cancer.

Settle plays Viv Lawrence, a friend of the main couple, providing emotional depth and support. This role demonstrates her ability to handle non-singing, dramatic material and showcases her versatility as a screen actress beyond the musical genre. The film co-starred Jessica Rothe and Harry Shum Jr.

The Essential Television and Streaming Roles

Keala Settle has also made a strong impression on the small screen, lending her voice and acting talent to a variety of television projects, from Disney+ series to popular animated shows and British crime dramas. These roles are crucial for a complete understanding of her screen career and topical authority.

4. Big Shot (2021-2022) – Christina Winters

In the Disney+ dramedy series *Big Shot*, Settle played Christina Winters, the assistant coach to Marvyn Korn (played by John Stamos). The series follows a temperamental college basketball coach who is fired and must take a job coaching a girls' high school basketball team.

Settle's role was significant, providing a steady, grounded presence as a mentor and colleague. Her involvement in a Disney+ original series further expanded her reach into the streaming world and showcased her talent for comedic timing and heartfelt drama, appealing to a family audience.

5. Murder in Provence (2022) – Hélène Paulik

In a surprising and captivating turn, Keala Settle took on a role in the British crime drama series *Murder in Provence*. Based on the novels by M.L. Longworth, the series follows an investigating judge and his romantic partner as they solve murders in the picturesque French countryside.

Settle played Hélène Paulik, a role that provided a significant departure from her musical background. Her participation in an international, non-musical drama highlights her commitment to diversifying her resume and embracing complex, character-driven television.

Keala Settle’s Other Notable Screen and Stage Entities

To fully appreciate the scope of Keala Settle's career, it is important to acknowledge her deep roots in the theatrical world and other minor but impactful screen appearances. These entities demonstrate her continuous work and influence across various media platforms.

• Animated Series: She lent her vocal talents to the Apple TV+ animated musical comedy series *Central Park*, a perfect blend of her singing and acting abilities.
• Live Musical Broadcasts: Settle was part of the cast of *Rent: Live* (2019), a televised production of the musical *Rent*, further showcasing her live-performance pedigree to a mass audience.
• Reality TV: She was a contestant on the UK version of *The Masked Singer* in 2022, performing as "Air Fryer," which delighted fans and critics alike.
• Early Film Roles: Her film debut came in the 2015 dramedy *Ricki and the Flash*, starring Meryl Streep, where she played a member of the band.
• West End Success: Following her Broadway run, she brought her talents to London's West End, starring in the musical *& Juliet* as the Nurse, a role that earned her critical acclaim in the UK.

Keala Settle’s journey is a powerful narrative of a Broadway star who successfully conquered Hollywood. With her upcoming, high-profile role in the *Wicked* films (Part One and Part Two), her star is set to rise even higher. Whether she is singing an award-winning anthem or grounding a dramatic television series, Settle’s authenticity and vocal power make her an actress to watch for years to come.