The Unstoppable Stephanie Mills: 5 Ways The Original Dorothy Of The Wiz Is Still Dominating Broadway In 2025

Stephanie Mills is an undisputed Broadway legend, forever etched in history as the original, powerhouse Dorothy in the 1975 production of The Wiz. Decades after her star-making performance, which earned her a Tony Award and launched a phenomenal R&B career, the icon is once again making headlines. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Mills’ career is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, marked by a surprising return to the Broadway stage and a renewed spotlight on her foundational role in the beloved musical’s legacy, especially with the current high-profile The Wiz revival.

This article dives into the latest updates on Stephanie Mills, exploring how her career has evolved from the yellow brick road to her current status as a reigning queen of music and theater, providing the most current details on her life, her 2024 Broadway comeback, and her lasting influence on the world of entertainment.

Stephanie Mills: A Complete Biography and Profile

Stephanie Dorthea Mills is an American singer, songwriter, and actress whose career spans over five decades, encompassing Grammy-winning R&B hits and a Tony Award-winning performance that changed Broadway history. Her powerful voice and stage presence have cemented her status as a legendary figure in both music and theater.

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• Full Name: Stephanie Dorthea Mills
• Date of Birth: March 22, 1957
• Age (as of 2025): 68 years old
• Birthplace: Brooklyn (or Queens), New York, U.S.
• Parents: Joseph Mills and Christine Mills
• Key Professions: Singer, Songwriter, Broadway Actress, R&B Artist
• Career Debut: Began performing at age nine; first Broadway role in Maggie Flynn (1968) at age 11.
• Iconic Role: Dorothy in the original 1975 Broadway production of The Wiz.
• Major Awards: Tony Award (1975 Special Award for The Wiz), Grammy Award (1981 for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "Never Knew Love Like This Before").
• Noteworthy R&B Hits: "Home," "Never Knew Love Like This Before," "I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love," "If I Were Your Woman."
• Marriages: Married three times (to Jeffrey Daniel, Jonathan P. Roberts, and Kevin Talley).
• Children: One son, Jeremiah Mills.
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Approximately $1.5 million.

1. The Shocking Broadway Return: From Dorothy to Hermes in Hadestown (2024)

The biggest news surrounding Stephanie Mills in 2024 was her highly anticipated return to Broadway, marking her first appearance on the Great White Way since 1989. However, she did not return to the land of Oz. Instead, Mills took on the role of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, in the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical, Hadestown.

Her run as the narrator Hermes began on July 2, 2024, at the Walter Kerr Theatre. This casting was a major event, as it showcased Mills’ versatility, taking on a role traditionally played by a male actor (Jon Jon Briones, who she replaced). This move highlighted her enduring vocal and theatrical power, proving that the woman who first sang "Home" on Broadway decades ago still commands the stage with unparalleled authority. The decision to star in *Hadestown* rather than the current *The Wiz* revival was a powerful statement about her career's evolution beyond her most famous role.

2. Her Enduring Legacy in The Wiz and the 2024 Revival

Stephanie Mills’ performance as Dorothy in the original 1975 production of The Wiz remains the benchmark for the role. The musical, an African-American adaptation of L. Frank Baum's classic novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was initially met with mixed reviews but became a smash hit thanks to Mills' raw talent and the show's infectious score by Charlie Smalls.

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The original production, directed by the legendary Geoffrey Holder, won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The emotional depth Mills brought to songs like "Soon As I Get Home" and the iconic finale, "Home," is credited with saving the show and turning it into a cultural phenomenon. She continued to revisit the role in the National Tours of 1983-1984 and 1992-1993, solidifying her connection to the material.

The 2024 Revival and the New Dorothy

The current 2024 Broadway revival of The Wiz, which opened at the Marquis Theatre, is the first major revival since Mills' last tour. This production features a new generation of talent, with newcomer Nichelle Lewis taking on the role of Dorothy. The revival is helmed by director Schele Williams and features choreography by JaQuel Knight. The title role of The Wiz is played by the multi-talented Wayne Brady. While Mills is not in the cast, her influence is palpable, and her recent interviews have placed her at the center of the conversation, offering her perspective on the show's enduring message and the pressure faced by the new cast.

3. The R&B Crossover: From Broadway Star to Grammy Winner

Following her initial success on Broadway, Stephanie Mills seamlessly transitioned into a highly successful career as an R&B and soul singer. Her music career in the late 1970s and 1980s produced a string of chart-topping hits and cemented her status as a vocal powerhouse. Her ability to pivot from the theatrical demands of Broadway to the soulful intimacy of R&B is a testament to her vocal range and artistic depth.

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Key R&B hits that showcased her signature sound include:

• "Home" (a song from The Wiz that became a massive R&B and pop crossover hit)
• "Never Knew Love Like This Before" (which earned her a Grammy Award)
• "I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love"
• "Sweet Sensation"
• "The Medicine Song"

This phase of her career introduced her to a global audience, making her a household name far beyond the theater community. Her musical journey demonstrates the rare feat of achieving peak success in two distinct, competitive industries.

4. Her Candid Talk on The Wiz Film and Critical Backlash

Stephanie Mills has been extremely candid in recent interviews, providing fresh insights into her experience as a young star. She has openly discussed the critical backlash the original 1975 show initially faced and the reasons why she did not reprise her role as Dorothy in the 1978 film version, which famously starred Diana Ross.

In a discussion on Sway's Universe, Mills addressed the controversy surrounding the film adaptation, clarifying that the producers chose to go in a different direction, opting for a star of Diana Ross's caliber for the cinematic version. She has also reflected on the "vicious criticism" she received as a teenager playing Dorothy. This willingness to discuss the difficult, less-glamorous aspects of her past has resonated with fans and provided valuable historical context for the musical's evolution. Her story is a powerful narrative of resilience, turning initial critique into a seven-time Tony Award-winning success story.

5. The Ongoing Cultural Impact and New Projects (2025)

Even as she takes on new roles like Hermes in *Hadestown*, Stephanie Mills’ influence on Black theater and music remains profound. Her work on *The Wiz* paved the way for future all-Black Broadway productions and is a touchstone for countless performers. The themes of self-discovery and finding "Home" in *The Wiz* are timeless, and Mills is the original voice for that message.

Beyond Broadway, Mills continues to work on new projects. She recently starred in the movie 'Pride: A 7 Deadly Sins Story,' showcasing her continued commitment to acting. Furthermore, her story is now featured in the new documentary 'It's Dorothy!,' which explores her journey and the cultural significance of her original performance. As she continues her run in *Hadestown* and engages with the media about her legacy, Stephanie Mills proves that her career is not just a relic of the past, but a vibrant, ongoing force in the entertainment world, setting the stage for an exciting 2025.