Michelle Williams has opened up about the unexpected influence of a viral TikTok trend on the Broadway musical Death Becomes Her, as the show continues its run in New York City following this year’s Tony Awards. The impact of Michelle Williams on viral Death Becomes Her TikTok impact was felt not only by the cast but also by theatergoers, whose excitement has transformed the audience experience during performances.
How a Broadway Moment Became a Social Media Sensation
Although Death Becomes Her did not achieve major victories at the Tony Awards this year, the cast and creators have seen their work take on a new life thanks to widespread attention online. Jennifer Simard, who portrays Helen Sharp, has become particularly prominent on TikTok because of a memorable line from the song “Hit Me.” Social media users discovered Simard’s delivery of,
“That. Was. Rude … that was pretty f***ing rude,”
sparking a viral sound that has resonated beyond the theater community.
The musical itself draws from the popular film featuring Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep. Megan Hilty plays opposite Simard as Madeline Ashton, and their onscreen rivalry mirrors the story’s central conflict—both characters use a magical potion in pursuit of eternal youth. The viral line is delivered after Hilty’s character shoots Simard’s, resulting in no real harm since both are undead, but it delivers a comedic punch that has become a crowd favorite.
Clips of the scene, despite theater etiquette prohibiting the filming of performances, have circulated widely online. Users on TikTok frequently use the audio to poke fun at daily annoyances, further increasing the musical’s popularity and introducing it to people who may not have otherwise encountered it.
The Cast Responds to Viral Fame on the Tony Awards Red Carpet
During the Tony Awards in New York City, Michelle Williams shared her thoughts with Us Weekly about the atmosphere surrounding the show and Jennifer Simard’s popularity.
“That fabulous Jennifer Simard is everything,”
—Michelle Williams, Actress
Williams explained that the viral moment has changed how live audiences react during performances.
“[The audience], they’re anticipating that [line],”
“When they hear it, everybody goes crazy.”
—Michelle Williams, Actress
Those in attendance now eagerly await the “That was rude” moment, which has created a unique synergy between social media trends and the traditional Broadway stage experience.
Michelle Williams’ Preparation and Rossellini’s Endorsement
Michelle Williams has taken on the role of Viola in the stage production, a character inspired by Lisle von Rhuman from the original film, famously played by Isabella Rossellini. Williams described how she carefully studied notable singers and actresses to bring authenticity to her Broadway performance, making sure to honor Rossellini’s classic portrayal.
“There are a couple singers I studied, a couple actresses that I studied. Then Isabella Rossellini, I wanted to give her that respect too of the iconic role that she created.”
—Michelle Williams, Actress
This dedication paid off when Rossellini herself attended a performance earlier in the year. Williams recalled the special encounter:
“She hugged me and said she was proud,”
—Michelle Williams, Actress
“I said, ‘That’s all I need.’”
—Michelle Williams, Actress
Recognition and the Road Ahead
Death Becomes Her was nominated in nine categories at the Tony Awards, including top honors for the performances by Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard. While the show ultimately won only for Best Costume Design of a Musical, the viral attention has arguably brought as much recognition to the cast and story as any trophy.
The powerful blend of stagecraft and internet culture has made Death Becomes Her a notable topic not just for Broadway fans but also for the wider public intrigued by digital trends. With the show continuing to delight both in-person and online audiences, its legacy seems poised to grow, influenced by a moment that brought stars like Michelle Williams, Jennifer Simard, Megan Hilty, and Isabella Rossellini further into the spotlight.
As the theater world adapts to this new era of instant sharing and viral content, Death Becomes Her serves as a case study in how live performances can be shaped by the expectations and excitement of a connected audience, brought together by the power of a single unforgettable Broadway line.
