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Kristin Chenoweth's Birth Father Was in 'Wizard of Oz'
28 Feb
Summary
- Kristin Chenoweth discovered her birth father's past theatrical role.
- Her father, Billy Ethridge, starred in 'The Wizard of Oz'.
- This occurred years before Chenoweth originated a role in 'Wicked'.
Kristin Chenoweth recently discovered a surprising family connection to the world of Oz. The Tony Award-winning actress, who was adopted as an infant by Junie and Jerry Chenoweth, learned through the program Finding Your Roots that her biological father, Billy Ethridge, shared her history with the classic tale.
Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. revealed that decades before Chenoweth originated the role of Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway hit Wicked, her birth father had his own turn in the spotlight. According to a vintage casting announcement, Ethridge played the titular role of the Wizard in a Junior Players Guild production of The Wizard of Oz. The performance took place at the Great Hall of St. Matthews Cathedral.
Upon reading the cast list, Chenoweth expressed amazement at the coincidence. Beyond their shared biological connection, the discovery highlights a deep-seated passion for performance and music that spans generations. This revelation adds a full-circle layer to Chenoweth’s legacy in the theater world, proving that her iconic journey to the Emerald City was, in a way, a family tradition.
