Keala Settle
{{short description|American actress and singer|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Keala Settle
| image = The Greatest Showman Japan Premiere Red Carpet- Keala Settle (39535224644) (Cropped).jpg
| caption = Settle at The Greatest Showman premiere in Japan on 13 February 2018
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1975|11|05}}
| birth_place = Lāʻie, Hawaiʻi, U.S.
| alma_mater = Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Southern Utah University
| yearsactive = 2002–present
| occupation = {{hlist|Actress|singer}}
}}
Keala Settle (born November 5, 1975) is an American actress and singer. Settle originated the role of Norma Valverde in Hands on a Hardbody, which ran on Broadway in 2013, and was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, and Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. In 2016 she was in the original Broadway cast of Waitress portraying Becky. In 2017, she portrayed Lettie Lutz, a bearded lady, in the musical film The Greatest Showman. The song "This Is Me" from the film, principally sung by Settle, won the 2017 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Early life, family and education
Settle was born in Hawaiʻi, the eldest of five children to Susanne Ti Settle (née MacDonald/Makitanara), an indigenous Māori born and raised in New Zealand (Ngāti Rangitāne, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahungunu), and British-born David James Settle.
She is a graduate of Kahuku High School (class of 1993) then studied at Brigham Young University–Hawaii (1993–1996) and Southern Utah University (1996–1998).
Career
=Broadway=
Settle made her Broadway debut in 2011 in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert as Shirley and in the ensemble.Champion, Lindsay. [http://www.broadway.com/buzz/168034/hands-on-a-hardbody-showstopper-keala-settle-on-growing-up-barefoot-grabbing-her-big-broadway-moment-by-the-balls/ "Broadway Buzz. Hands on a Hardbody Showstopper Keala Settle on Growing Up Barefoot.."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425035733/http://www.broadway.com/buzz/168034/hands-on-a-hardbody-showstopper-keala-settle-on-growing-up-barefoot-grabbing-her-big-broadway-moment-by-the-balls/ |date=2013-04-25 }} broadway.com, March 14, 2013[http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=488747 " 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' Listing' "] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510201830/http://www.ibdb.com/production.php?id=488747 |date=2013-05-10 }} ibdb, accessed May 11, 2013
Settle originated the role of Norma Valverde in Hands on a Hardbody, a musical which ran briefly on Broadway in 2013, and is based on the 1997 documentary about real people competing to win a new truck. The TheatreMania reviewer wrote: "Settle, as Norma, steals every scene she's in. The spectacularly bizarre lead-in to her big number, 'Joy of the Lord,' is more difficult to pull off than most Shakespearean monologues, and her solo vocals reveal a soulful, oversized gospel range that drives the Holy Spirit straight to the back of the theater. When she tearfully realizes what her faith in God may have wrought, it stings like a chigger bite. Settle's touching performance should go on the shortlist for every Best Featured Actress prize in town."Kaye, Kimberly.[http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/reviews/03-2013/hands-on-a-hardbody_64662.html "Review. 'Hands on a Hardbody'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326011346/http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/reviews/03-2013/hands-on-a-hardbody_64662.html |date=2013-03-26 }} theatermania.com, March 22, 2013 For this role, Settle was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk, and Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/177151-Outer-Critics-Circle-Nominees-Announced-Pippin-Earns-11-Nominations |title=Outer Critics Circle Nominees Announced; Pippin Earns 11 Nominations |access-date=2013-04-27 |date=2013-04-22 |work=Playbill |author=Gans, Andrew |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425044901/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/177151-Outer-Critics-Circle-Nominees-Announced-Pippin-Earns-11-Nominations |archive-date=2013-04-25 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/177397-Nominations-Announced-for-58th-Annual-Drama-Desk-Awards-Giant-and-Hands-on-a-Hardbody-Lead-the-Pack |title=Nominations Announced for 58th Annual Drama Desk Awards; Giant and Hands on a Hardbody Lead the Pack |access-date=2013-04-29 |date=2013-04-29 |work=Playbill |author=Gans, Andrew |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501210904/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/177397-Nominations-Announced-for-58th-Annual-Drama-Desk-Awards-Giant-and-Hands-on-a-Hardbody-Lead-the-Pack |archive-date=2013-05-01 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-et-cm-tony-awards-2013-nomination-list,0,7573653.story|title=Tony Awards 2013 nominees: Complete list|access-date=2013-04-30|date=2013-04-30|work=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=2013-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501011402/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-et-cm-tony-awards-2013-nomination-list,0,7573653.story|url-status=live}}[http://www.broadway.com/buzz/169165/hands-on-a-hardbody-showstopper-keala-settle-popped-the-champagne-on-nomination-morning/ "Buzz. Keala Settle Popped the Champagne on Nomination Morning"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626051256/http://www.broadway.com/buzz/169165/hands-on-a-hardbody-showstopper-keala-settle-popped-the-champagne-on-nomination-morning/ |date=2013-06-26 }} broadway.com Additionally, she was awarded the Theatre World Award for Outstanding Broadway or Off-Broadway debut performance during the 2012-13 theatrical season.{{cite web |last=Gans |first=Andrew |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/177686-Tom-Hanks-Bertie-Carvel-Valisia-LeKae-Rob-McClure-and-More-Are-Theatre-World-Award-Winners |title=Tom Hanks, Bertie Carvel, Valisia LeKae, Rob McClure and More Are Theatre World Award Winners |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607024250/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/177686-Tom-Hanks-Bertie-Carvel-Valisia-LeKae-Rob-McClure-and-More-Are-Theatre-World-Award-Winners |archive-date=2013-06-07 |website=playbill.com |date=May 7, 2013}}
Settle played the role of Madame Thenardier in the revival of Les Misérables, starting in March 2014,Playbill Staff. [http://www.playbill.com/features/article/beyond-the-barricades-les-miserables-thenardier-and-madame-thenardier-216162# "Beyond the Barricades: 'Les Misérables' Thénardier and Madame Thénardier"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041941/http://www.playbill.com/features/article/beyond-the-barricades-les-miserables-thenardier-and-madame-thenardier-216162 |date=2016-03-04 }} Playbill, March 18, 2014 and ending on March 1, 2015.Gioia, Michael. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/caissie-levy-andy-mientus-keala-settle-cliff-saunders-and-kyle-scatliffe-take-final-bows-in-les-misrables-342494# "Caissie Levy, Andy Mientus, Keala Settle, Cliff Saunders and Kyle Scatliffe Take Final Bows in 'Les Misérables'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813092247/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/caissie-levy-andy-mientus-keala-settle-cliff-saunders-and-kyle-scatliffe-take-final-bows-in-les-misrables-342494 |date=2015-08-13 }} Playbill, March 1, 2015
Settle originated the role of Becky in the musical Waitress, which opened on Broadway on April 24, 2016, at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre after premiering at the American Repertory Theater in August 2015.Viagas, Robert. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/bullets-over-broadway-star-nick-cordero-joins-cast-of-broadway-bound-waitress-379048" 'Bullets Over Broadway' Star Nick Cordero Joins Cast of Broadway-Bound 'Waitress'"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214173023/http://playbill.com/news/article/bullets-over-broadway-star-nick-cordero-joins-cast-of-broadway-bound-waitress-379048 |date=2016-02-14 }} Playbill, January 12, 2016
=Other work=
Settle played the role of Tracy Turnblad in the national tour of Hairspray. In the review of the tour stop at the Kennedy Center in 2005, the Washington Post reviewer wrote: "As for Settle, she is a fine Tracy, even if she looks too old for graduate school, let alone high school."Marks, Peter. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/17/AR2005071701213.html Mostly, 'Hairspray' Holds Up Well"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707160330/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/17/AR2005071701213.html |date=2017-07-07 }} washingtonpost.com, July 18, 2005 She appeared in the national tour of the Lincoln Center production of South Pacific as Bloody Mary, starting in 2009.[http://broadwayworld.com/people/Keala-Settle/ "People, Keala Settle"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601011727/http://broadwayworld.com/people/Keala-Settle/ |date=2013-06-01 }} broadwayworld.comBlank, Matthew. [http://www.playbill.com/news/article/132285-PHOTO-CALL-South-Pacific-Tour-Begins-Rehearsal "PHOTO CALL: 'South Pacific' Tour Begins Rehearsal"] playbill.com, August 26, 2009 The reviewer for the Pioneer Press, Massachusetts, wrote: "Better cast is Keala Settle, who plays the conniving Tonkinese trader lady Bloody Mary with a rolling gait, the venom of viper and—buried deeply but achingly visible in strategic moments—the maternal fierceness of a lioness."Papatola, Dominic P. [http://www.thetranscript.com/news/ci_15022968?source=rss "Theater review: 'South Pacific' is very nearly an enchanted evening"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202110412/http://www.thetranscript.com/news/ci_15022968?source=rss |date=2021-02-02 }} thetranscript.com, May 5, 2010
In November through December 2012, Settle played the role of Mrs. Fezziwig in the Pioneer Theatre Company (Salt Lake City) production of the musical A Christmas Carol.{{cite news |last=Gioia |first=Michael |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/172701-Alan-Menken-and-Lynn-Ahrens-Christmas-Carol-With-Kevin-Earley-Laura-Hall-Opens-Nov-30-in-Salt-Lake-City |title=Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens' Christmas Carol, With Kevin Earley, Laura Hall, Opens Nov. 30 in Salt Lake City |work=Playbill |date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=May 8, 2013 |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502211815/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/172701-Alan-Menken-and-Lynn-Ahrens-Christmas-Carol-With-Kevin-Earley-Laura-Hall-Opens-Nov-30-in-Salt-Lake-City |url-status=live }}
She played the role of the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit, Maine from July 31 to August 25, 2013.{{cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/180615-Clay-Aiken-and-Keala-Settle-Star-in-Ogunquits-Joseph-and-the-Amazing-Technicolor-Dreamcoat-Beginning-July-31 |title=Clay Aiken and Keala Settle Star in Ogunquit's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beginning July 31 |work=Playbill |date=July 31, 2013 |access-date=July 31, 2013 |archive-date=August 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801235149/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/180615-Clay-Aiken-and-Keala-Settle-Star-in-Ogunquits-Joseph-and-the-Amazing-Technicolor-Dreamcoat-Beginning-July-31 |url-status=live }}
Settle performed in the Encores! concert staging of Violet on July 17, 2013, with Sutton Foster,{{cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/180169-Sutton-Foster-Joshua-Henry-Van-Hughes-Keala-Settle-Christopher-Sieber-Star-in-One-Night-Only-Violet-July-17 |title=Sutton Foster, Joshua Henry, Van Hughes, Keala Settle, Christopher Sieber Star in One-Night-Only Violet July 17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103213254/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/180169-Sutton-Foster-Joshua-Henry-Van-Hughes-Keala-Settle-Christopher-Sieber-Star-in-One-Night-Only-Violet-July-17 |archive-date=2013-11-03 |work=Playbill |date=July 17, 2013 }} but did not move on to the Broadway revival due to taking the role of {{lang|fr|Madame Thénardier|italic=no}} in the revival of Les Misérables; she was replaced in Violet by Annie Golden.
Settle discussed her career path, noting that "I really am not a musical theatre performer. I'm more an R&B singer and have been doing that my whole life. My mother is—well, was—also an R&B singer, in New Zealand....I was too busy wanting to sing backup or doing studio work singing chorus stuff, and singing backup for Gladys Knight in Vegas." Further, after her run in Hairspray, she stated that she "didn't know how to live in that world..." and so for several years worked backstage with designers until she was cast in South Pacific.{{cite news |last=Gans |first=Andrew |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/diva-talk-a-chat-with-hands-on-a-hardbody-star-keala-settle-com-203186 |title=Diva Talk: A Chat With Hands on a Hardbody Star Keala Settle |work=Playbill |date=March 8, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2018 |archive-date=January 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093108/http://www.playbill.com/article/diva-talk-a-chat-with-hands-on-a-hardbody-star-keala-settle-com-203186 |url-status=live }}
In 2017, Settle portrayed Lettie Lutz, a bearded lady, in the biographical musical drama film The Greatest Showman, alongside Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. The song "This Is Me" from the film, principally sung by Settle, won the 2018 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song.{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/11/the-greatest-showman-benj-pasek-justin-paul-oscars-interview-1202195785/ |title=The Greatest Showman Songwriters Benj Pasek & Justin Paul on the Revitalization of the Original Hollywood Musical |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=November 17, 2017 |work=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=May 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507115735/https://deadline.com/2017/11/the-greatest-showman-benj-pasek-justin-paul-oscars-interview-1202195785/ |url-status=live }} On December 22, 2017, she released an extended play entitled Chapter One.[https://music.apple.com/us/album/chapter-one-ep/1329780887 Chapter One] itunes.apple.com, December 22, 2017
In 2018, she was featured in Forbidden, the newest Todrick Hall visual album, especially in the song called "Forbidden", a song against homophobia.{{Citation|last=todrickhall|title=FORBIDDEN by Todrick Hall|date=2018-03-29|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=j8giXiRyGbg|access-date=2019-07-25|archive-date=2023-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417155516/https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=j8giXiRyGbg|url-status=live}}
In 2019, Settle played the role of Cy (a gender-flipped version of Paul from the original, also combined with soloist 1) in Fox's Rent: Live.{{Citation|title=Rent: Live|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6881910/|access-date=2019-07-25|archive-date=2019-05-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530101121/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6881910/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://people.com/tv/rent-live-on-fox-keala-settle-sings-amid-stroke-recovery/|title=The Greatest Showman's Keala Settle Slays 'Seasons of Love' in Rent Live Amid Stroke Recovery|last=Quinn|first=Dave|publisher=People|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=July 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725142948/https://people.com/tv/rent-live-on-fox-keala-settle-sings-amid-stroke-recovery/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.broadway.com/buzz/193826/brandon-victor-dixon-vanessa-hudgens-keala-settle-jordan-fisher-set-for-foxs-rent-live/|title=Brandon Victor Dixon, Vanessa Hudgens, Keala Settle, Jordan Fisher Set for Fox's Rent Live!|last=Lefkowitz|first=Andy|publisher=broadway.com|date=October 29, 2018|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=July 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725142947/https://www.broadway.com/buzz/193826/brandon-victor-dixon-vanessa-hudgens-keala-settle-jordan-fisher-set-for-foxs-rent-live/|url-status=live}}
Also in 2019, Settle toured with Hugh Jackman during his The Man. The Music. The Show. concerts globally, performing the song "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman. On this tour Settle performed her original song Harder to a live audience for the very first time.
She performed "This Is Me" at the 2021 Royal Variety Performance. In January 2022, it was announced that Settle would make her West End debut performing the role of Angelique/Nurse in the musical & Juliet for a three-month run from March 29 to June 18, 2022.{{cite web |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Keala-Settle-to-Make-West-End-Debut-as-Nurse-in-JULIET-20220117 |title=Keala Settle to Make West End Debut as Nurse in & JULIET |last=Rabinowitz |first=Chloe |website=BroadwayWorld |date=January 17, 2022 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118023003/https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Keala-Settle-to-Make-West-End-Debut-as-Nurse-in-JULIET-20220117 |url-status=live }}
In 2022, Keala Settle sang "How Many Sleeps 'till Christmas" for the Numberblocks.{{cite web |url=https://www.blue-zoo.co.uk/blog/numberblocks-festive-single-release |title=FIRST FESTIVE SINGLE RELEASE FOR TOP CBEEBIES CHILDREN'S SHOW, NUMBERBLOCKS |website=BlueZooAnimation |date=December 2, 2022 |access-date=December 2, 2022 }}
Settle made her pantomime debut in 2022, playing the role of Fairy Sugarsnap in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Royal Derngate Theatre, Northampton.{{Needs citation|date=December 2022}}
In 2022 it was announced that Settle will play the role of Miss Coddle in the movie adaptation of the musical Wicked. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie includes stars such as Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Ethan Slater, as well as feature the voice of Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond.{{Cite web |last=Stephan |first=Katcy |date=2022-12-09 |title=‘Wicked’ Films Add Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Bowen Yang, Keala Settle and More |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/wicked-movie-marissa-bode-nessarose-bowen-yang-keala-settle-1235455970/ |access-date=2024-11-06 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}
In February 2024, Settle participated in the fifth series of The Masked Singer UK as the character "Air Fryer". She was eliminated and unmasked in the semi final, taking fifth place.
On the 19th of June 2024, Settle returned to the role of Angèlique in "& Juliet" at The Sydney Lyric Theatre, after Casey Donovan left the cast to star as Deloris Van Cartier in the upcoming Sister Act musical. https://www.aussietheatre.com.au/news/keala-settle-to-take-over-role-of-angelique-in-juliet
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year ! Title ! Role !Notes !Ref. |
| 2015
| Sharon | | |
| 2017
| Lettie Lutz | | |
| 2020
| Viv Lawrence | | |
| 2022
| American Reject | Holly | | |
| 2024
| Bev | | |
| 2024
| Wicked | Miss Coddle | | |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes !Ref. |
|---|
| 2019
| Cy, Homeless Person, Vendor, Roger's Mother |Television special | |
| 2021
| Big Shot | Christina Winters | Recurring role; 4 episodes | |
| 2021–2022
| Young Bitsy (voice) | 2 episodes | |
| rowspan=2|2022
| Hélène Paulik | | |
| The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration
| Guest Presenter & Performer | | |
| 2024
| Air Fryer | Contestant on series 5 | |
=Theatre=
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Production !Role !Location !Ref. |
| 2003–2006
| Tracy Turnblad | rowspan="2" | US Touring Production | |
| 2009–2011
| Bloody Mary | |
| 2010
| rowspan="2"| Priscilla, Queen of the Desert | rowspan="2"| Shirley | Pre-Broadway Try-out | |
| 2011–2012
| rowspan="2" | Broadway | |
| rowspan=2|2013
| Norma Valverde | |
| Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
|Narrator | |
| 2014–2015
|Broadway | |
| 2014
| rowspan="3"| Waitress | rowspan="3"| Becky | Workshop | |
| 2015
| American Repertory Theatre World Premiere | |
| 2016
| Broadway | |
| 2017
| Peter | All-Female Concert Production | |
| rowspan=3|2022
|Rose Hovick |
| & Juliet
| rowspan=2|West End, Manchester | |
| Sister Act
| Sister Mary Patrick | |
| rowspan="2"|2024
| & Juliet | Sydney, Australia | |
| Fly More Than You Fall
| Jennifer | Off-West End | |
| 2025
| Penelope Pennywise | Encores! | |
=Video games=
Discography
=Soundtrack albums=
=Extended plays=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of extended plays, showing title, date released, labels and track listing ! scope="col" style="width:14em;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:24em;"| Album details ! scope="col" style="width:14em;"| Track listing |
| scope="row"| Chapter One{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/chapter-one-ep/1329780887|title=Chapter One - EP by Keala Settle|website=iTunes|date=22 December 2017|access-date=24 August 2018|archive-date=25 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825002440/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/chapter-one-ep/1329780887|url-status=live}}
|
|
|
|---|
=Singles=
=Other charted songs=
=Other appearances=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
! scope="col" rowspan="1"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="1"| Year ! scope="col" rowspan="1"| Album !Ref. |
| scope="row" | "It Ain't Over 'Til the Fat Lady Sings"
| 2007 | Hairspray (Music from the Motion Picture) [Collector's Edition] | |
|---|
| scope="row" | "Forbidden" (with Todrick Hall & Jade Novah) | 2018 | |
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{IMDb name}}
- {{IBDB name}}
- [https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMePehSxB/ @TheKealaSettle at TikTok]
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Settle, Keala}}
Category:American stage actresses
Category:American women singers
Category:Actresses from Hawaii
Category:American people of Māori descent
Category:American people of English descent
Category:Southern Utah University alumni
Category:21st-century American actresses
Category:American film actresses
Category:American Latter Day Saints
Category:American television actresses
Category:Theatre World Award winners