Sherri Shepherd Takes On The Genie For 'Aladdin on Broadway'

Aladdin on Broadway has found a new person to play the Genie, and Sherri Shepherd is that person. The Emmy-winning talk show host, comedian, actress, and best-selling author will join the cast in the role on Friday, October 16, 2026. Her run will continue through Sunday, January 3, 2027. 'Joining Aladdin on Broadway is an absolute dream come true—and an incredible honor,' said Sherri Shepherd. 'The Genie is such an iconic character, and I'm beyond excited to bring my own energy, humor, heart, and a little bit of magic to this role. I hope audiences see themselves in this Genie and leave the theater feeling so much joy and inspired to believe in the impossible. To step on that stage as the first woman to ever play the Genie is something I don't take lightly. I'm ready to rub the lamp, unleash some magic, and have the time of my life on Broadway.' 'Throughout her career, Sherri has represented delight, wit, and loving good humor, making her the perfect entertainer to play the life force that is the Genie,' said Disney Theatrical Group's Andrew Flatt (Managing Director) and Anne Quart (Executive Producer). 'We can't wait to see what happens when Sherri's authentic, brilliant comic energy meets the joyous escape of Aladdin. Audiences are going to adore her take on this iconic role.' Caleb A. Barnett, the current Genie for the show, will remain in the company as the Genie standby during Shepherd's run. Along with announcing Shepherd's new role in Aladdin on Broadway, Disney also shared the following biography: SHERRI SHEPHERD is a Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show host, comedian, actress, and New York Times best-selling author whose career spans more than three decades across television, film, Broadway, and stand-up comedy. She most recently hosted the nationally syndicated daytime talk show SHERRI for four seasons, bringing her signature warmth, humor, and relatable perspective to topical headlines, celebrity interviews, comedy, and uplifting stories. A multiple NAACP Image Award winner, Sherri also co-hosts the award-winning podcast Two Funny Mamas with Kym Whitley. Before SHERRI, Shepherd spent seven years as a co-host of The View and has hosted Dish Nation, The Newlywed Game, and Best Ever Trivia Show, among others. Her extensive television credits include 30 Rock, Friends, Sex Lives of College Girls, HARLEM, Mr. Iglesias, Trial & Error, Everybody Loves Raymond, The Jamie Foxx Show, and Less Than Perfect. Her film credits include Tyler Perry's STRAW, Brian Banks, Precious, Ride Along 2, and Beauty Shop. Her upcoming Lifetime film, Angel in the Rubble, premieres September 12. On Broadway, Shepherd made history as the first African American actress to portray the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella. Her other theater credits include the Off-Broadway shows Love, Loss, and What I Wore; and Joy Behar's My First Ex-Husband. She continues to tour nationwide as a stand-up comedian, frequently performing to sold-out audiences. A New York Times best-selling author, Shepherd has written two books for adults, Plan D: How to Lose Weight and Beat Diabetes (Even If You Don't Have It) and Permission Slips: Every Woman's Guide to Giving Herself a Break. She expanded her work as an author with her debut children's book, Sunshine Queens, which celebrates confidence, self-love, and the power of young girls embracing their individuality. Shepherd is also expanding her literary career with her first romance novel, Life Is a K-Drama, co-written with Jayci Lee and set for release in April 2027. Beyond entertainment, Shepherd is a passionate advocate for inclusivity, representation, and children with special needs, using her platform to champion meaningful causes and inspire audiences of all ages. Visit SherriShepherd.com . Aladdin on Broadway is based on the hit Disney animated film of the same name. It opened on Broadway on March 20, 2014, at the Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Since then, it has become one of the biggest shows in Broadway history. This Broadway musical brings the magic of the animated film to the stage and has been delighting fans young and old, both on Broadway and with touring versions of the show. What do you think of Sherri Shepherd taking on the role of the Genie in Aladdin on Broadway? Are you going to see her in this role? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!