Sterling K. Brown Reveals He Sings with James Marsden Before Belting a Wicked Tune
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In a delightful and heartwarming revelation that’s taken social media by storm, Emmy Award-winning actor Sterling K. Brown has shared that he and fellow actor James Marsden often sing together before belting out iconic songs from Wicked. This unexpected tidbit has delighted fans of both stars, offering a glimpse into their off-screen camaraderie and their shared love for music. Known for their acting prowess, both Brown and Marsden have been lauded for their diverse roles and captivating performances. However, their latest revelation about bonding over musical theater is something entirely new.
For fans of musical theater, Wicked holds a special place in their hearts. The Broadway hit, which has won over audiences worldwide since its debut in 2003, offers a reimagined backstory to the witches of The Wizard of Oz and is renowned for its powerful songs, including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good.” The musical’s dynamic characters and stirring tunes have turned it into a cultural phenomenon, and it seems that even Hollywood actors can’t resist singing along to its memorable numbers.
Who Are Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden? Sterling K
Before diving into the surprising musical connection between Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden, let’s take a moment to appreciate their impressive careers.
Sterling K. Brown is best known for his role as Randall Pearson on the critically acclaimed NBC series This Is Us. His performance on the show earned him numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards. Brown’s ability to navigate emotionally complex roles with depth and authenticity has made him a standout talent in Hollywood. Additionally, his appearances in films such as Black Panther (2018) and The Predator (2018) have solidified his place as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
James Marsden, on the other hand, has enjoyed a career spanning both film and television. He gained early recognition for his roles in X-Men (2000) and The Notebook (2004), where his charisma and charm caught the eyes of audiences and critics alike. Marsden has since become a staple in both comedic and dramatic roles, starring in films like Hairspray (2007), Enchanted (2007), and Westworld (2016–present). His natural charm and likability have made him a beloved figure in Hollywood, and his comedic timing and musical ability were highlighted in his performance as Corny Collins in Hairspray.
Both Brown and Marsden have been noted for their individual musical abilities, with Marsden having showcased his talent in several films, particularly in Hairspray, where his singing and dancing were part of the film’s success. Brown, while primarily recognized for his acting, has also displayed his vocal range in various interviews and public appearances. But it wasn’t until recently that the two actors revealed their shared love for singing, specifically together, and their special connection to Wicked.
The Musical Connection: Singing Together Before Wicked Sterling K
The revelation of Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden singing together before belting out a Wicked tune sparked immediate interest among fans, prompting many to ask: how did this musical bond come about, and what is the context of their impromptu performances?
In interviews, Brown shared that he and Marsden have developed a close friendship over the years. They first met while working together on the set of The Best of Enemies (2019), a drama film based on the true story of a civil rights activist and a former Ku Klux Klan member who develop an unlikely friendship. While the film was emotionally intense, it seems the on-set environment fostered a strong bond between the two actors.
One of the activities that brought them even closer was their shared love for music. Brown mentioned that on certain occasions, before filming scenes or during downtime, he and Marsden would casually sing together. Initially, these impromptu performances were just a way to pass the time or to bring a little lightness to their workdays. However, when Marsden—who had already showcased his musical chops in Hairspray—began to sing some familiar Broadway tunes, it became clear that both actors shared a deep connection to musical theater, specifically Wicked.
Brown revealed that Marsden would often initiate these singing sessions, and it became a ritual of sorts. Marsden, an avid fan of Wicked, would start by singing a few lines from the musical’s most famous songs, and Brown, eager to join in, would belt out the lyrics with his signature emotional intensity. As they harmonized together, they found themselves not only bonding over their shared passion for music but also building a camaraderie that strengthened their friendship.
Their go-to song? “Defying Gravity,” the iconic anthem from Wicked, which has become a signature song for both the characters of Elphaba and Glinda. This song, with its powerful message of empowerment and freedom, resonated deeply with both Brown and Marsden, and they embraced its uplifting lyrics wholeheartedly. Brown, known for his ability to deliver emotionally charged performances, brought his own emotional depth to the song, while Marsden’s voice, with its smooth and polished quality, complemented the performance perfectly.
The two actors found themselves immersed in the music, letting the powerful emotions of the song take over as they sang it together, much to the amusement of their colleagues. While these impromptu performances were private moments between friends, it’s clear that their enthusiasm and joy were contagious, and their shared love for musical theater created lasting memories.
Why Wicked? Sterling K
So, what was it about Wicked that made it such a central part of their singing sessions? For both Brown and Marsden, Wicked represents more than just a Broadway show—it’s a story of self-discovery, defiance, and finding one’s place in the world.
The character of Elphaba, the misunderstood “Wicked Witch of the West,” sings “Defying Gravity” as a powerful declaration of independence and self-realization. This theme of self-empowerment is something that Brown has frequently reflected on in his own life and career. As an actor who has fought against typecasting and navigated the complexities of being a Black actor in Hollywood, Brown has often spoken about the challenges and triumphs of carving out his own path in the industry. The themes in Wicked—of being true to oneself and not letting others define your worth—resonate deeply with his personal journey.
For Marsden, Wicked holds a special place because of his own experience with musical theater. Having performed in Hairspray, Marsden is no stranger to singing and dancing in front of audiences. His role as Corny Collins in Hairspray demonstrated his natural ease with musical performances, and it’s clear that he continues to embrace his love for singing, even when the cameras aren’t rolling. Singing Wicked songs with Brown provided him with an outlet to express his love for Broadway in a more private, fun setting, allowing him to reconnect with a side of himself he cherished.
Ultimately, both Brown and Marsden’s connection to Wicked serves as a testament to the universality of music and theater. No matter how famous, accomplished, or established they may be in their respective careers, both actors find joy in singing songs that have touched audiences around the world. Their impromptu renditions of Wicked are a reminder that art—whether on the screen or the stage—has a way of bringing people together, regardless of their background or profession.
The Impact of Their Friendship and Singing Sessions Sterling K
The revelation of Brown and Marsden’s musical friendship has sparked excitement among fans of both actors and musical theater lovers alike. Social media has been flooded with reactions from fans who were delighted to learn that two of their favorite actors share such a fun and lighthearted bond. Their duet performances have become a viral sensation, with fans sharing clips of their own renditions of Wicked songs, inspired by the two stars.
In an industry that often seems dominated by the pressures of competition and professionalism, the friendship between Brown and Marsden is a refreshing reminder that it’s okay to take a break from the demands of work and simply enjoy the joy of singing and sharing an experience with others. Their performances highlight the importance of creativity, playfulness, and human connection in an often challenging profession.
In interviews following their revelation, both Brown and Marsden have expressed how much these moments of musical escape meant to them. For Marsden, the experience was a reminder of the importance of staying connected to the things that bring him happiness outside of acting. For Brown, singing Wicked with Marsden gave him a chance to let loose and enjoy a moment of shared joy, far removed from the intensity of his acting career.
Conclusion
Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden’s musical bond over Wicked serves as a delightful and heartwarming reminder of the power of music and the joy it brings to our lives. Their impromptu singing sessions have not only strengthened their friendship but also allowed them to connect with something larger than themselves—musical theater. With their shared love of Wicked, these two talented actors have provided fans with a beautiful, unexpected glimpse into their off-screen lives, and it’s a moment that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the more delightful surprises in Hollywood. Whether they’re belting out a Broadway classic or simply enjoying a private moment together, Sterling K. Brown and James Marsden have proven that the magic of music can transcend the boundaries of stage and screen, bringing people together in the most unexpected ways.
