Zachary Levi‘s reputation is currently navigating turbulent waters due to recent controversies in his career. The Broadway world was rocked when Laura Benanti, a notable stage actress, openly criticized Levi following his contentious remarks about the late Gavin Creel. Levi and Benanti shared the stage in the 2016 Broadway revival of “She Loves Me,” yet Benanti has never held a fond opinion of him. On “That’s a Gay Ass Podcast,” she confessed, “I never liked him…” Her criticism has only intensified with Levi’s controversial comments about Creel’s passing.
During their time in “She Loves Me,” Levi was making waves in theater, though he was still best known for his work on NBC’s “Chuck.” Meanwhile, Benanti, with several Tony nominations under her belt, was far from impressed with Levi’s energy. Despite the show’s success and its Tony Award for Best Scenic Design, Levi’s efforts to win over the cast through exuberant dance party antics fell flat with Benanti, leading to a lingering feud.
Tragically, in 2023, the Broadway community mourned the loss of Gavin Creel, who passed away at just 48 years old after battling a rare cancer. Creel was widely celebrated for his roles in “Hello, Dolly!” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” The outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and colleagues showcased the immense impact Creel had on the theatre world.
However, controversy ensued when Levi speculated during an Instagram Live session—“Trump, Triage, Corruption, Covid and the Potential End of the World”—that Creel’s death might have been linked to COVID-19 vaccinations. He alleged that vaccine mandates in the theater world were at fault. His remarks caused an uproar, particularly among the Broadway community, leading to accusations of misinformation.
Benanti, during the podcast, wasn’t hesitant to express her disappointment, vehemently stating, “To use his memory for his political agenda… f—k you forever.” She was particularly disturbed by what she perceived as a staged attempt by Levi to express emotion during his commentary. With these actions, Levi finalized her negative opinion of him, confirming she had completely severed her connection to him.
This incident marks another chapter in Zachary Levi’s controversial journey. The actor’s standing in both the entertainment and theater communities might further deteriorate if he continues to make such divisive statements. As Broadway and the wider public process these events, the conversation on how personal platforms are wielded remains critical. The choices made in public discourse will undeniably shape Levi’s future trajectory both on and off the stage.
