“The older I get and the more iconic the piece, I believe that it's wise to watch a bit and become inspired and take moments that feel so connected to the story and also connected to me that I feel like I can make a part of my own performance.”

American actress, singer, dancer, and producer, born 1985

Annaleigh Ashford is an American actress, singer, dancer, and producer working across theatre, film, and television. Born in 1985, she has won a Tony Award and been nominated for a Grammy and an Emmy. She is known for leading Broadway revivals, including Sunday in the Park with George in 2017 and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 2023, where she played Mrs. Lovett and received another Tony nomination. She was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy for her role as Irene in the Hulu limited series Welcome to Chippendales.