Actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd saw her daytime talk show end earlier this year after four seasons on the air. Now, the former co-host of ABC’s Emmy-Winning “The View” is set to return to Broadway, appearing for a limited run in Disney’s “Aladdin.” This comes more than a decade after the former “Dancing With The Stars” contestant’s stint in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.”
Sherri Shepherd Will Play Genie in Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ on Broadway
GettyAccording to Deadline, Shepherd will begin her turn as Genie in “Aladdin” on October 16. She’ll play the role through the holiday season, with her final show on January 3, 2027.
Per the outlet, the former co-host of “The View” issued a statement on her casting. She said, “Joining ‘Aladdin’ on Broadway is an absolute dream come true and an incredible honor.” Shepherd continued, “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.”
She went on, “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.”
Disney Theatrical Group’s Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart also released a statement amid Shepherd’s casting. They stated, “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.”
Sherri Also Shared The News on Social Media
The actress continued, “I’m beyond excited, honored, and ready to rub the lamp and make some Broadway magic as the first woman to ever play the genie in Disney’s ALADDIN!” She added, “That’s right… GENIE, BABY! Wishes do come true!”
From there, she used the post to reflect on her iconic career, saying, “From comedy clubs to film & TV screens, to talk shows to the Broadway stage… what a journey! I cannot wait to bring my own brand of joy, laughter, BIG personality, and a little bit of sass to this role.”
She Previously Addressed The End of Her Show
The news came in February 2026 that Debmar-Mercury had decided to cancel “The Sherri Shepherd Show” after four seasons in first-run syndication. Days later, she addressed the cancellation of the series, revealing that she’d been caught off guard due to its success.
Shepherd said on the show, “I know that you have seen the news, and I’m ready to address it. Our show has not been renewed for another season. I wanted to say to y’all, try not to faint or fall out, because healthcare is expensive and none of us have it anymore.”
She then thanked everyone for the “outpouring of love,” including fans and fellow public figures. The host later vowed to fight for the chance to continue entertaining daytime audiences. The show’s final episode aired in May.
