Stephen Colbert Says Female Portrayal of Jesus in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Is ‘Long Overdue’
Late-night host and professing Roman Catholic Stephen Colbert recently expressed support for a female portrayal of Jesus, calling it "long overdue." During an interview last week with British bisexual black actress Cynthia Erivo, Colbert discussed how she will play the role of Jesus in the upcoming production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" at the Hollywood Bowl Aug. 1–3 in Los Angeles.
"One of my favorite musicals of all time is 'Jesus Christ Superstar,'" Colbert said. "I love that — and I'm so excited that in August, you're going to be playing Jesus in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the Hollywood Bowl."
"First woman to play Jesus in a major production. Long overdue. I've said for years I'd love to see a woman in that part."
Erivo, who was asked by Colbert what that milestone meant to her, called the opportunity "a very special thing."
"I think the idea that I can play this role, and I've been given the opportunity to play it in front of so many people at that place [at] this time of my life is a very special thing. It's the first time I've been on stage in that way for a long time, so to do it with this role is awesome," Erivo, who uses they/them pronouns, said in response.
More Great Moments In Devout Catholicism. Stephen Colbert tells actress Cynthia Erivo, "One of my favorite musicals of all time is Jesus Christ Superstar. I love that—and I'm so excited that in August you're going to be playing Jesus...First woman to play Jesus in a major… pic.twitter.com/bz8bKxJGFe
— Alex Christy (@alexchristy17) June 6, 2025
Colbert commended Erivo saying she "obviously [has] the range" in an otherwise "incredibly demanding part" in "playing Jesus in a rock opera."
A day prior to the interview with Erivo, Colbert denounced the Trump administration during his opening monologue for not publicly celebrating pride month.
Great moments in devout Catholicism. Stephen Colbert attacks the Trump Administration for not issuing a Pride Month declaration, "No pride month proclamation, which means the White House is less inclusive and have less humanity than the Buffalo Bills, who tweeted "Happy pride.… pic.twitter.com/VLIXRfyu2c
— Alex Christy (@alexchristy17) June 5, 2025
Erivo, best known for her role in the film version of the "Wicked" musical, previously portrayed Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of "Superstar" in 2020. She also hosted this year's Tony Awards in New York City on Sunday.
The original "Jesus Christ Superstar" was released as a concept album in 1970 by Andrew Lloyd Webber and debuted as a musical on Broadway in 1971. A film adaptation of the musical was later released in 1973.
At the time, the production drew controversy for presenting Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, as a sympathetic character and lacking a depiction of the Resurrection.
Singer Adam Lambert, an outspoken homosexual who rose to fame on "American Idol" in 2009, will be playing Judas Iscariot at the Hollywood Bowl.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/CBS Photo Archive/Contributor
Originally published June 11, 2025.
