Olympic Gymnast Laurie Hernandez Joins Broadway Hit

Laurie Hernandez, the two-time Olympic medalist and beloved member of the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics “Final Five,” is set to take on an entirely new stage this spring: Broadway. Hernandez will make her much-anticipated debut in the hit jukebox musical &Juliet, joining the ensemble in the featured dance role of Charmion for a limited twelve-week run at the Sondheim Theatre in New York City. Her engagement will run from March 17 to June 14, 2026, marking a significant moment not just for Hernandez, but for fans who have followed her remarkable journey from Olympic podiums to the bright lights of Broadway.

“I’ve always been such a Broadway fan, so to make my Broadway debut in &Juliet is a dream come true. The show is so much fun to watch as an audience member, and I can’t wait to join this incredible cast and actually perform in the show each night,” Hernandez shared in a statement reported by multiple outlets including Playbill and New York Theatre Guide.

Hernandez’s leap to Broadway is the latest chapter in a career defined by versatility, resilience, and a knack for reinvention. She first captured the world’s attention at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics, where she helped lead the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team—the “Final Five”—to a gold medal. Hernandez also earned an individual silver medal on the balance beam, dazzling audiences with her poise and infectious energy. Notably, she made history as the first U.S.-born Latina to join the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team since 1984, a milestone that resonated deeply within and beyond the gymnastics community, according to Broadway World.

Her impact stretches far beyond competition. In recognition of her achievements and her pride in her Puerto Rican heritage, Mattel introduced a Laurie Hernandez “Shero” Barbie, celebrating her as both a sporting icon and a role model for young Latinas. Hernandez’s influence has also extended into the literary world: she is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, with her memoir I Got This: To Gold and Beyond and the illustrated children’s book She’s Got This, both emphasizing themes of confidence, resilience, and self-belief.

But Hernandez’s talents aren’t confined to the gym or the page. She won season 23 of Dancing with the Stars alongside partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy, earning the coveted Mirrorball Trophy and further showcasing her flair for performance. Her dance floor success helped lay the groundwork for her upcoming Broadway turn, as she transitions from ballroom routines to the high-energy choreography of &Juliet.

Her broadcasting career has also flourished. Hernandez has become a respected analyst for NBC, providing insightful commentary during both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Her work during the 2024 Summer Olympics earned her a Sports Emmy Award, a testament to her ability to connect with audiences and provide expert analysis. As noted by Broadway.com, her commentary has garnered widespread praise from viewers and the entertainment community alike.

Hernandez’s academic pursuits complement her artistic ambitions. She graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied drama and minored in creative writing. This educational foundation has no doubt contributed to her readiness for the Broadway stage, where storytelling and performance intersect nightly.

Her new role in &Juliet is more than just a professional milestone—it’s a personal passion fulfilled. The musical, nominated for nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, flips the script on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by imagining what would have happened if Juliet had chosen a different path. The show features a book by David West Read and a score packed with 30 pop hits written by Max Martin, including crowd-pleasers like “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” and “I Want It That Way.” According to New York Theatre Guide, the production is lauded for its youthful exuberance and infectious energy, making it a perfect fit for someone of Hernandez’s dynamic spirit.

The current Broadway company of &Juliet includes Gianna Harris as Juliet, James Monroe Iglehart as Lance, Teal Wicks as Anne, Drew Gehling as Shakespeare, and a robust ensemble of talented performers. Under the direction of Luke Sheppard and choreography by Jennifer Weber, the show has become an international sensation since opening at the Sondheim Theatre in November 2022, following its acclaimed West End run. The production was the first new musical of the 2022–2023 Broadway season to announce its recoupment, underscoring its commercial and critical success.

Hernandez’s Broadway debut is not just a personal achievement; it’s also a platform for her ongoing advocacy. In 2023, she was named a UNICEF USA Ambassador, reflecting her commitment to mental health and children’s rights. She frequently speaks at national events, using her voice to champion causes close to her heart and inspire the next generation.

As she prepares to step onto the storied Sondheim stage, anticipation is running high among fans and theatergoers alike. The show’s recommended age is eight and up, and performances promise to deliver two hours and forty minutes of music, dance, and imaginative storytelling—including one intermission for the audience to catch their breath. With Hernandez in the cast, there’s little doubt that the production will gain an extra spark, blending athletic prowess with theatrical flair.

Tickets for &Juliet are already in high demand, and industry observers are eager to see how Hernandez’s athletic discipline and charisma translate to the Broadway stage. With her diverse background—Olympic champion, bestselling author, Emmy-winning broadcaster, and now Broadway performer—Hernandez embodies the spirit of reinvention and possibility. Her story continues to unfold, and as she joins the ensemble of &Juliet, she invites audiences to witness a new act in a career that’s already been full of surprises.

Laurie Hernandez’s journey from Olympic gold to Broadway lights serves as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the courage to embrace new challenges. Audiences can look forward to seeing her bring the same energy and heart that have defined her career to one of Broadway’s most talked-about musicals this spring.