"Death Becomes Her" may not have reigned supreme at this year's Tony Awards, but the cast is riding a wave of viral fame thanks to their unforgettable TikTok sound. On Sunday, June 8, amidst the glitz and glamour of the Tony Awards red carpet in New York City, Michelle Williams exclusively shared with Us Weekly, "That fabulously talented Jennifer Simard truly steals the show."
Over the past few weeks, the 54-year-old Simard has become an overnight sensation on TikTok, thanks to social media users discovering her powerful rendition of "Hit Me" from the musical "Death Becomes Her." Specifically, it's the line where she belts out, "That. Was. Rude… that was pretty f***ing rude," that has captivated audiences.
Based on the iconic film starring Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep, the musical, which pits Megan Hilty against Simard, follows a similar narrative of two women who consume a potion to attain eternal youth. The "that was rude" moment arises after Hilty's character, Madeline Ashton, shoots her frenemy, Simard's Helen Sharp, in the stomach. Being already deceased, no real harm is done, just the birth of a memorable catchphrase.
Theatergoers have been eager to capture this particular moment during the show (an action Us Weekly does not condone), while other social media users have put their unique spin on the song. Videos featuring the sound often showcase TikTokers satirically sharing minor inconveniences in their lives, set to the tune.
Williams, 45, elaborated on how this viral moment has influenced the stage production. "[The audience] eagerly anticipates that line," Williams said. "When they hear it, everyone goes absolutely wild." For the musical, Williams took on the role of Viola, a character akin to Isabella Rossellini's Lisle von Rhuman from the film.
"I studied extensively," Williams revealed to Us when asked about her preparation for this Broadway role. "I observed several singers and actresses. Isabella Rossellini, in particular, I wanted to honor for the iconic role she created."
The 72-year-old Rossellini even attended the show earlier this year, which was a highlight for Williams. "She hugged me and said she was proud," the actress recounted. "I responded, 'That's all I need.'"
"Death Becomes Her" was nominated for nine Tony Awards on Sunday, including Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for both Hilty and Simard. Though the show fell short in eight categories, it did secure a win for Best Costume Design of a Musical.
