The best Erika Henningsen movies and TV shows showcase her incredible talent as both an actress and a singer, showcasing the impressive range of skills she honed thanks to her on-stage career. Born in 1992 in California, Erika Henningsen first gained widespread recognition for her work in theater, particularly for originating the role of Cady Heron in the Broadway adaptation of Mean Girls. Her powerful voice and strong stage presence quickly cemented her as a standout performer, leading to more opportunities in film and television. While she is best known for her work on stage, her transition to on-screen roles has been met with critical and fan acclaim alike.
Beyond Broadway, Erika Henningsen has continued to demonstrate her impressive range by lending her voice to animated series and portraying dynamic live-action characters. Her performances in Girls5eva, Hazbin H๏τel, and Helluva Boss have proven that her charisma and vocal talents translate seamlessly to the screen. Whether tackling comedy, drama, or musical storytelling, Henningsen has made a name for herself as a multi-faceted performer. While her movie career has yet to fully take off, the best Erika Henningsen TV shows reveal the solid foundations she’s already made for potential Hollywood success.
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Helluva Boss (2024)
Erika Henningsen Plays Bethany Ghostf***er
2024’s Helluva Boss, an animated dark comedy created by Vivienne Medrano, takes place in the same universe as Hazbin H๏τel and follows the misadventures of the I.M.P. ᴀssᴀssination company. Known for its irreverent humor, striking animation, and catchy musical numbers, the show has developed a pᴀssionate following. Erika Henningsen joins the cast as Bethany Ghostf***er in the season 2 episode “Ghostf***ers”, a character who embodies the show’s absurd and over-the-top energy.
Henningsen’s performance in Helluva Boss highlights her comedic timing and vocal dexterity, making Bethany a memorable addition to the show. She delivers her lines with a mix of charm and chaos, seamlessly fitting into the series’ outrageous world. Medrano’s direction allows the voice cast to fully embrace their roles, and Henningsen shines alongside established voice actors like Richard Steven Horvitz and Brandon Rogers. While her role may not be the most prominent in Helluva Boss, her ability to steal the scene makes it one of her standout performances.
Although Helluva Boss has not received mainstream award recognition, its dedicated fanbase and critical praise for its animation and voice acting have made it a cult favorite. Henningsen’s involvement in the series further solidifies her ability to take on unconventional and highly entertaining roles, proving her versatility beyond the stage, and, of course, is an important link between Helluva Boss and Hazbin H๏τel.
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Girls5Eva (2021-2024)
Erika Henningsen Plays Young Gloria
A critically acclaimed comedy series created by Meredith Scardino and produced by Tina Fey, Girls5Eva follows the reunion of a once-popular girl group trying to reclaim their former glory. Originally created for Peacock before moving to Netflix, Girls5Eva is packed with sharp satire, hilarious musical moments, and a stellar cast, including Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Busy Philipps, and Paula Pell. Erika Henningsen plays Young Gloria, the younger version of Gloria McManus, played by Pell.
Henningsen’s involvement in Girls5eva highlights her adaptability as both an actress and a singer, proving that she can deliver laughs and heartfelt moments with equal ease.
Although a supporting role, Henningsen makes a strong impression in the cast of Girls5Eva with her comedic timing and musical prowess. Her scenes provide key flashbacks that flesh out the backstories of the group members, offering insight into their past struggles and triumphs. Henningsen’s ability to embody a younger version of Pell’s character adds authenticity to the show’s storytelling, making her an essential part of Girls5eva‘s charm.
Girls5Eva has been praised for its witty writing, memorable musical numbers, and performances, all of which play into Erika Henningsen’s strengths as a performer. Henningsen’s involvement in Girls5eva highlights her adaptability as both an actress and a singer, proving that she can deliver laughs and heartfelt moments with equal ease. The show has received multiple award nominations, and while Henningsen herself has yet to be individually recognized, her contribution to the series is undeniable. As one of the best Erika Henningsen TV shows, Girls5eva stands out as a testament to her comedic and musical talents.
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Hazbin H๏τel (2024-Present)
Erika Henningsen Plays Charlie Morningstar
Erika Henningsen takes center stage in Hazbin H๏τel, the 2024 animated series by Vivienne Medrano. Adapted from the highly successful YouTube series following Amazon’s acquisition of the show, Hazbin H๏τel follows Henningsen’s Charlie Morningstar, the princess of Hell, who seeks to rehabilitate sinners in an attempt to reduce overpopulation in Hell. With its dark humor, Broadway-style musical numbers, and distinct animation, Hazbin H๏τel has captivated audiences and gained a loyal following.
As the lead of the Hazbin H๏τel cast, Erika Henningsen brings warmth, optimism, and depth to Charlie, making her a compelling protagonist. Her vocal performance is a standout, balancing Charlie’s unwavering enthusiasm with moments of vulnerability and self-doubt. The musical elements of the series allow Henningsen to showcase her powerful singing voice, a skill that has made her a standout in the theater world. Under Medrano’s creative direction, she delivers a performance that blends humor and heart, making Charlie an instantly lovable character.
Alongside co-stars like Stephanie Beatriz, Alex Brightman and Keith David, Henningsen’s portrayal of Charlie adds layers to Hazbin H๏τel‘s unique world. Despite only releasing in 2024, Hazbin H๏τel has already made a significant impact, and stands as the best Erika Henningsen TV show to date. With potential award recognition on the horizon, her performance in Hazbin H๏τel further establishes Erika Henningsen as a formidable talent in both animation and musical storytelling.
Erika Henningsen’s Guest Appearances
In addition to her starring roles, Erika Henningsen has made several memorable guest appearances on well-known TV shows, further showcasing her range as an actress. While these roles may be brief, they highlight her ability to seamlessly adapt to different genres, from drama to comedy.
One of her most notable guest spots was in Harlem, the popular Prime Video series created by Tracy Oliver. Henningsen appeared as Kate in two episodes of Season 2, тιтled “Baby and the Bath Water” and “It’s Giving Fashion.” Harlem follows a group of ambitious Black women navigating love, careers, and friendships in New York City. In her role as Kate, Henningsen played a stylish and confident socialite, bringing humor and charm to her scenes, with a performance that fit perfectly within the show’s vibrant and witty tone.
Erika Henningsen’s guest roles may not be as prominent as her lead performances, but they add to her growing resume and highlight her ability to stand out in any project she joins.
Henningsen also guest-starred in the long-running CBS police procedural Blue Bloods. She played Madeline Gleeson in the Season 10 episode “Behind the Smile.” Madeline Gleeson was a key witness in a case investigated by the Reagan family, and the role showcases Hennignsen’s ability to tackle dramatic material. While Blue Bloods is far from the musical and comedic roles she is best known for, her performance demonstrated her ability to command attention in a serious, grounded setting.
Erika Henningsen’s guest roles may not be as prominent as her lead performances, but they add to her growing resume and highlight her ability to stand out in any project she joins. Whether in drama or comedy, Henningsen continues to prove that she can bring depth and charisma to every role she takes on.
Erika Henningsen’s On-Stage Career
Before making the leap to screens, Erika Henningsen built an impressive career in theater, showcasing her powerhouse vocals and remarkable stage presence. As a classically trained singer and actress, she first gained recognition on Broadway, where she quickly became one of the most exciting performers of her generation.
One of her most iconic roles was Cady Heron in the Broadway adaptation of Mean Girls, which debuted at the August Wilson Theater in 2018. The musical, based on Tina Fey’s beloved 2004 film, brought Henningsen into the spotlight as she originated the lead role. Her portrayal of Cady perfectly balanced the character’s innocence, ambition, and eventual transformation, while also delivering powerhouse vocals in songs like “It Roars” and “Stupid with Love.” Her performance earned widespread acclaim, and she was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical.
With an undeniable stage presence and a powerful voice, Erika Henningsen’s theater career has been a defining aspect of her journey as a performer.
Henningsen also made a significant impact in Les Misérables, one of the most celebrated musicals of all time. She first joined the show’s national tour in 2013 as Cosette, performing in major cities across the United States. Later, in 2015, she made her Broadway debut in Les Misérables, this time playing Fantine. Taking on the emotionally charged role in a production at the Imperial Theatre, she delivered a haunting and heartbreaking performance of “I Dreamed a Dream.” Her ability to bring depth and emotion to both roles in different productions of Les Misérables cemented her status as an up-and-coming talent poised for success in the world of theater.
Beyond these standout performances, Henningsen has continued to showcase her versatility in the theater scene. She starred as Helen in the 2022 Off-Broadway production of Flying Over Sunset at Lincoln Center Theater, further proving her ability to tackle complex and nuanced characters.
With an undeniable stage presence and a powerful voice, Erika Henningsen’s theater career has been a defining aspect of her journey as a performer. Her ability to bring depth, humor, and heart to each role she takes on has made her one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Broadway in recent years.