Sherri Shepherd to Make Broadway History as First Female Genie in ‘Aladdin’

Sherri Shepherd is hoping to make a little Broadway magic.

The actress, comedian and talk show host will become the first woman to play the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, the company announced Tuesday.

Shepherd will step into the role for a limited engagement run from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Jan. 3, 2027 at New York City’s New Amsterdam Theatre.

Robin Williams popularized the role in the 1992 animated movie version of the story, which earned $504 million at the worldwide box office, per BoxOfficeMojo.

Actor Caleb A. Barnett currently plays the Genie on Broadway and will serve as the standby during Shepherd’s run.

Related: Sherri Shepherd to Lead Lifetime Film on Last 9/11 Ground Zero Survivor

The actress shared news about her new role on Instagram.

“Well… the secret is out! I’ve got a whole new kind of magic up my sleeve!” she wrote. “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 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.”

Disney Theatrical Group Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart praised the casting in a joint statement.

“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,” they said. “We can’t wait to see what happens when Sherri’s authentic, brilliant comic energy meets the joyous escape of Aladdin. Audiences are going to adore her take on this iconic role.”

The casting also makes Shepherd the first woman to play the Genie in any of the 11 Disney-produced stage adaptations of Aladdin around the world, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Shepherd hosted her own syndicated daytime talk show titled Sherri, which ended its four-season run in May 2026. She previously co-hosted The View from 2007 to 2014 and also has a lengthy acting resume.

Among her TV credits are 30 Rock, Friends, Harlem, Mr. Iglesias, Everybody Loves Raymond, and The Jamie Foxx Show.

She’s appeared in numerous films, including Tyler Perry’s Straw, Precious, Brian Banks, Ride Along 2, and Beauty Shop. Her upcoming Lifetime movie, Angel in the Rubble about a 9-11 Ground Zero survivor, premieres Sept. 12.

Aladdin is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. It opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014, and earned five Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. James Monroe Iglehart, who originated the role of the Genie on Broadway, won a Tony for his performance.