Patti LuPone's No-Apologies Stance: A Deep Dive into the Broadway Diva’s Feuds and Fame
If you’ve ever tuned into a live stage performance or caught a glimpse of Patti LuPone in a film, you might have had a moment of doubt about her on-screen abilities. LuPone’s recent appearance on Hot Ones Versus with Aubrey Plaza brought that sentiment back into the limelight. The Broadway legend didn’t shy away from her notorious comments about Madonna, making it clear that she stands by her earlier remarks.
Plaza, ever the provocateur, challenged LuPone to either issue a heartfelt apology to Madonna for her harsh critique or face the fiery wrath of a "death wing"—the spiciest, most infernal offering on the show. The stakes were high, but LuPone wasn’t fazed. Instead, she devoured the wing with almost theatrical flair before staring straight into the camera and dramatically hurling the wing towards it.
The exchange was nothing short of epic. LuPone candidly reflected, "I've seen her on stage and I saw her in a movie and I went, 'Um, okay.' There’s just some things some people can’t do, and you just gotta admit you can't do it, that’s all. Or don’t even try it! Everybody can’t do everything." Her comment was a bold declaration, underscoring her belief that talent doesn’t always translate across different mediums.
But LuPone wasn’t done yet. She threw another verbal jab, this time aimed at Kim Kardashian, asking, "Like Kim f---ing Kardashian. Can we go there? Or shall I eat another wing?" It’s clear that LuPone’s criticisms extend beyond Madonna, and this isn’t her first encounter with Kardashian’s acting prowess—or lack thereof.
LuPone’s critiques have always been candid and unfiltered. Her comments about Madonna’s acting chops, or lack thereof, first made headlines during a 2017 episode of Watch What Happens Live. LuPone didn’t hold back when discussing Madonna’s performance as Eva Perón in the 1996 film adaptation of Evita. She remembered, "The only thing Madonna has ever said to me was 'I’m taller than you.'" LuPone was less than impressed, recalling her reaction to Madonna's portrayal in Evita. "I was on the treadmill when MTV used to have videos, and I saw, I believe it was 'Buenos Aires', and I thought it was a piece of sh--," she said bluntly. Her opinion? Madonna was "a movie killer" with "dead behind the eyes" acting skills. She acknowledged Madonna’s talents as a performer but made it clear that she doesn’t view her as an actress.
This wasn’t the only feud LuPone has been involved in. Her long-standing conflict with Andrew Lloyd Webber, a result of his casting Glenn Close in a Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard despite LuPone’s previous contract, is well-documented. Yet, LuPone has shown a capacity for reconciliation. She shared a memorable moment from a Kennedy Center Awards ceremony where she encountered Close. After some initial tension, Close assured LuPone, "I had nothing to do with it," leading to an unexpected and heartfelt embrace. LuPone described the encounter as liberating, a way to shed years of anxiety with a simple act of forgiveness.
As for Madonna, while she hasn’t publicly responded to LuPone’s comments, she made sure to address host Andy Cohen with a cheeky remark during a 2023 concert. Madonna, in classic form, spilled a bit of her drink in Cohen’s direction and warned him, "Oh yeah, you’re gonna be in so much trouble. You little troublemaking queen." Madonna’s playful jab seemed like a nod to the ongoing drama between her and Cohen, a reminder that the Queen of Pop knows how to keep things interesting.
So, where does all this leave us? Patti LuPone, with her fierce independence and no-nonsense attitude, remains a compelling figure in the world of theater and beyond. Her feuds, whether with Madonna, Kardashian, or Webber, reveal a woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stand by her opinions, no matter the cost. LuPone’s bold statements and dramatic gestures have only solidified her place as a Broadway legend who isn’t afraid to stir the pot. Whether you agree with her views or not, it’s clear that Patti LuPone’s passion and conviction make her a force to be reckoned with.
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