It's been 17 years since the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Next to Normal first took the Broadway stage. The original cast, led by Alice Ripley as Diana Goodman, has gone on to achieve remarkable success and diverse careers. From Tony Award wins to film and television roles, these actors have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. But where are they now?
Alice Ripley: From Side Show to Next to Normal and Beyond
Alice Ripley's journey to Next to Normal was an unexpected one. She had already garnered a Tony Award nomination for her role in Side Show when she took on the challenging role of Diana Goodman. In a 2016 interview, Ripley revealed the emotional toll of the role, stating, 'I didn't really know what I was getting into. It's not the same thing as Side Show; it's like opening Pandora's Box.'
Since then, Ripley has continued to explore the world of musical theater, performing in concerts and releasing music with her band, RIPLEY. In 2022, she returned to the role of Diana in an immersive production of Next to Normal in Spain, alongside original costar J. Robert Spencer.
Jennifer Damiano: From Natalie Goodman to Mary Jane Watson
Jennifer Damiano, who played Natalie Goodman in the original cast, had already made her Broadway debut in Spring Awakening by the time she joined Next to Normal. Her performance earned her a Tony nomination, and she went on to originate the role of Mary Jane Watson in the musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Damiano's career has taken her to various stages, from Off-Broadway to Broadway, and she has even ventured into music with her EP, I'm So Sorry, Mary Jane. She married The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Michael Zegen in 2025, and they welcomed their daughter Oona Rose Zegen in 2026.
Aaron Tveit: From Broadway to Film and Back Again
Aaron Tveit, who played Gabe Goodman in Next to Normal, had already established himself in the industry with roles in films like Les Misérables and Howl. He briefly left the musical to star in Catch Me If You Can before returning to Broadway. Tveit's career has taken him to the small screen as well, with roles in Gossip Girl, Ugly Betty, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In 2020, he made history as the sole nominee for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical at the Tony Awards, winning the award for his role in Moulin Rouge!. Tveit recently starred in the Broadway revival of Chess and is married to actress and dancer Ericka Hunter Yang, with whom he shares a daughter.
J. Robert Spencer: From Side Show to Next to Normal and Beyond
J. Robert Spencer, who played Dan Goodman in Next to Normal, had previously worked with Alice Ripley in Side Show. In a 2009 interview, he expressed his admiration for Ripley's performance, stating, 'I learned so much from watching Alice. She captivated me.' Spencer went on to receive a Tony Award nomination for his role in Next to Normal and has since produced, written, directed, and acted in films through his company, 7 Spencer Productions. He returned to Next to Normal for an immersive production in Spain, where he shared his experiences on Instagram, praising the show's healing power.
Adam Chanler-Berat: From Henry to Jordan Glassberg
Adam Chanler-Berat, who played Henry in Next to Normal, made his Broadway debut in the musical. After leaving Next to Normal, he went on to play various roles in productions like Peter and the Starcatcher and Amélie. Chanler-Berat has also ventured into television, starring as Jordan Glassberg in the Gossip Girl reboot on HBO Max. Despite his success, he remains grounded, striving to do good work and avoid getting in anyone's way.
Louis Hobson: From Dr. Madden to Producing
Louis Hobson, who played Dr. Madden and Dr. Fine in Next to Normal, has since appeared on Broadway in productions like The People in the Picture, Bonnie & Clyde, and Leap of Faith. Originally from Puyallup, Washington, Hobson has also worked extensively in Seattle, becoming the artistic director of Balagan Theater. He is currently actively producing theater, working on projects like The Hunger Games: On Stage and Damn Yankees, which is slated to return to Broadway in 2027.
