In this episode of Impossible Dreams, host Aaron Lazar sits down with Hollywood and Broadway powerhouse Andrew Rannells for an honest, hilarious, and wonderfully profound conversation about building a career that defies the odds.
Andrew shares his journey from Omaha dinner theaters (with a creatively embellished resume) to becoming one of Broadway's most beloved leading men—and how he's successfully diversified into television, film, writing, directing and hosting. Their conversation explores the emotional toll of auditioning, the art of processing rejection, and the spiritual lessons hidden in a career that never loves you back—until it does.
Brought together through the community magic of Broadway, Aaron and Andrew get real about comparison, envy, self-worth, and the unexpected ways that tragedy shapes our choices. Plus: the Regina story you won't forget, gold star status revelations, and why Andrew channels Kim Cattrall when voicing a gay bully.
Tune in for a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and finding joy in the journey—even when the journey includes a Hannibal Lecter chair.
Instagram: @andrewrannells
Guest Bio:
Andrew Rannells is an actor, writer, director and television host best known for his Tony-nominated performance as Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. His Broadway credits include Hairspray (his debut), Jersey Boys, Falsettos, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Hamilton, Gutenberg! The Musical!, and Tammy Faye. On television, he's appeared in Girls, The New Normal, Black Monday, Big Mouth (voicing Matthew the gay bully for eight seasons), and currently hosts The Great American Baking Show. His film credits include The Prom, The Boys in the Band (which he also performed on Broadway), and the upcoming I Don't Understand You with Nick Kroll. Andrew is the author of two memoirs: Too Much Is Not Enough (2019) and Fairytale Ending (2023). He made his directorial debut with an episode of Modern Love on Amazon Prime, based on his own essay published in The New York Times. He lives in Los Angeles with his boyfriend, actor Tuc Watkins.
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Episode Navigation:
02:49 - The Fake Resume Gambit: How Andrew's made-up theater credits led to a career-launching relationship with casting director Bernie Telsey
12:19 - Broadway vs. Hollywood: Why the theater community bonds differently than film and TV sets
17:43 - The Regina Story: Aaron's unforgettable trip to Canada and the mayor's controversial town motto
29:23 - The Dumpster of Dreams: When casting offices went digital and headshots ended up on the street
36:35 - Jerry Zak‘s Brutal Honesty: The audition feedback that could destroy you—or teach you everything
41:12 - Chelsea Studios Therapy: Andrew's healthy boundary for processing rejection
50:03 – Losing Dad at 22: How sudden loss shaped Andrew's white-knuckled approach to manifesting his career
1:07:31 - Love as North Star: Aaron and Andrew on having someone who believes in your impossible dream
