The Background of Patti LuPone's Candid Interview

Broadway legend Patti LuPone has never shied away from speaking her mind, and her latest interview with The New Yorker is no exception. This time, the 76-year-old star dropped some bombshells about her relationships with fellow stars, revisiting existing feuds and revealing surprisingly candid thoughts about her past.

In this much-anticipated interview, LuPone reignites tensions with Audra McDonald, stating bluntly, “She’s not a friend.” Their complicated history has fans buzzing, particularly as McDonald continues to garner acclaim for her role in *Gypsy.* LuPone's silence following a question about McDonald’s performance spoke volumes, as she merely remarked, “What a beautiful day,” deflecting the topic.

LuPone also reflected on her “painful” seven-year relationship with Kevin Kline, describing their romance as one shaped by tumultuous feelings and complexities. The two Broadway giants initially bonded in school, but LuPone admits that their dynamic was fraught with challenges. “I took an instant dislike to him,” she confessed, showcasing her brutally honest nature.

LuPone didn't stop there; she also took jabs at Kecia Lewis and Glenn Close, showcasing her signature bluntness. Known for her direct approach, she critiqued Lewis’s declarations of veteran status while expressing lingering feelings about her long-standing rivalry with Close. With LuPone, there’s no holding back, and this interview proves once again that she remains one of the most formidable figures on Broadway.

LuPone's Controversial Remarks on Audra McDonald

In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Broadway icon Patti LuPone pulled no punches when discussing her relationship with fellow star Audra McDonald. LuPone, 76, bluntly declared that McDonald is "not a friend," taking a clear stand that reflects the tension between these two titans of the stage. Despite their previous collaborations, the bitterness lingers.

When asked about McDonald's current portrayal of Rose in "Gypsy," LuPone's reaction was telling. She reportedly fell silent for 15 seconds, gazing out the window before dismissively commenting, "What a beautiful day." This subtle jab speaks volumes about her feelings, as both women share a history steeped in competition and accolades.

The dramatic history between LuPone and McDonald stretches back to various performances they’ve shared, yet it remains fraught with unresolved conflict. Although McDonald boasts an impressive record of Tonys, her success seemingly hasn’t softened LuPone’s perspective, emphasizing a competitive dynamic that continues to shape their interactions in the theater world.

Insights on Her Relationship with Kevin Kline

Patti LuPone and Kevin Kline's romance began at The Juilliard School, where she initially dismissed him, likening his appearance to that of Pinocchio. Despite her reservations, the two soon found themselves smitten during an art-appreciation class, igniting a seven-year on-again, off-again relationship.

The relationship was fraught with challenges. LuPone candidly described it as "painful," stating that it seemed to exist only when Kline desired it to. This rollercoaster of emotions left LuPone questioning her own endurance, ultimately leading her to walk away when it became unsustainable.

After their split, Kline married actress Phoebe Cates in 1989, while LuPone moved on with her own marriage to Matthew Johnston. Looking back, LuPone's recollections of this intense chapter reveal the complexities of love intertwined with artistic passion.

Reflections on Feuds with Glenn Close and Kecia Lewis

Patti LuPone has long held a grudge against Glenn Close, which dates back to the contentious casting choice for *Sunset Boulevard* in 1994. LuPone, who was leading the West End production, felt a stab of rejection when Close was chosen for the Broadway debut, and she admits it stung deeply.

Recalling a moment in 2011 where both attended a Kennedy Center tribute, LuPone revealed that when Close dismissed the casting as something beyond her control, she was tempted to retort, "Bullshit, bitch!" Their rivalry has simmered for decades, revealing the competitive nature simmering under their polished exteriors.

LuPone's latest commentary on Kecia Lewis has reignited tensions between the two Broadway performers. After LuPone criticized the noise level of a musical, Lewis retaliated online, suggesting LuPone’s remarks were rooted in privilege and were bullying in nature.

LuPone did not hold back in her response, questioning Lewis's veteran status and dismissing her critiques. “She’s done seven Broadway shows," LuPone disparaged. "I’ve done 31. Don’t call yourself a vet, bitch!” The exchange has highlighted a fierce rivalry that underscores the intensity of Broadway’s competitive landscape.