A Groundbreaking Moment on Broadway
Broadway audiences have a new star to cheer for. Jasmine Amy Rogers has made history as the first Black woman to play Betty Boop on stage. Her starring role in Boop! The Musical is lighting up the theater world.
Rogers isn’t just performing — she’s making people feel seen. The show reimagines the famous cartoon character as a bold, bright voice in New York City. Rogers brings Betty to life with fresh joy, stunning vocals, and undeniable stage presence.
A Dream Years in the Making
This achievement didn’t happen overnight. Rogers has worked for years to reach this moment. She’s a former Jimmy Awards finalist and studied musical theater at the Manhattan School of Music.
Her résumé includes roles in popular shows like Mean Girls, Jelly’s Last Jam, The Wanderer, and Becoming Nancy. But Boop! is different. It’s her first Broadway lead role, and one that truly feels like her own.
“It’s so special,” Rogers shared in a recent interview. “It’s a dream come true. I might still be in shock for the rest of my life.”
Betty Boop’s Black American Roots
Though Betty Boop has been a famous cartoon icon for nearly 100 years, many forget where her signature style comes from. The playful jazz and scat music associated with Betty have deep Black American roots.
“When it comes to jazz and scat style, those are the two things that Betty is known for. And those things? Black people. That’s where it comes from,” Rogers explained.
Her director, Jerry Mitchell, felt it was time for a Black woman to tell this story. And Rogers was the perfect choice.
Owning the Stage and Reclaiming the Story
Taking on such an iconic character wasn’t easy. Rogers admitted she felt pressure at first, worrying about what audiences might expect. But she quickly learned to trust her talent and the hard work she had put in.
Her performance is earning rave reviews. Rogers is now a Tony Award nominee, with many more honors likely to follow this season.
“It’s about honoring the people who’ve loved Betty Boop their whole lives,” she said. “To know that I’m bringing her to life in a way they love feels really, really special.”
Facing Backlash — and Rising Above It
As with other Black women stepping into traditionally white roles, Rogers has faced some criticism. A few people were unhappy about a Black woman playing Betty Boop.
But Rogers hasn’t let it slow her down. “It’s been very easy to drown them out because most people don’t care and/or are very, very excited about it,” she shared.
She joins a growing list of Black actresses, like Quvenzhané Wallis and Halle Bailey, who’ve faced similar challenges — and triumphed with grace.
Black Girl Joy on Broadway
What makes this story even brighter is how Rogers is connecting with Black women and girls in the audience.
“They are obsessed with it, and they come and they’re excited,” she said. “That means everything to me. To meet them, to feel their joy — there’s nothing like it. We deserve that. We need that.”
The actress says playing Betty Boop has even changed her personally. “[Betty’s] teaching me to look at the world in a different way,” she shared. “I try to give myself to people—with open arms—in a way that’s helpful to them when they need me.”
A Rising Star Just Getting Started
At just 24 years old, Jasmine Amy Rogers is already leaving a powerful mark on Broadway. She’s proving that representation matters and that Black joy deserves a place on every stage.
Her role in Boop! The Musical isn’t just about singing and dancing. It’s about reclaiming a legacy and making space for future generations.
As she puts it: “My own life has been filled with so much joy lately. I’ve just been like the happiest person on the planet.”
