Glenn Close Praises Nicole Scherzinger’s ‘Raw’ Performance in Sunset Blvd. After Previously Starring in Original Broadway Run

Glenn Close is giving Nicole Scherzinger her flowers! 

The Back in Action star — who previously played Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard twice — praised Scherzinger, 46, for her recent take on the role in the current Broadway revival.

In an Instagram posted on Wednesday, April 30, Close, 78, shared a photo of herself prior to attending the show dressed in a black top with a cheetah print jacket. In a second photo, she could be seen posing alongside the former Pussycat Doll, who wore a bloodied costume for the show.

“I had the thrilling experience of seeing Nicole Scherzinger in SUNSET BOULEVARD last night. She and the entire production blew me away,” Close wrote. “I LOVED meeting Nicole, Tom Francis and many members of the ensemble backstage afterwards.” 

Close — who earned her third Tony award for her portrayal as Norma — revealed that she and Scherzinger discussed the role and shared her own take on The Masked Singer judge’s performance. 

“Nicole and I really bonded over our love for Norma Desmond, arguably THE greatest role ever written for a woman,” she wrote. “You can’t approach Norma with a faint heart. She tests your metal, demands that you dig deep.” 

“Nicole’s performance is an act of raw artistry and astounding bravery,” she continued. “Bravo Nicole, Tom and all those who gifted me with an extraordinary theater experience. Dearest love and profound thanks to you all.”

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Close not only took on the role of Norma in the original 1994 Broadway production — which was a musical adaptation of Billy Wilder’s Oscar-winning 1950 film of the same name — she also returned to the role for a limited time in 2017. 

The Fatal Attraction actress isn’t the only star who previously stepped into Norma’s shoes that has showered praise on Scherzinger. Patti LuPone — who originated the role in the West End production when it premiered at London’s Adelphi Theatre in July 1993 — also gave rave reviews to the Moana actress in a voice message to NY1’s Frank DiLella, which was shared to his social media account in December 2024.

“I thought Nicole was unbelievable. She broke my heart,” the Agatha All Along actress said. “She is a force.”

In Sunset Boulevard, Scherzinger plays faded silent movie star Norma Desmond. The show, adapted for the stage by book writers and lyricists Don Black and Christopher Hampton, follows her as she hires young screenwriter Joe Gillis (played by Tom Francis) to help her stage a comeback to the silver screen after Hollywood deems her too old for the industry.

“Nicole and Tom were stunning,” LuPone also said. “I thought the cast was fantastic.”

Tickets for Sunset Boulevard are now on sale.