FOR MANY OF US KRISTIN CHENOWETH FIRST STOLE OUR HEARTS AS GLINDA IN THE 2003 MEGA-HIT WICKED. LIFE HAS BEEN STRAIGHT UP SINCE THEN FOR THE PETITE ACTOR, AND SHE SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN. HERE’S HOW CHENOWETH HANDLES HER BUSY SCHEDULE AND KEEPS HER HEALTH AND STRESS IN CHECK.
BY BONNIE SIEGLER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN RUSSO
HAIR BY NATHANIEL HAWKINS FOR TRACEY MATTINGLY
MAKEUP BY TROY SURRATT FOR TRACEY MATTINGLY
Wardrobe by Sarah Stein
Who says life can’t get better after 40? At 46 Kristin Chenoweth is an Emmy and Tony winner who transitions effortlessly between stage, television, film and singing performances. Some high notes include singing for President Obama, entertaining England’s Royal Family and, most recently, singing to the SRO theatre company at Carnegie Hall.
Chenoweth is reveling in a career that began at the age of 12 when she performed “Four Feet Eleven” (a song made famous by contemporary Christian singer Evie) at a Southern Baptist Convention. Ironically the actor is the same height as those belted out in her breakout lyrics. “Some people freak out when they hear I’m only 4-foot-11,” says Chenoweth. Tiny has always described the small-boned starlet who currently weighs just 89 pounds. “When I’m on Broadway I should be around 95 pounds, however when I’m doing TV or film this weight is ideal for me.”
On more than one occasion, people have not taken Chenoweth seriously because of her small stature. The actor holds a Master’s Degree in opera performance and can talk anyone’s ear of when it comes to current events, but there will always be people who assume she’s a blonde ditz. “I get ‘Oh she’s blonde, she has an interesting speaking voice, but she has no brain,” says Chenoweth. “I like proving people wrong.”
HEALTH ISSUES ALONG THE WAY
Adopted when she was just five days old, Chenoweth was raised in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She learned from her parents that the key to longevity is keeping a healthy mind, being kind to yourself and accepting who you are and where you’re at. It also means seeking help when you need it.
Chenoweth has been plagued with migraine headaches for years. “About seven years ago I thought I would have to retire because spotlights and flashing lights are everywhere in my business and being on stage can trigger a migraine.” Then her dermatologist suggested Botox. “At first I said: ‘No way. I make a living through my facial expressions.” Then my doctor said I wouldn’t have a living if I couldn’t get over my weekly migraines.” Now twice yearly injections provide substantial relief. “I haven’t had a full-blown headache since Botox.”
Chenoweth also suffers from Meniere’s Disease, an inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing. It causes extra liquid or congestion that gravitates to the inner ear and can cause vertigo. Flying exacerbates the problem (and can also cause migraines) so Chenoweth tries to say grounded whenever possible. “When I have to sing somewhere I drive or take the train whenever I can.”
The actor also avoids salt. “I follow a low-sodium diet because it helps manage Meniere’s Disease,” says Chenoweth. The actor loves to snack on potato chips and found that Terra low sodium chips are a great alternative. She has researched other foods so that she can avoid hidden sodium. “Would you think white rice had a lot of sodium in it? It does,” notes Chenoweth. Other big foods to avoid include Chinese food and soups. Additionally, she shuns caffeine, chocolate and alcohol – most of the time. “If I want a Snickers, I’ll have a mini Snickers. I’ll try and stop there. Everything in moderation, however I still want to live life.” Chenoweth tries to eat natural foods without added chemicals whenever possible. Using my body as a singer, as a dancer, I have to be healthy – I must!”
ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
The petite diva who has parlayed her innate strength, resounding singing voice and acting abilities into a powerhouse career has proven that her staying power is a result of finding the upside in even the most stressful moments. “Managing it all is a constant challenge,” she admits. “Even good things and good stress can be stressful. I just try to remember to take deep breaths.”
Chenoweth also believes hugging her Maltese Madeline Kahn helps reduce stress. “I love her to death,” she says. “There’s almost nothing better than hugging her.” Also, every evening, Chenoweth soaks in a hot bath sprinkled with eucalyptus oil for stress reduction. “That’s my quiet time and the soothing scent and time spent there goes through my entire body. It gives me a chance to unwind and have a few moments to myself, which I think we all need. Then we can hear what we need to hear. I can always tell when I haven’t had enough alone time because things get jumbled up in my brain. Reflection and quiet time also help my creativity to think about what I want to do.”
NATURAL REMEDIES
Sustaining multiple dancing injuries over the span of her busy career, Chenoweth has been a fan of Tiger Balm for treating slipped discs. “On Broadway, we call it instant warm-up and it really helps.” She also supplements with a probiotic and Earth Made multi-vitamin at night. “My doctor suggested taking these at night so I wouldn’t experience an upset stomach. It seems to be working,” she says. Other alternative therapies include acupuncture and physical therapy. “It’s the simple things in life that can help more than prescriptions.”
SPIRITUAL HEALING
The self- described “happy, loyal musician” was raised in the Baptist church. “One of life’s most important lessons is to learn and continue to learn to be grateful and thankful for what we have in life. In an industry where it’s very self-promotional and self-involved, I’m constantly reminding myself of the gifts that I’ve been given.”
When Chenoweth was injured on the set of The Good Wife a few years ago and it resulted in relinquishing her role, the actor asked herself why me. “My mom said: ‘Why not you? Things happen to you just like everyone else.’”
Equality is so important to Chenoweth. One of my dreams is to see a world where tolerance and acceptance are commonplace,” she says. “We’re getting there.”
IT’S ABOUT A SONG
In addition to her on-screen performances, including the upcoming The Boy Next Door with Jennifer Lopez, Chenoweth continues to tour. She performs her most memorable songs and Broadway tunes including music from Wicked where she originated the role of Glinda The Good Witch, Glee and Promises, Promises. Her own musical preferences run the gamut from classical to opera. “I think listening to music is an important part of life,” says Chenoweth. “Even if it’s in the car, I enjoy it because it’s time for myself – that pleases me.”
Melody and song are so much a part of Chenoweth’s life that she formed a charity partnership with the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center with an aim to bring the world of visual and performing arts to Broken Arrow. “They named a theater after me,” she says incredulously. “I have a Master Class there now to raise funds for kids to play in a band.” Having accomplished so much in her lifetime, Kristin says she still has one ultimate goal. “I want to do a live album.” Something tells us, she’ll have no problem reaching any goal she sets her mind to.
