Whitney Leavitt, known for her role in Hulu's 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' has debuted on Broadway as Roxie Hart in the revival of 'Chicago.' The 32-year-old performer shared insights into her career transition from TikTok influencer to stage star during a recent interview. She hinted at possibly leaving the reality series after its fifth season due to demanding new opportunities.
Whitney Leavitt's journey from homemaker to Broadway performer reached a milestone with her debut as Roxie Hart in the long-running revival of 'Chicago' at the Ambassador Theatre. The 32-year-old, who rose to fame as a villainous figure in the first season of Hulu's 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' took the stage on a Monday following intensive rehearsals in New York. Leavitt, a former fine arts major with a dance concentration at Brigham Young University, always aspired to perform but initially prioritized family after marrying Conner Leavitt and having their first child in 2019.
Early motherhood prompted Leavitt to seek creative outlets, leading her to TikTok where she joined the #MomTok group of Mormon influencers. This platform paved the way for 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' which premiered in September 2024 and became Hulu's most-watched reality debut of the year, surpassing 'The Kardashians.' However, the show's intense interpersonal drama took a toll; Leavitt quit after Season 2 amid contract disputes but returned for Season 3 to pursue an audition for 'Dancing With the Stars,' where she reached the semifinals before elimination on November 18.
Her momentum continued with a role in the upcoming Christmas rom-com 'All for Love' and a swift casting as Roxie after auditioning in New York. Now based in an Upper West Side apartment with her three children, Leavitt described the emotional challenges of reality TV: "I went into it very naive." She has adopted rituals, like listening to songs such as 'Could Have Been Me' by The Struts, to stay grounded during filming.
As Season 4 of 'Mormon Wives' prepares to drop on March 12 and Season 5 documents her Broadway stint, Leavitt faces a crossroads. Filming in New York away from the Provo-based cast has been lonely, and she questioned the sustainability: "Part of me is like, 'I can't do both,' because both are so time-demanding." Despite valuing her #MomTok friendships, Leavitt emphasized her ambitions: "I always knew what I wanted. I've never been ashamed of it." Her faith remains a core part of her identity, though she is less active and is navigating how to raise her children—her oldest is six—with room for independent thought.
Leavitt's story reflects broader tensions for women from conservative backgrounds entering entertainment. A 2019 study highlighted low earning potential for female BYU graduates, averaging $800 annually by age 34, underscoring the barriers she overcame through persistence.
