Whether or not you’re emotionally ready to say goodbye to 30 Rock after its final episode on January 31, you can fondly look back on seven seasons of ridiculous plotlines, outrageous Jane Krakowski-isms and a slew of famous Broadway faces who have popped up to lend some theater star power to the showbizzy sitcom. (Hello, Cheyenne Jackson and Elaine Stritch!) With Alec Baldwin gearing up to come to Broadway and Tina Fey not too far behind, we decided to round up a list of a dozen favorite Broadway guest stars who have left their mark on the legacy that is 30 Rock.
Patti LuPone (Sylvia Rossitano)
As the necessarily disapproving mother of mega-slob Frank (Judah Friedlander), LuPone appeared on the show three times, each appearance reminding us that nobody can play a vicious mom like this diva.
Matthew Broderick (Cooter Burger)
Two-time Tony winner Broderick popped up twice as a scheming government employee who works with Jack (Baldwin) on a “gay bomb” that causes instant homosexuality. So…Broadway?
Cristin Milioti (Abby Flynn)
Before she Czeched into Once, Milioti guested as an ultra-peppy feminist comedienne on the episode “TGS Hates Women.” Turns out the character was on the run from her psycho ex-husband, who would be even more jealous if he knew Milioti gets to mack on Steve Kazee every night.
Deidre Goodwin (Deborah)
Blink and you’ll miss this Chorus Line vet’s season two cameo as Deborah, a contestant on the faux NBC reality show MILF Island. The only thing sadder than Goodwin only doing one episode is the fact that we’ll never actually get to see MILF Island on primetime.
Nina Arianda (Zarina)
The 2012 Tony winner played a fling of Jack’s who dumps him in favor of Olympian Ryan Lochte, whom she dubs her “sex idiot.” Strangely, Cheyenne Jackson’s character from The Performers was nowhere to be found.
Tituss Burgess (D’Fwan)
Mmm-hmm! The erstwhile Sebastian the Crab was decidedly crabbier as gay hairdresser and ”style expert” D’Fwan on the reality show-within-a-show Queen of Jordan. We’ll never forget his boutique wine, D’fwine. D’fwink responsibly.
Andrea Martin (Bonnie)
Tony winner Martin recently appeared in season seven as a wealthy socialite with a crippling devotion to her ex-husband. (“I miss Gary so much, I put a sweater on a body pillow and took it for a canoe ride.”)
Elizabeth Marvel, Kerry Butler & Mary Catherine Garrison (Emily, Lyle & Erin)
Theater veterans Marvel, Butler and Garrison guested as a group of single gals who invite Liz to experience their spa-frequenting bachelorette lifestyle, which is really just a cover for their Girl Fight Club. If only they knew that Broadway Lady Fight Club is real…
Nathan Lane (Eddie Donaghy)
Broadway favorite Lane gave a memorable turn as Eddie Donaghy, Jack’s incapacitated brother, who incites an impromptu family reunion of the Irish Catholic Donaghys, a clan that makes the family from August: Osage County look like subjects of a Norman Rockwell painting.
Adriane Lenox (Sherry)
Lenox guest-starred four times as Jack’s baby’s night nurse, whose negotiation tactics involve eating a tangerine in complete silence until she gets her way. Ah, so that's how you win a Tony!
Honorable Mentions
Victor Garber, Terrence Mann, Burke Moses, Gregg Edelman, De’Adre Aziza, Daniel Sunjata, Michael Sheen, Michael Benjamin Washington, Ken Howard, Clarke Thorell, Julia Murney, Todd Buonopane