Megan Hilty, the celebrated Broadway star currently captivating audiences in “Death Becomes Her,” has recently shared her evolving perspective on beauty and aging. In an exclusive interview, Hilty, 44, revealed that she made the decision to stop getting Botox and fillers several years ago. This revelation comes as she reflects on the pressures women face to maintain an often unattainable ideal of perfection.
Embracing Natural Beauty: Hilty’s Perspective Shift
Hilty’s decision is significantly influenced by her role in the Broadway adaptation of the 1992 film “Death Becomes Her.” In the show, she plays Madeline Ashton, an actress who goes to extreme lengths to achieve eternal youth. Hilty told People during Tony Awards press day that she has “learned to be okay” with herself “no matter what stage” in her life she’s currently living. She jokingly added that taking the potion of eternal youth is “not worth it.”
Hilty elaborated that portraying a character obsessed with maintaining a youthful image has led her to reconsider her own choices.
The “Falling Apart” Revelation
A pivotal point in Hilty’s journey has been the musical number “Falling Apart,” which her character performs nightly. The song humorously yet truthfully depicts the lengths to which women go to preserve their appearance, including plastic surgery and injectables.
“Women in particular, really, we torture ourselves in this quest for this idea of perfection that just doesn’t exist. And so through that, I’ve actually kind of gone the opposite way. I stopped my Botox years ago and my fillers and all that stuff,” Hilty explained.
Performing “Falling Apart” has prompted her to question the necessity of these cosmetic treatments. “And not to say that I won’t do it again, but in doing this song a lot, it’s got me going, ‘Well, wait a minute. Do I have to do that? Do I have to keep doing that? I don’t know. I just don’t want to at this moment.’ It’s thrown a lot into question for me.”
Joining a Growing Chorus
Megan Hilty joins a growing number of celebrities who are openly discussing their experiences with cosmetic procedures. This increasing transparency provides a refreshing contrast to the often secretive nature of the industry, encouraging more open and honest conversations about beauty standards and personal choices.
“Death Becomes Her”: Art Imitating (and Influencing) Life
“Death Becomes Her” explores themes of vanity, aging, and the pursuit of eternal youth. Hilty’s character, Madeline Ashton, embodies these themes as she desperately clings to her fading beauty. The musical, directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, features music and lyrics by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey.
Hilty’s performance as Madeline has garnered critical acclaim, earning her a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical. This nomination marks her second Tony nod, solidifying her status as a Broadway star.
The show itself is a stage adaptation of the iconic 1992 film starring Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. Hilty steps into the role originally played by Streep, while Jennifer Simard takes on the role of Helen Sharp, originally played by Hawn.
Hilty’s Beauty Secrets and Stage Glamour
While Hilty may be stepping away from Botox and fillers, she still embraces the transformative power of makeup and hairstyling for her role in “Death Becomes Her”. In a backstage video for Allure, Hilty shared her beauty routine, highlighting the numerous products and talented stylists who contribute to her character’s glamorous look.
Hilty uses various beauty products to achieve Madeline Ashton’s look, including eyeshadow palettes from Natasha Denona and Charlotte Tilbury, and concealer from IT Cosmetics. Given the significant amount of smoke and haze used during the show, Hilty also takes a pill to help her mouth produce more saliva, ensuring her comfort and vocal performance are not compromised.
More Than Just a Beauty Routine
Megan Hilty’s decision to forgo Botox and fillers is more than just a personal choice; it reflects a broader cultural shift towards embracing natural aging and challenging unrealistic beauty standards. By sharing her own journey, Hilty encourages others to question the pressures they face and to prioritize self-acceptance and well-being.