'Mean Girls' star Renee Rapp reflects on acting success and unlikely journey on Stephen Colbert's show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On a recent episode of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' Renee Rapp, best known for her role as Regina George in the Broadway production of 'Mean Girls', shared insights into her unexpected journey into the world of acting and her thriving music career.
Rapp, welcomed to the show with cheers and applause, expressed her excitement with a playful acknowledgment, setting the tone for a lively conversation.
Renee Rapp reflects on 'Mean Girls' legacy and Covid challenges
Colbert dove straight into the discussion by referencing Rapp's portrayal of Regina George on Broadway, acknowledging her significant contribution to the iconic character's legacy.
"I had a year contract but I stopped because of Covid," Rapp revealed, highlighting the challenges the entertainment industry faced during the pandemic.
Despite the abrupt pause, she managed to complete six or seven months, surviving the Broadway experience during such uncertain times.
Colbert, curious about her return to the role of Regina George, inquired about her feelings.
Rapp responded enthusiastically, emphasizing her gratitude for being part of the 'Mean Girls' universe, a cultural phenomenon she has been involved with for nearly five years. Describing it as a "rolling check," she expressed her love for the experience.
Renee Rapp's journey into the spotlight and confronting insecurities
The conversation shifted to Rapp's multifaceted career, encompassing Broadway, television, and music. Notably, she toured 27 cities with her debut album 'No Angel', earning the title of the biggest solo debut album by a female artist in 2023.
Colbert, impressed by her versatility, asked if being a pop star was always the goal.
"Yes. Yes. That was the goal," Rapp admitted, sharing that while she admired actors, pursuing acting and songwriting were initially daunting prospects for her.
"The two things I was most insecure about when I was younger were my songwriting and my acting. I was like, those will never do well for me," she candidly confessed.
Despite her reservations, Rapp's career has flourished, and she reflected on her journey with a touch of humor, stating, "Kind of chilling now." Colbert acknowledged her success, emphasizing that it had indeed worked out well for her.
Colbert's Carolina banter and BBQ preferences
The conversation delved into Rapp's roots, revealing that she hails from North Carolina. Colbert, a South Carolinian, joked about the proximity of the two Carolinas.
The talk then meandered to her preferences when back in North Carolina, with Rapp expressing her disdain for what she termed "fake barbecue," particularly in Los Angeles.
Rapp's recent project, a song titled 'Not My Fault' with Megan Thee Stallion, became a focal point of the conversation. She described the experience as "the coolest thing ever," expressing admiration for Megan's talent and their shared Southern roots.
As Colbert probed further, asking if Rapp ever gets starstruck, she admitted, "I do." She recounted an amusing encounter with Mark Cuban during NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte, praising him as "so cute" and drawing parallels between him and her father.
The interview took a lighthearted turn as Colbert playfully suggested that Mark Cuban should attend Rapp's shows, leveraging the connection between their daughters.
Rapp, with a smile, responded, "He's going to come," leaving the audience with a hint of anticipation.
The conversation concluded on a celebratory note as Colbert surprised Rapp with a birthday cake, acknowledging her birthday on the show. Rapp, delighted, shared her favorite version of the birthday song - a deep-cut from Drake titled "Ratchet Happy Birthday."
