Two time Tony nominee and Topeka High graduate Jayne
Houdyshell returned to her alma mater today to talk about her acting
career. Houdyshell, who graduated in
1971, met with some drama students who were excited to see the Broadway
star. She told the students that the training that she
received at Topeka High was terrific.
She complimented her teachers Miss Herrick and Mr. Fly for giving her
the work ethic that has helped her in her acting career. She said she walked out of
Topeka High thinking she could do anything.
Houdyshell has appeared in more than 200 plays in regional
theaters. She received a Tony nomination
in 2006 for her role in the Broadway production of Well. She received another Tony nomination last
year for her role as Hattie Walker in the revival of Follies. Her other Broadway credits include Wicked
and Bye Bye Birdie.
Houdyshell has been cast in the Broadway production of Dead Accounts
with Norbert Leo Butz and Katie Holmes, which opens in November.