Kristin Chenoweth Balances Broadway Triumph with Battle Against Debilitating Inner Ear Condition
NEW YORK, NY - Kristin Chenoweth is currently captivating audiences in her latest Broadway role, but the celebrated actress is simultaneously navigating a challenging health battle: severe Meniere’s disease. The condition, affecting the inner ear, causes debilitating tinnitus, vertigo, and migraines, once threatening to end her career.
Chenoweth, known for starring roles in “Wicked” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” recently discussed the impact of Meniere’s disease and her strategies for managing it, including Botox treatments and the support of her service dog, Thunder. “Years ago, I thought I was going to have to retire because some of the things that trigger them are spotlights, paparazzi, flashing lights, flying – all the things I have to do with my job,” she revealed in a recent interview.
The actress initially resisted Botox, fearing it would limit her facial expressions. However, her doctor presented a stark choice: “Do you want to move your face, or do you want to retire?” Chenoweth ultimately opted for the treatment, receiving 57 shots to manage her migraines. Despite online criticism suggesting excessive cosmetic procedures, she clarifies, “Certainly, I get it in some places I enjoy, but I have to get 57 shots all over.” She also credits Thunder, her eight-year-old cockapoo, with anticipating episodes of vertigo or seizures.
Beyond her health challenges, Chenoweth embraces a candid approach to aging, finding kinship with the social media account “We Do Not Care club.” She acknowledges the changes brought on by perimenopause, stating, “I don’t want to go back to my 20s. I don’t even want to go back to my 40s…aging’s going to happen. You can run, but you can’t hide. So, you might as well embrace it!” Chenoweth, who is married to a man 14 years her junior, adds with a laugh, “I have a motive to still try to look my best possible!”
