Jennifer Simard shares why she missed ‘Death Becomes Her’ performances

Jennifer Simard reveals how fibroids led to emergency care and life-saving surgery before her Broadway return

Broadway actress Jennifer Simard has opened up about years of suffering from uterine fibroids, revealing that she underwent a hysterectomy and oophorectomy after experiencing a serious health scare during her run in Death Becomes Her.

The three-time Tony Award nominee told PEOPLE that she underwent surgery on July 6, days after the Broadway musical closed on June 28. During the final months of the production, Simard experienced severe bleeding that required emergency room treatment.

The actress said doctors initially believed she had eight uterine fibroids, but the actual number was nearly twice as high.

“It turns out I had 15,” Simard recalled.

The procedure involved removing her uterus and ovaries. Despite her health struggles, she managed to complete her run in Death Becomes Her, a feat she said required considerable strength.

Simard also addressed criticism she received from theatre fans over her missed performances. Although she tried to avoid online discussions, members of her team informed her about negative comments questioning her absences.

“They didn’t know what I was suffering with — honestly, for years,” she said.

The actress now hopes her experience will encourage audiences to show greater compassion towards performers who miss shows because of health issues.

Simard described the operation as life-saving and said her recovery took approximately six weeks. She credited her surgeon and confirmed that the laparoscopic procedure, performed with robotic assistance, went smoothly without complications.

Following her recovery, Simard returned to Broadway on September 8, joining the cast of Schmigadoon! at the Nederlander Theatre. She took over the role of Mildred Layton from Ana Gasteyer.

The new production reunited Simard with familiar collaborators and brought her back to the theatre where she received her first Tony Award nomination for Disaster! in 2016.

Reflecting on her return, Simard said she loves the discipline and routine of theatre. She also described Schmigadoon! as a refreshing experience that has helped her reconnect with the joy of performing.