What happens when Broadway royalty and a Glee heartthrob share the same couch on national television? Magic, laughter, and a hint of theatrical flirtation. During a delightful appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Darren Criss and Bernadette Peters revisited a moment that had lived rent-free in Criss’s mind for a decade—one he thought was flirtatious, only to discover it was pure fan admiration. Their candid exchange reveals the timeless charm of Peters, the irresistible wit of Criss, and the serendipitous sparkle that only the stage and screen can bring.
A Red Carpet Memory Reimagined
Darren Criss, fresh off a Tony nomination for Maybe Happy Ending, opened the conversation with a story he’d treasured for years. Recalling a red carpet event from about a decade ago—“around Tony season,” as he phrased it—Criss painted a picture of what he believed had been a sizzling moment between him and Bernadette Peters. “In the foreground, there she is with Zac Posen, and in the background, I’m interviewing somebody,” he explained to host Kelly Clarkson.
In Criss’s memory, Peters turned toward him, did a double-take, mouthed “Who’s that?” and then gave him a full lip-licking glance. Animated and theatrical, Criss even reenacted the moment with dramatic flair, declaring, “I get a full double-take… and then I get a full licking of lips and up and down.” To him, it was a career highlight in disguise—Broadway’s queen giving her approval, one look at a time.
Reality Check: When idolization looks like flirtation
Sitting beside the Broadway legend herself, Criss learned that what he had interpreted as an impassioned look was actually something much more wholesome. When Kelly Clarkson jokingly suggested that perhaps Peters had been checking out someone else—maybe even Rob Lowe—Peters gently interrupted with a confession: “I love this impression of what you think happened, because I like that kind of reputation,” she teased. Then came the real truth: “But, the truth of the matter was, I was thinking, ‘Is that the guy from Glee?’ I was starstruck!”
It was a plot twist worthy of any musical’s third act. What Criss saw as sultry was, in fact, sweet curiosity. Peters, at 77, remains one of the most adored figures in American theatre, with three Tony Awards and a status that’s transcended generations. That she could be starstruck by him—a self-professed Broadway fanboy—left Criss visibly amused and not at all disappointed.
Mutual Admiration, Across Generations of Stage Stars
Despite the playful misunderstanding, what shone brightest in the interview was the genuine affection between Criss and Peters. “That’s one of the greatest honors of my life,” Criss beamed. “I should have been doing this to you the whole time!” Their chemistry on the couch was undeniable, but it wasn’t rooted in romance—it was mutual admiration between two performers who, in their own ways, have helped shape the modern musical landscape.
Criss’s own journey has led him from Glee’s chart-topping covers to a serious presence on Broadway. His role as Blaine Anderson gave voice to a new generation of LGBTQ+ viewers and music lovers alike, while his turn in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and American Buffalo showcased his versatility. Now, with a Tony nomination in hand, Criss finds himself on the path walked by legends like Peters.
Peters, meanwhile, has long reigned as Broadway’s beloved muse, originating roles in Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Annie Get Your Gun. Her presence, both gracious and powerful, continues to enchant—and clearly, inspire a little awe, even from fellow actors.
From Glee to the Great White Way: A Full-Circle Moment
Criss’s anecdote, humorous and heartfelt, is more than just a good talk-show moment—it’s a snapshot of his evolution. From being “the guy from Glee” who caught Peters’ attention to standing beside her as a fellow nominee and Broadway peer, Criss’s career has come full circle. “It was one of the more charged moments of my life,” he reflected, only to find the charge came from admiration, not attraction.
This unexpected clarification didn’t dampen the memory—it enriched it. In many ways, it revealed the human side of fame: how easily starstruck emotions and artistic admiration can blur into projection. And how, in the end, two people from different generations of Broadway can share a laugh, a legacy, and a little televised magic.
Darren Criss and Bernadette Peters’ candid, comical exchange on The Kelly Clarkson Show wasn’t just entertainment—it was a celebration of cross-generational artistry. What started as a misunderstood glance became a symbol of mutual respect and shared love for the craft of performance. In a world where fame often feels distant and staged, this brief but brilliant moment reminded us that even legends get starstruck—and that sometimes, the stories we tell ourselves become part of the show.
