Kristin Chenoweth is a little ray of sunshine — and some of that stems from enjoying her occupation.
"I’m so happy because I was lucky enough to get a higher education, including a master's degree. I still train to this day and those that know me, know that I work my a-- off. Nothing that happens to me that is good, has come easy. All the sacrifices have been worth it because I love what I do," the 55-year-old exclusively tells Morning Honey while talking about her partnership with AbbVie on the Center Stage with Chronic Migraine, a program aimed to empower other people living with Chronic Migraine to learn more and talk to a doctor about how to manage their disease.
From singing to acting to mentoring, the blonde beauty, who is married to Josh Bryant, has touched many mediums.
"I have a really good calendar that I follow. I prefer to not think of it as 'dabbling,' but that I'm lucky enough to make a living doing so many things that I love!" she says.
Though she's already done so much in her career, the star has so much more to cross off her list.
"I’d like to do a few more records. I'm not sure what milieu I’m leaning in yet, but I love all kinds of music, so we’ll see. I am a creature of television; I enjoy having a TV family you come see every day and work together with on something that excites me," the Glee alum shares. "I’d love to be lucky enough to have another crack at that. Honestly, I love animals so much, I can see at some point in my life having a farm where Josh and I can take care of animals who need it. It’s a lot of work and would be a life change, but I could see that happening at some point in the future."
In the meantime, the Wicked starlet is thrilled to be working on Queen of Versailles, a new musical based on the 2012 documentary The Queen of Versailles about socialite Jacqueline Siegel.
"The most exciting time an artist can have is when you’re working on something brand new. The rules are, there are no rules — WE get to make them. I love the score that Stephen Schwartz has written. It will be a challenge for me to sing eight times a week, but at this stage, I still love a good challenge. Mainly I'm excited to tell the story of a family that seemed to have it all and what they did with their fame and how they handled tragedy. A cautionary tale if you will, but a good one to watch unfold," she says.
Though the singer is in her mid-50s, you would never know it as she relies on good sleep and hot yoga to make her feel good — and look good!
One of the reasons Chenoweth is adamant on making sure she's healthy is because she had been living with Chronic Migraine, a debilitating disease that affects 3.3 million Americans, for most of her adult life.
After working with her doctor, Chenoweth feels better than ever due to finding a treatment plan that worked for her, which includes getting BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA) for Chronic Migraine every three months.
"I had my first migraine attack at just 25 years old in the middle of my performance with the Virginia Symphony. At first, I thought, something must be wrong with the spotlight. I started getting what I now call 'kaleidoscope eyes' – meaning I see flashes of light – and couldn’t see clearly. I also got what felt like a brain freeze, like when you drink a slushy too fast, and the music sounded like it had been turned way up. I muscled through until intermission, at which point, I fell to my knees and vomited on stage. My head was pounding. I spent the whole intermission worrying about how I would get through the final 45 minutes of the concert. I somehow found it in myself to perform, and as soon as the curtain dropped, I collapsed," Chenoweth recalls.
"A doctor met me backstage, and said, 'You’re having a migraine attack.' I didn’t know where to go from there. I was confused, worried and scared this would end my career. Fast forward to a few years later. The migraine attacks became more frequent, and I received my official Chronic Migraine diagnosis. After I was diagnosed, I started working my doctor to figure out my treatment plan, which includes BOTOX® for Chronic Migraine every 12 weeks," she continues.
Before teaming up with AbbVie on the Center Stage with Chronic Migraine program, the Hollywood star said she "was getting BOTOX® for Chronic Migraine well before this partnership came together."
"What I love about Center Stage with Chronic Migraine is that it's all about helping people and taking away that stigma so many people live with when they suffer from Chronic Migraine. Chronic Migraine is a disease that can’t always be seen, but it’s always there. I think that’s one of the biggest struggles for me – educating people that Chronic Migraine is more than just a headache. It’s serious. There have been times when I’ve been on the floor, unable to move, vomiting and unable to go out on stage. If I had an arm sling, you would know that I had a problem, right? But Chronic Migraine is inside, so nobody can see it. That’s why we must speak up and speak out about it," she explains.
She adds, "In recognition of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month in June, I’m serving as Guest Editor of the Center Stage with Chronic Migraine online magazine available at www.CenterStagewithCM.com. This magazine will spotlight four people living with Chronic Migraine as they share their own stories about navigating this debilitating disease."
Fortunately, Chenoweth feels better than ever — and she hopes to speak out about this to help others in the future.
"In addition to BOTOX® treatment every 12 weeks, I’ve learned how to identify my triggers like stress, flying, working too many hours and diet — and how I can manage them as much as possible, of course. Bright lights can also be a trigger, so it may look funny, but I wear sunglasses everywhere. Additionally, I avoid alcohol and eat a low-salt diet," she notes.
