Stephanie Mills is synonymous with The Wiz for many theater fans. She originated the role of Dorothy on Broadway in 1975 when she was just 17 years old. Her performance was praised—and attacked. Some reviewers were cruel, saying she was “too short,” even “ugly,” and that “Judy Garland should come up out of her grave and slap me.” Despite this, The Wiz won Tonys and became a landmark in Black theatre.
Why She Didn’t Play Dorothy in the Film
In a recent interview on Sway’s Universe, Mills addressed the question many have asked: why didn’t she play Dorothy in the 1978 film version of The Wiz? Her explanation boiled down to politics.
Here are some key points:
- She said at the time, she was “just a young … on Broadway, and I didn’t really have music out at the time.” Meaning, she didn’t have the celebrity/stardom leverage that Diana Ross did.
- Berry Gordy, founder of Motown, initially wanted Mills to get the part. But when Ross asked to play Dorothy, she had enough pull to make it happen. Mills agreed that Ross “got whatever she wanted back then.”
- There was also talk of age — Ross was older than the typical expectancy for Dorothy. Mills was younger and already established in Broadway.
So, the decision was influenced by power, name recognition, and business/work politics in Hollywood and Motown—not necessarily a matter of talent or fit, in Mills’ view.
“I’m a Fan”: Stephanie Mills’ Respect for Diana Ross
What many people wondered was whether she harbored bitterness. The good news: she made clear that she holds no ill will—and she’s a fan.
- Mills said publicly that she was “a huge fan” of Diana Ross.
- She also expressed that she wasn’t disappointed — partly because she got to work closely with Michael Jackson (who played the Scarecrow in the movie) and because Ross was a major force, which made the movie happen.
So, in her telling, she understands the dynamics and leans more toward gratitude than resentment.
What It All Means
Reading between the lines, Mills offering this perspective does a few things:
- Reclaims the narrative: She affirms her role and contribution without undermining Diana Ross’s achievement.
- Illuminates the often unseen mechanics of show business—how decisions get made more on fame, influence, and perceived marketability than just talent.
- Shows maturity and grace: Instead of complaining, Mills uses the platform to acknowledge what happened, accept it, and still show love—something fans often admire.
Final Thoughts
Stephanie Mills’ Broadway Dorothy remains iconic. If the film had cast her, things might have been very different—but the fact that it didn’t doesn’t diminish what she did achieve on stage. Her reflections also remind us of how many talented people get sidestepped by “industry politics,” and how fame and power can shift opportunities.
And at the heart of it: Mills doesn’t resent Ross; she admires her. That speaks volumes about her character, and maybe that’s part of what makes her legacy with The Wiz even more inspiring.
