John Stamos Rises as King Herod in Hollywood Bowl’s Jesus Christ Superstar
John Stamos stepped up to claim the King Herod crown at the Hollywood Bowl after Josh Gad was sidelined by COVID.
I’m Elena West, and get ready—this is the backstage revelation that proves every twist can be a triumph.
On July 31, John Stamos took to Instagram to reveal his last-minute leap into the role of King Herod in the Hollywood Bowl’s live staging of Jesus Christ Superstar. He wrote, “Well… this weekend just got Biblical. I’m stepping in as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar at the @HollywoodBowl, starring the brilliant @cynthiaerivo.” His announcement arrived just hours before curtain time, proving that in show business, readiness is everything.
Stamos did not shy away from explaining why he was wearing gold lamé instead of his friend and original cast member Josh Gad. As John quipped, “King @Joshgad unexpectedly got hit with COVID (feel better soon, brother!), and while I didn’t push him down the stairs, I am grateful for the chance to step into the gold lamé.” That kind of humor and humility injected instant excitement into the production’s final countdown.
Fresh off a stint touring Europe with The Beach Boys, John arrived in Los Angeles with less than 24 hours to learn music cues, choreography and blocking. “This is an honor. A dream,” 61-year-old Stamos shared. “And also a little insane because I just stepped off a plane from @thebeachboys tour in Spain and have less than 24 hours to pull this off.” His ability to pivot from rock legends to musical theater royalty underscores why directors keep him in their emergency rolodex.
Behind the scenes, the cast welcomed him with open arms. John posted a candid photo of himself reclining on a bench while fellow performers fanned him with giant feathers. Though Cynthia Erivo wasn’t in the snapshot, the Tony winner chimed in on Instagram, “I’m really excited to see you! Thank you for stepping in on such short notice.” Their banter confirmed that goodwill and teamwork can turn pressure into performance magic.
Josh Gad delivered his own public update on July 30, revealing in a heartfelt Instagram message that he was forced to bow out of the August 1–3 run due to contracting COVID. “It truly breaks my heart but I can assure you all that the show is going to be one of the greatest things you will ever see,” he assured fans. He even encouraged his successor, writing, “Thank you for wearing the crown in my absence, my friend. You’re gonna kill it.”
The weekend-long event showcases Cynthia Erivo as Jesus, paired with an ensemble cast and a full orchestra under the stars. John Stamos joins a storied history of stars stepping into iconic parts at the Hollywood Bowl, where spontaneity often trumps script.
This casting twist shines a spotlight on adaptability and dedication. From Full House to General Hospital and now a legendary rock opera, John has proven time and again that challenges are just opportunities in disguise. Embrace every curveball, because your next breakthrough may arrive unannounced.
Now take what you’ve learned and make something great happen! Keep pushing forward and stay inspired!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, Instagram
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
