You know that feeling when a song hits so hard it practically vibrates in your chest? That’s the legacy of actors in Jesus Christ Superstar. Since 1970, this "rock opera" has cycled through rock gods, Broadway legends, and even pop stars, but the core energy remains the same. It’s loud. It’s messy. It’s profoundly human.
Most people think of the 1973 movie first. That desert setting, the Roman soldiers in purple tank tops—it’s iconic. But the journey of the actors who populated this world is a wild mix of "right place, right time" and absolute vocal gymnastics.
The Screams That Defined a Generation
Let’s talk about Ted Neeley. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that white tunic. But did you know he wasn't even the first choice?
Neeley was actually an understudy on Broadway. He was playing a reporter and a leper, just waiting in the wings. When director Norman Jewison was casting the film, he originally looked at Ian Gillan—the lead singer of Deep Purple who voiced Jesus on the 1970 concept album. Gillan turned it down to tour with his band. Imagine that. Turning down the role of a lifetime to stay on the road.
Neeley eventually got a screen test after some heavy campaigning. He brought his friend Carl Anderson along to test for Judas. The chemistry was instant. When they sang "The Argument" in London for the producers, the room basically exploded.
Neeley’s range is legendary. That G above high C in "Gethsemane"? It’s become the gold standard. If you’re an actor today trying to play Jesus, you’re basically competing with a recording from 1973. It's a lot of pressure.
💡 You might also like: Ashley My 600 Pound Life Now: What Really Happened to the Show’s Most Memorable Ashleys
The Judas Factor: Beyond the Villain
Carl Anderson changed how we look at Judas. Before him, the character was often just a "bad guy." Anderson made him a tragic hero. He was nominated for two Golden Globes for that performance, and for good reason. His voice had this gritty, soulful edge that made "Heaven on Their Minds" feel like a physical punch.
On Broadway, though, the role belonged to Ben Vereen.
Vereen brought a different kind of theatricality to the part. He won a Theatre World Award for it. It’s interesting to compare the two; while Anderson felt like a rock star caught in a political nightmare, Vereen felt like a Broadway powerhouse commanding the stage. Both are valid. Both are incredible.
Mary Magdalene and the "Pop" Pivot
Yvonne Elliman is the bridge. She’s one of the few actors in Jesus Christ Superstar to appear on the original album, the Broadway stage, and the 1973 film.
Her voice is the calm in the storm. "I Don't Know How to Love Him" became a massive hit, and it’s arguably the most famous song from the show. Elliman later went on to have a huge career in the disco era (remember "If I Can't Have You" from Saturday Night Fever?), but to theater nerds, she will always be the definitive Mary Magdalene.
📖 Related: Album Hopes and Fears: Why We Obsess Over Music That Doesn't Exist Yet
Modern Reimagining: From John Legend to Alice Cooper
Fast forward to 2018. NBC decides to do Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. The casting was... bold.
- John Legend as Jesus: People were skeptical. Could a smooth R&B singer handle the rock screams? Legend took a different approach. He made Jesus more vulnerable and melodic. It worked for the "concert" vibe, even if it lacked the raw aggression of the 70s.
- Brandon Victor Dixon as Judas: This was the standout. Dixon, coming off Hamilton, absolutely crushed "Superstar." He brought a modern, high-energy intensity that proved the role doesn't just belong to the past.
- Alice Cooper as King Herod: This was casting genius. Cooper had actually recorded the song for a soundtrack years prior. Seeing him in a three-piece orange suit, taunting Jesus, felt like the role he was born to play.
The "Hidden" Actors You Didn't Notice
If you look closely at the 1973 film, you’ll see some familiar faces in the ensemble.
Barry Dennen played Pontius Pilate. He was actually the one who first showed the concept album to Norman Jewison. He basically willed the movie into existence.
Then there’s Josh Mostel as King Herod. He’s the son of the legendary Zero Mostel (The Producers). His performance is delightfully weird—yellow sunglasses, a floating barge in the middle of the desert, and a chorus of people who look like they’re at a very strange pool party.
And for the trivia buffs: the actor who played Peter in the 1973 movie, Philip Toubus (credited as Paul Thomas), actually left mainstream acting shortly after to become a very famous director in the adult film industry. Yeah. You can’t make this stuff up.
👉 See also: The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads: Why This Live Album Still Beats the Studio Records
Why These Performances Still Rank on Google (and in Our Hearts)
There’s something about the actors in Jesus Christ Superstar that feels authentic. In the 70s, they weren't polished "musical theater" performers. They were rock singers. They were raw.
When you watch the 1973 film, you’re seeing actors who were actually filming in the blistering heat of the Israeli desert. There’s real sweat. There’s real dust. That grit is why the movie still shows up in Google Discover every Easter—it doesn't feel like a sterile production. It feels alive.
Taking Action: How to Experience the Best Versions
If you’re new to the show or a lifelong fan, here is how you should actually consume it to appreciate the acting:
- Listen to the 1970 Concept Album: This is Ian Gillan at his peak. It’s the purest "rock" version of the score.
- Watch the 1973 Film for the Chemistry: Focus on the looks between Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson. They were best friends in real life until Anderson’s death in 2004, and that bond is visible on screen.
- Check out the 2012 Arena Tour: This version features Tim Minchin as Judas and Melanie C (Sporty Spice!) as Mary Magdalene. It’s a massive, high-tech production that shows how the show translates to a modern stadium setting.
- The 2000 "Gethsemane": Look up Glenn Carter’s version from the 2000 film. It’s a very different, more internal take on the character that divides fans but is worth a watch for the technical skill.
The beauty of this show is that it’s a "living" piece of art. Every few years, a new crop of actors in Jesus Christ Superstar takes the stage, and we get to argue all over again about who hit the high notes better. Whether it’s the 1970s grit or the 2020s polish, the story of these performers is a story of pushing the human voice to its absolute limit.
Go find a copy of the 1973 soundtrack. Turn it up until the speakers rattle. You'll get it.