If you were a theater nerd in 2007, you remember where you were when the MTV pro-shot of Legally Blonde: The Musical aired. It was a massive cultural reset. While everyone was busy obsessing over Laura Bell Bundy’s pink outfits and high belts, a specific subset of the internet was collectively losing its mind over a guy in a corduroy jacket. Christian Borle Legally Blonde became an instant, permanent fixation.
He didn't play the hot, shallow guy. He didn't play the villain. He played Emmett Forrest, the "scruffy" law student who actually liked Elle Woods for her brain. Honestly, Borle’s take on Emmett changed the blueprint for what a romantic lead in a modern musical could look like. He wasn't a "barrel-chested leading man with a chin," as he famously joked in a backstage interview. He was something better: he was real.
The Scruffy Charm of Emmett Forrest
Before he was winning Tonys for playing a sexy Shakespeare or a terrifying dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, Christian Borle was the emotional glue of the Palace Theatre. Most people forget that Legally Blonde was actually Borle's breakout as a true leading man. Sure, he’d been in Spamalot and Thoroughly Modern Millie, but Emmett was different.
The character is written as a bit of a nerd. He’s the guy who’s worked three jobs to get into Harvard Law, and he has no time for the "Malibu Barbie" nonsense. But Borle brought a specific kind of deadpan wit to the role that made the chemistry sizzle. When he sings "Chip on My Shoulder," it isn't just a "get your life together" lecture. It’s a masterclass in building a character through song. He manages to be both the smartest person in the room and the most vulnerable.
You've probably noticed that many modern musical theater actors try to mimic that specific "Borle energy"—that mix of fast-talking intelligence and slightly awkward sincerity. It’s hard to pull off. He made being a "nice guy" actually interesting, which is a rare feat on Broadway.
📖 Related: Howie Mandel Cupcake Picture: What Really Happened With That Viral Post
Why the MTV Pro-Shot Changed Everything
We have to talk about the MTV special. In October 2007, the network aired a full performance of the show. It was a gamble. Traditional Broadway producers usually hate filming shows because they think it kills ticket sales. For Legally Blonde, it did the opposite.
It turned Christian Borle into a household name for teenagers who couldn't afford a trip to New York. Seeing his facial expressions in high-definition (well, 2007 high-definition) allowed audiences to see the nuance he was bringing. His "take" on Emmett wasn't just about singing the notes—it was about the way he looked at Elle when she finally got the internship. It was the "Check out the hair!" line.
- Tony Recognition: Borle earned his first Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for this role.
- The Chemistry: His partnership with Laura Bell Bundy was lightning in a bottle. They didn't feel like actors; they felt like two people who actually changed each other.
- The Vocal Style: He has this "rock-theater" rasp that perfectly suited the Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin score.
The Evolution From Emmett to Stardom
It’s kinda wild to look back at Christian Borle Legally Blonde now that he’s a two-time Tony winner and a TV star. After he left the Harvard Law halls, his career exploded. He went on to play Bert in Mary Poppins, and then he hit the stratosphere with Peter and the Starcatcher.
That role, Black Stache, was the polar opposite of Emmett Forrest. It was loud, flamboyant, and ridiculous. But if you look closely, the comedic timing he perfected in Legally Blonde is what made Black Stache work. He knows exactly how long to hold a pause for maximum effect.
👉 See also: Austin & Ally Maddie Ziegler Episode: What Really Happened in Homework & Hidden Talents
Then came Smash. If you're a fan of the show, you know him as Tom Levitt. If you're a fan of Falsettos, he’s your Marvin. He’s one of those rare actors who can do a broad musical comedy and a devastatingly sad drama in the same season. But for a huge portion of the fanbase, he will always be the guy who told Elle Woods she was "way too smart" for Warner Huntington III.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Role
There’s a common misconception that Emmett is just a supporting character. In the movie, Luke Wilson is great, but the character is definitely secondary to Elle’s journey. In the musical, Emmett is the co-protagonist.
His arc mirrors Elle’s. She learns she’s more than a blonde; he learns he’s more than a workhorse. Christian Borle played that duality perfectly. He didn't just stand there and let Elle be the star; he pushed her.
Basically, the show doesn't work without a strong Emmett. If he’s too boring, you don't care about the romance. If he’s too "cool," you don't believe he’s an underdog. Borle threaded that needle. He made it believable that a girl like Elle would choose a guy in a "terrible" sweater over a guy with a Porsche.
✨ Don't miss: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby
Practical Takeaways for Theater Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the Christian Borle rabbit hole or if you're a performer trying to study his style, here is the move:
- Watch the MTV Pro-shot: It is widely available on streaming platforms and YouTube. Pay attention to his listening. Borle is an incredible "actor-who-listens." Even when he isn't speaking, he's in character.
- Listen to the Original Cast Recording: Specifically "Legally Blonde" (the song in Act 2). It’s the emotional climax of the show. The way his voice breaks on certain lines is a lesson in storytelling through song.
- Compare his later work: Watch a clip of him in Something Rotten! as Shakespeare. It’s almost impossible to believe it’s the same guy who played the shy Emmett Forrest.
Christian Borle’s legacy in Legally Blonde isn't just about a Tony nomination or a popular TV special. It’s about the fact that he redefined the "romantic interest" in musical theater. He proved that you can be the smartest, funniest, and most awkward person on stage and still be the one the audience is rooting for to get the girl.
Next time you're re-watching the show, ignore the pink for a second. Look at the guy in the corduroy. That’s where the heart is.