Whitney Leavitt Is Writing Her Own Story Beyond Mormon Wives

Whitney Leavitt Is Writing Her Own Story Beyond Mormon Wives

Whitney Leavitt stepped into the public eye through reality television, but she has every intention of being remembered for something far greater.

When The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives debuted on Hulu in September 2024, the entire cast was launched into an unexpected wave of fame almost overnight. For most of the women involved, that spotlight remained firmly within the reality TV universe. Leavitt, however, had other plans — competing on a highly talked-about season of ABC's Dancing With the Stars before landing what would become a career-defining opportunity.

From Dance Floors to Broadway Spotlights

Hot off her impressive run on Dancing With the Stars, Leavitt secured the coveted leading role in Chicago on Broadway — a milestone that few reality TV personalities ever reach. And that's only part of the story. Later this year, she'll make her feature film debut in a holiday romantic comedy produced by Ninth House Productions, a project she's also co-steering as an executive producer.

All of this while continuing to film for Mormon Wives and preparing for yet another unreleased season of the hit series.

In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Leavitt made it clear that while the Hulu show gave her an invaluable platform, she's now hungry for challenges that stretch well beyond it.

"I wouldn't be where I am without The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," she acknowledged, "but it feels like it's time to challenge myself in other ways and fulfill these dreams and passions that I've been trying to pursue even before the show."

A Day in the Life of Broadway's Leading Lady

Leavitt's daily schedule would exhaust most people. Her mornings begin around 6:30 a.m. with her children, followed by the school run, a gym session, vocal lessons, and ongoing filming for Secret Lives. By evening, she's at the theater — arriving an hour and a half early to warm up, prepare, and deliver a full performance.

It's a relentless pace, but one she embraces with clear purpose.

Acting Was Always the Dream

What many fans don't realize is that Leavitt was actively pursuing an acting career long before reality television came calling. After relocating to California, she enrolled in classes at respected institutions including Margie Haber, the Groundlings, and Lesly Kahn — laying the groundwork for a serious performing career.

"People don't know that before all of this happened, I was still auditioning," she revealed. "Then I got this reality TV opportunity and I took it. But even during that time, my passion is film. I love entertaining, I love acting."

As for Broadway, Leavitt admits she never expected to end up there. Though she always had a deep love for musical theater, she doubted her vocal abilities. It was only during her Dancing With the Stars run — when the Chicago audition opportunity emerged — that she began taking voice lessons seriously and decided to go for it.

Dancing With the Stars and the Conversation It Sparked

Leavitt's journey on Dancing With the Stars wasn't without turbulence. Heading into the competition, she carried insecurities rooted in how she'd been portrayed during Mormon Wives Season 1 — a narrative that followed her onto a new platform and made her doubt whether she had a genuine fanbase cheering her on.

She quickly discovered she did.

"The records we're breaking with Chicago in ticket sales wouldn't happen without that community rooting for me," she said. "That was a very overwhelming and beautiful moment in my life."

Her outspoken ambition also ignited a broader cultural conversation about women — particularly mothers — who openly pursue their professional aspirations. Leavitt found that conversation meaningful, even as she faced criticism.

"I would be interested to see how it would have been received if a father had taken the same stance," she reflected. "It really got people thinking — it got me thinking."

Many fans believe the release of Mormon Wives Season 3 just before her elimination contributed to her exit from the competition. Leavitt doesn't shy away from that possibility, acknowledging that her candor about returning to the show — and her motivations for doing so — may have divided audiences.

Eyes on Emmy Gold and Future Film

As an executive producer on Mormon Wives, Leavitt now holds a professional credential that carries real weight — and one that could, if the show earns another Emmy nomination, see her name on the ballot.

"Just getting that EP title means a lot — not just for me, but for all the women," she said. "That's something we carry with us into future business opportunities and future projects. That's with us forever."

Looking further ahead, Leavitt has her sights set on working with celebrated filmmaker Ryan Murphy, citing his talent, work ethic, and passionate approach to storytelling as qualities she deeply admires.

She also expressed a desire to see a revival of Sweet Charity — and would love nothing more than to play the lead role of Charity herself.

Broadway as a Launchpad, Not a Destination

When asked whether she plans to continue on Broadway after Chicago or pivot fully into film, Leavitt sees no contradiction between the two.

"Broadway is still acting — it still fills my cup," she said. "It's like an acting boot camp. And I don't have this expectation to suddenly be in massive Oscar-winning films overnight. That's the goal, but I know it's going to take time. There are actors who've been climbing that ladder for years, and I'm climbing it too."

The Future of Mormon Wives — An Open Question

As for what lies ahead with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Leavitt draws a thoughtful parallel to a band whose members eventually pursue solo paths.

"Just like One Direction — I would hope they'd all support each other when they broke off and had individual careers, because it felt like the right time," she mused. "I wouldn't be where I am without that platform and the group we built together. But maybe it's time for me to branch out. And I feel, today, that each one of them would support me in that."

Whatever shape her future takes, Whitney Leavitt is making one thing unmistakably clear: this is only the beginning.