Broadway's Orfeh and Andy Karl Separating After 23 Years of Marriage

Orfeh and Andy Karl are separated.

The long-time couple and theater veterans — known for their on-stage roles in musical adaptations Saturday night fever, Legal blonde and Pretty Woman — updated fans on the status of their two-decade marriage in a joint statement posted on Karl’s Instagram on Tuesday, May 14.

“After 23 years of a wonderful and loving relationship, both on and off the stage, we have made the decision to part ways,” reads the statement accompanying the photo of the actors posing separately.

The estranged couple, who usually live outside of New York, have been living long distance for the past year while Karl reprized his Tony-nominated role in the film Groundhog Day: The Musical. The revival premiered at the Old Vic, London, where it ran from May 2023 to August 2023. In January 2024, it transferred to the Princess Theater in Melbourne, Australia, where it ended its run on 20 April.

“Keeping a marriage strong can be challenging, especially when we work on opposite sides of the world, but we remain committed to building a strong future, together or apart,” Orfeh and Karl continued in their statement. “We ask for respect and privacy at this time.”

Orfeh and Andy Karl pose at the opening night of ‘Kinky Boots’ at Stage 42 on August 25, 2022 in New York City.

Bruce Glikas/Getty

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Orfeh, 53, and Karl, 49, first met in 2001 when he joined the cast Saturday night fever. They married six months later and eloped in South Beach in January 2001.

“I knew right away,” Orfeh recalled Playroom in a joint interview with Karl published in May 2015. “I thought, ‘Does love at first sight really exist?’ I thought it was a complete concept, but as soon as I saw it, everything else fell out of sight…I said to a couple of my girlfriends on the show, ‘Don’t let me screw this up being with this guy.'”

It was the same for Karl, although he kept his cards close to his chest.

“We were both very interested in each other, but I played it very cool. So cool that she didn’t even notice,” he told the news outlet. “I just came on the show and she was a phenomenon like I’ve never seen before. I can’t compare my wife to anyone else because she’s so unique. I didn’t think I’d have the chance, but I tried to start conversations. I think we’re both obviously looking for the same thing when it’s in the air, so I feel like it’s mutual.”

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Orfeh and Andy Karl reprise their roles in ‘Legaly Blonde: The Musical’ at Manhattan Theater Club’s May 2007 Spring Gala.

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While they were married, the two built big careers on the boards – Karl getting roles in them Wicked, Jersey Boys, Wedding singer and 9 to 5, as well as in revivals The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Into the forest and About the twentieth century — the latter earned him a second Tony Award nomination. He was also nominated for the lead role in the musical, Rocky.

Meanwhile, Orfeh — a native New Yorker who first rose to fame as part of the ’90s R&B pop duo Or-N-More — earned a Tony nomination playing Paulette in 2007. Legally Blonde: The Musical (a role immortalized on film by Jennifer Coolidge). Karl played opposite her as Kyle, a UPS delivery man.

She was last on Broadway as Kit De Luca in 2018 Pretty Woman: The Musical. Although he didn’t intend to at first, Karl managed the production as Edward after Steve Kazee had to drop out unexpectedly.

In addition to these roles, Orfeh and Karl often performed together in concert and headlined red carpet openings and various events to support the Broadway community.

Orfeh and Andy Karl at the ‘Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields’ premiere at Alice Tully Hall on March 29, 2023 in New York City.

Jamie McCarthy/Getty

He asked Playroom In 2015, about the secret to a successful long marriage, Karl said it’s “easier than [one] could think.”

“She is my champion,” he said. “I’m the guy who sits and thinks about things, but she’s the main mover. The two of us work off each other that way. I’ve learned so much from her and I’m still learning.”

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“We honestly like each other — more than just being in love,” Orfeh said. “We’re very lucky to be as different as we are, but at the same time we have the same goals, we have the same love, we have the same appreciation for things. I think that’s ultimately why it’s worked as long as it has.”

“This sounds so esoteric and cheesy – I think we really are kindred spirits,” she added. “I think he and I were meant to be together.”

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Source: HIS Education