Laura Benanti, the acclaimed Broadway actress, revealed in an exclusive interview that her 3-year-old daughter Louisa is a “natural comedian” — but she’s hoping both daughters steer clear of show business. The star shared insights into her kids’ passions and her desire for them to carve their own unique paths.
At the New York City screening of Mayor of Kingstown Season 4, Laura Benanti opened up about her two daughters — Ella Rose, 8, and Louisa Georgia, 3 — revealing which one possesses a comedic gift while also expressing her deep hope they won’t follow her into show business.
The actress noted her older daughter’s focus on sports: “My older daughter now, she’s very into sports,” Benanti said. “She’s amazing at soccer, so that’s become our family obsession.”
But it was her younger daughter who captured attention for a different talent. “But I will say the little one, who’s 3, she’s a natural comedian,” Benanti added. “She really gets it. She understands a joke. All she wants to do is play pretend.”
Despite this early sign of comedic genius, Benanti expressed a cautious wish: “I would rather they did not [go into show business]. I would rather they make their [own] way in a different [manner],” she said.
The sentiment stems from her own experience. Benanti, who followed in her mother Linda Wonneberger’s footsteps as a performer, acknowledged how demanding show business can be. “Had I had more of a creative outlet as a child, I actually think I would’ve been much happier and perhaps wouldn’t have made some of the mistakes that I made,” she reflected.
Benanti’s concern isn’t rooted in jealousy or fear — it’s born from empathy. “I want her to follow her own bliss and her journey, of course,” she said. “But I don’t want her to do it too soon because it can be really damaging.”
Her perspective echoes advice many parents give: let children discover their interests organically before committing to any career path. “That’s how Ella was when she was younger, so maybe she’ll grow out of it,” Benanti mused, referring to her daughter’s earlier interest in dance and theater.
In another candid moment, Benanti teased her own past hesitation toward her daughter’s artistic ambitions. “She has the comedic timing, she’s so good at dancing, she loves it so much, she keeps being like, ‘Please, please, please let me do it’ — and I’m over here like, ‘Oh no, this is terrible,’” she laughed.
Benanti’s approach reflects a broader philosophy: protect childhood curiosity without stifling potential. “I’m terrified!” she admitted when asked if Ella might follow her into show business. “I am not at all ready for that. Please, no!”
This isn’t the first time Benanti has spoken openly about parenting. While promoting her Audible series Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, she shared how her daughter’s passion for performing once made her anxious — and how she ultimately learned to trust her child’s instincts.
“I don’t want my kids to feel pressured into anything,” Benanti emphasized. “Their joy should come from exploration — not obligation.”
For fans, this insight offers a rare glimpse into the private world of a celebrated entertainer balancing fame with familial devotion. Benanti’s honesty resonates deeply with audiences who’ve watched her evolve from Broadway stage star to award-winning television actor — and now, as a mother navigating the delicate balance between artistry and childhood.
As Louisa continues to develop her comedic flair, and Ella grows into her athletic identity, Benanti remains committed to letting them chart their own courses — even if that means steering clear of the spotlight entirely.
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