“The Greatest Showman” Breakthrough Star Keala Settle Shares Her Haute Secrets To L.A.

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All the world’s a stage, and all the world’s a circus. No one knows this better than who makes her big screen debut today in 20th Century Fox’s The Greatest Showman opposite Hugh Grant, Michelle Williams, Zendaya and Zac Efron. In the film, a blowout musical and visionary spectacle about the life of circus chief P.T. Barnum, Broadway vet Settle plays the “bearded lady” Lettie Lutz. Although she’s new to movie-making, Settle has a storied career on The Great White Way, originating the role of of Norma Valverde in Hands on a Hardbody, which ran on Broadway in 2013; she was also nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, and Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

Here, this new L.A. resident answers a few questions about her first movie-making experience and her newfound film star friends before listing off her favorite new discoveries in the City of Angels. Make sure not to miss her star-making moment, singing The Greatest Showman’s theme song, “This Is Me,” below! 

What is the greatest advice you’ve received in Hollywood and who gave it to you? It was Hugh’s wife Deborah Lee; she said to me “Treat LA like Las Vegas. It’ll always be a gamble, but you will have a great time living it!”

Who, in your opinion, is the greatest showman on earth? Hugh Jackman!

What is your first memory of going to the circus as a child? I never got to see the circus…I was always in love with being a trapeze artist though.

Who was the most fun on set and why? Hugh, Zac, etc? Between Hugh and Zendaya, I thought I was gonna get in trouble for laughing so much!

Where were you born: Kahuku, HI

How long in LA: 3 months!

Neighborhood: THE VALLEY!

Occupation: Artist

Favorite Restaurant: Gracias Madre

Best Sushi: K-Zo

Best Italian: Il Piccolino

Best dessert: The macarons at Bottega Louie

Best place for a romantic date: The beach

Best Sunday brunch: Square One Dining

Best place for a power business meeting: My cell phone!

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? The London Hotel

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Any Westfield Mall

Best Spa: Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Favorite Charity Event: Anything for the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Favorite Cultural Event: CicLAvia

Favorite Cultural Institution: Anything at the Pantages Theater

Best Steakhouse: NO idea; I’m vegan

Best Pizza: Mohawk Bend

Best Lunch: Tender Greens

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: EQUINOX

Best Massage: Burke Williams

Best Limousine/Driving Service: DIVA LIMO!!!

Best Museum/Exhibit: Toss up between LACMA and MOCA

Describe your city in three words: Vibrant, contemporary and surprising

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: LaBrea Tarpits!

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: Corral Canyon

Best Aspect of Los Angeles: The vastness of it all…so beautiful

What’s your favorite place in LA to listen to live music? Catalina Jazz Club

Where in Hollywood is like a circus? The corner of Hollywood and Highland