One of the Most Together People on the Planet
Few artists manage to balance international performances, Broadway success, advocacy, family life, and entrepreneurship with the poise of Deborah Cox. This remarkable chapter in her career continues as she takes the stage starring in the hit musical Titanique, the wildly entertaining show inspired by the music of Celine Dion and the legendary Titanic story. Known for her powerhouse vocals and commanding presence, Cox brings both humor and heart to the production, reminding audiences why she remains one of the most dynamic performers working today.
From appearing on Broadway in The Wiz to singing the Canadian national anthem at a major baseball event, traveling to Dubai for international performances, appearing in film, and performing at Pride celebrations around the world, Cox’s career continues to evolve in exciting directions. Yet through it all, she remains deeply grounded—balancing her work with motherhood and even launching her own organic wine brand inspired by her time in France. With grace, focus and gratitude for every opportunity, Deborah Cox stands as one of the most together people on the planet, an artist who proves that passion, purpose and authenticity can truly steer a remarkable life and career.
INTERVIEW >>>
This past year has been incredibly busy for you. From Broadway to international travel and major performances, how would you describe this exciting chapter in your career?
Just that. An exciting chapter. I never thought it would be so full of so many different types of opportunities. Being in a show that is sort of revisiting a lot of my teenage years as a background singer with Celine Dion to being back on Broadway in a comedy. I just would never have thought that my journey would bring me to this place. It’s really wild.
One of the main reasons we’re speaking today is your role in Titanique. What attracted you to this production and what has the experience been like performing in such a unique and fun show?
Part of the intrigue was that I got a phone call from Tye Blue, the director. He said he had this hit running musical out on the West End and they wanted to bring it to Broadway. That was part of the dream. I thought, “Wow, this is really interesting.” He kind of gave me the backstory on the Unsinkable Molly Brown. Who she is in the show and that kind of thing. And I was just like, “Wow, OK, send the script.” So he sent the script and I just laughed from the opening scene. It’s pretty funny. And I was just like “I am in”. I just dove in. Frankie Grande [costar] is a dear friend of mine as well. To see the evolution of my Broadway career. I have known him a long time. When I was in Jekyll and Hyde, they would come backstage. Kiki and Ariana were there. This is like a family thing. It is really fun and thrilling to be working with Frankie. It’s such a really great team of actors. I feel so energized about this group because it reminds me of the beginning days in the theater, when you got thrown into a room and workshopped different things.
Last fall, you were also part of the Broadway production of The Wiz, playing Glinda. What did it mean to you to be involved in such an iconic musical that holds such an important place in theater history?
I wish I had the opportunity to sing the original. I had no reference. I only knew the movie. That was my reference point. Being a part of that was a no-brainer. When I was asked to be a part of it, I was like “Can I co-pro?” I co-produced it as well. It was really an amazing experience to be part of an iconic production.
As an artist and a musician, you want to do this legendary work. You want your legacy to be with projects of note. That’s kind of what I put my focus on.
You recently performed the Canadian national anthem at a baseball event in Canada. What was that moment like for you, representing your country on such a big stage?
That was nerve-racking. It was such an interesting time in our country. To represent Canada at the World Series with what was going on at the time, that’s what made it so poignant. I had a good time. It was my first time being at the World Series. So, being in the box and experiencing it from a whole different vantage point was really fun.
Just last week, you were in Dubai. What was that experience like and how do international audiences respond to your music and performances?
There is such a love there and real appreciation for the arts. I plan on going back and doing more there. Becoming even more involved in foundational stuff. I had a blast. The show that I opened was a fashion show. It was focused on fashion for love. It was about bringing something that was edifying and positive. It was a beautiful distraction with everything that was going on. It was my first time, but it won’t be my last. I feel really anxious about everything that’s going on right now in the Middle East, but I hope we can find some kind of resolution.
Fans also recently saw you in a movie that aired on television. How different is acting for film compared with performing live on stage or in concert?
I prefer the live performance aspect. I feel like I get more out of it as an artist and musician and as a person who loves to sing. I love the camaraderie with different performers and actors on stage. I think you’re in a bit of a vacuum when you’re performing television and movies. It’s much more of a singular performance. Doing it with cameras, as opposed to doing it with the live experience that the Broadway stage brings. It is just a whole different experience. I particularly love that more than movies. I would never say “No” to a part, but definitely my preference is stuff that’s more collaborative. Depends on the role.
Last June, you appeared at New Hope Pride. What does it mean to you to perform at Pride events and connect with the LGBTQ+ community that has supported you throughout your career?
I find myself sort of all over the world, really, just spreading the love of civil rights and human rights. People being allowed to love who they love and be their authentic self. I’ve always been an advocate of that. So it’s really just in my DNA to represent people who want to be authentic when it comes to being who they are to their core. I found that when you travel around the world and see different people, you realize you have a lot more in common than not. It’s been such a really great experience. New Hope, that was really interesting because I don’t know how many Prides they’ve had. It is interesting that these Prides have become festivals. The tone of it is again more about love as opposed to marginalizing a group of people. I’m there for it.
In addition to your music and acting career, you also have your own wine. What inspired you to create your wine brand and how involved are you in that process?
It was part of something that had been brewing for a long time while doing background and stuff. My first gig was in France.
I spent a lot of time out there doing background singing and vocals. On my days off, we would go to these different vineyards and try different types of wines out there in Europe. I didn’t realize I was in Provence, where some of the best wines come from. So it was really going back to the pandemic. I missed my friends and hanging out and having real connection. That’s when we sort of revisited the idea of having an organic wine. Something that tasted really good, that was clean, that would not give you headaches after you’ve drank it. I didn’t want to create the same thing that everybody else was doing. I didn’t just want to throw my name on a product. I wanted it to be authentic.
So it took a while to find the right blend and partner with the vineyard to come up with the right blend. And then Kazaisu was born. It was named after my three children. I wanted it to be like a legacy brand. I wanted it to be special.
You’ve accomplished so much professionally, but you’re also a mother. How do you balance your career with raising your children?
I have an amazing husband and partner. We really tag team on everything. He is really laser focused on making sure our priorities are straight. That has been my secret. I just know what my priorities are and I don’t get them mixed up. If there’s something needed, if my family needs it, they come first. Before the gigs, we have discussions about projects. If I decide to take on a project and it’s going to take me away from home, we have these conversations. It’s important that they are very much included in all the decision making I make.
Looking back at everything you’ve done this past year—from Broadway to international performances and new ventures—what has been the most meaningful moment for you?
I tend to celebrate all of the wins. Even the little things that may not be amplified as much. I know how hard it is. I know the work that is required. I know how long it takes to become an overnight success. I know there’s a lot of work. So I just don’t take anything for granted. I don’t know that I can pinpoint any one thing. I feel really blessed and fortunate that I have the career that I have. I can do different things and I’m not sort of pigeonholed into one thing. So I feel really blessed about that.
