EXCLUSIVE: Marissa Janet Winkour on a Possible 'Hairspray Live!' Cameo: 'I Just Want to Be a Part of It'
Hairspray is headed to television with NBC's upcoming live production of the celebrated musical comedy, and Marissa Jaret Winokur -- who originated the role of Tracy Turnblad on Broadway -- totally wants a cameo.
"I'm down for anything," Winokur told ET's Deidre Behar at the premiere of the upcoming animated film Kubo and the Two Strings in Hollywood on Sunday. "I just want to be a part of it and have fun. I'm excited."
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Winkour, 43, first starred as the fun-loving Hairspray heroine when the musical -- based on John Waters' 1988 film -- first hit the stage on Broadway in 2002. She took home the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical the following year.
Hairspray Live! is headed to the small screen in December --- with stars like Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson taking center stage.
However, it will be newcomer Maddie Baillio who will be taking on Winokur's iconic role -- and the celebrated star had nothing but love for the young actress.
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"She's just amazing and wonderful and young and sweet and perfect," Winokur marveled. "I’m so excited for her. I can't wait."
She said she even remembered to give Baillio one very important pointer: "My advice to her was, 'Be yourself. Don't try to be me. Don't try to be Ricki Lake [who starred in the original film], just be yourself,'" Winokur recalled. "'[That's] why they hired you. Just do you. Be the best you you can be. Just bring joy and happiness and embrace all your fans.'"
"Tracy Turnblad represents all of America," she added. "All the girls. We all love Tracy so much. [I told Baillio], 'Just love her and embrace her.'"
Recently, ET caught up with Derek Hough, who is set to star as Corny Collins in the upcoming live production, at the Television Critics Association summer press tour, and the former Dancing With the Stars pro couldn't help but praise the iconic musical.
"[It's] good entertainment for the whole family, but also with a very important, and very relevant message," Hough shared. "Especially right now, so we're very privileged and honored to be a part of it." Check out the video below to hear more from the stars of the upcoming production.
Kubo and the Two Strings hits theaters on Friday