How Katharine McPhee Became A 'Smash' - EXCLUSIVE

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The competition to be cast on NBC's Smash was just as cut-throat as the competition to be cast in Bombshell, the musical at the heart of NBC's Smash.


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For producers, tapping Katharine McPhee to play Karen was a no-brainer once the triple-threat walked into the room. "Kat seems to be the beginning of a youthful star in the making," creator Theresa Rebeck says in ETonline's exclusive sneak peek clip off the upcoming DVD. "She captures that aspect of Marilyn's innocence and beauty and raw sexuality."


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For McPhee, her connection to Karen was immediate and deeply personal. "I could just so relate to this girl. I know what that feels like to just have this drive and this dream and have disappointments and frustration for things not happening as quickly as you want to."

Check out ETonline's exclusive clip off Smash: The Complete First Season, on DVD January 8. Click here to pre-order.