NEW YORK — Whitney Leavitt, the 32-year-old reality TV star known for her role in Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, announced her departure from the show during her final Broadway performance as Roxie Hart in Chicago on Sunday, May 3.
Leavitt revealed the news to the audience at the Ambassador Theatre, marking the end of her three-month run on the Great White Way. According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, the announcement came just as the curtain fell on her portrayal of the ambitious flapper, a character she brought to life following her Broadway debut in February. Deadline confirmed the exit in the hours following the performance, noting that Leavitt's decision to leave the series comes after a whirlwind year that included competing on season 34 of Dancing With the Stars, where she finished in sixth place.
The timing of the revelation added an emotional layer to what was already a bittersweet night for Leavitt. Just one day earlier, on Saturday, May 2, she shared an Instagram video reflecting on the impending close of her stage tenure. “Closing night is tomorrow and I’m just feeling a roller coaster of emotions right now 😭,” she captioned the clip, which showed her in full Roxie Hart makeup and costume. “Never let anyone convince you your dream is impossible. Do the work to make it happen ✨I love you guys sm! Thank you for everything!!!! xx- Roxie Hart 💋✨.”
Notably absent from the post was any reference to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the Hulu series that catapulted Leavitt into the spotlight. The show, which premiered in September 2024, follows a group of Mormon mom influencers whose lives unraveled amid a high-profile cheating scandal involving cast member Taylor Frankie Paul. Leavitt has been a full-time cast member since the debut season, offering glimpses into her life as a Utah-based influencer and mother.
Leavitt's jump from reality television to Broadway was first reported in December 2025, a move that highlighted her versatility as a performer. Her stint in Chicago began in February, allowing her to balance the demands of eight shows a week with her ongoing commitments to the Hulu series. Sources close to the production told Us Weekly that Leavitt's schedule had become increasingly challenging, though representatives for the star have not yet responded to requests for further comment on her reasons for leaving.
Beyond the stage, Leavitt is expanding her portfolio in film. The Hollywood Reporter announced that she will make her acting and executive producing debut later this year in a holiday romantic comedy for Ninth House Productions. The project, details of which remain under wraps, signals Leavitt's ambition to transition into scripted entertainment, a path paved by her reality TV fame.
Leavitt's exit occurs against a backdrop of turbulence for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The series has been embroiled in controversies, most notably a police investigation into an alleged domestic violence incident between Taylor Frankie Paul, 31, and her ex-husband Dakota Mortensen. The altercation, which reportedly took place in early April, led to a temporary halt in production. Us Weekly confirmed on April 14 that Paul will not face charges related to the investigation, though the incident has fueled speculation about the future of the cast.
Executive producer Jeff Jenkins addressed rumors about Paul's potential return during a panel at Deadline’s “Reality TV Summit” on Friday, May 1. “I certainly hope [she will film with the other women],” Jenkins, 58, told attendees. “Again, first and foremost, is she healthy of body and mind, then we’ll talk about it.” Jenkins' comments suggest that while the door remains open for Paul, her participation in what would be the show's second season—often referred to in reports as season 5, possibly due to network scheduling—is contingent on her well-being.
Adding to the uncertainty, Chase McWhorter, the ex-husband of cast member Miranda McWhorter, expressed doubts about the series' continuation during an appearance on Harry Jowsey’s “Boyfriend Material” podcast on April 7. “I think that’s kind of up in the air at this point,” Chase, 30, said. “Hoping they do. All the other women have a bunch of great stories and story lines that haven’t been told. I think that’s a great thing they could look into. So I think they should, but we’ll see.”
McWhorter's remarks highlight a divide in perspectives among those connected to the show. While Jenkins remains optimistic about resuming filming, Chase's comments reflect broader concerns about the impact of recent scandals on the production. Neither has provided definitive timelines, leaving fans and insiders speculating about whether the series will return to Hulu at all.
The controversies have not only affected the cast dynamics but also the show's public image. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives gained traction for its unfiltered look at the intersection of faith, fame, and personal drama within the Mormon influencer community. Leavitt, in particular, endeared herself to viewers with her candid discussions about balancing motherhood, marriage, and her career aspirations. Her departure, announced so dramatically on stage, underscores the personal toll of such high-stakes visibility.
Leavitt's Broadway run itself was a milestone, coming on the heels of her Dancing With the Stars appearance, where she partnered with professional dancer Rylee Arnold to showcase her athleticism and charisma. Finishing sixth in the competition, which aired in fall 2024, boosted her profile and opened doors to theatrical opportunities. Insiders note that her performance in Chicago received praise for capturing Roxie Hart's blend of vulnerability and cunning, drawing parallels to Leavitt's own journey from social media star to multifaceted entertainer.
As Leavitt steps away from the reality TV spotlight, questions linger about the trajectory of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. With production paused and key cast members like Paul facing personal challenges, the series' future hangs in the balance. Hulu has not commented on renewal plans, but the network's investment in the franchise—evident from its strong debut ratings—suggests that efforts to stabilize the show are underway.
For Leavitt, the road ahead appears bright. Her upcoming rom-com role positions her as a rising force in Hollywood, potentially attracting a wider audience beyond reality TV enthusiasts. Fans who followed her arc on Mormon Wives may miss her insights into the influencer world, but her announcement serves as a testament to the evolving careers of those who started in unscripted formats.
In the end, Leavitt's exit from the series during such a triumphant personal moment encapsulates the highs and lows of fame in the digital age. As she bids farewell to Roxie Hart and the Mormon Wives ensemble, the entertainment industry watches to see how this multi-hyphenate talent will redefine her path forward.