Jennifer Aniston reveals the one thing that is still on her career ‘bucket list’ but in 30 years of acting she has not been able to do it

After three decades of shaping television and film with iconic roles, red carpet moments, and critical acclaim, Jennifer Aniston is still not done. But in a surprising revelation this week, the beloved actress shared that despite her impressive résumé, there’s one dream she still hasn’t been able to cross off her career bucket list — and it’s something fans never saw coming.

In an intimate interview for The Hollywood Roundtable: Women in Film 2025, Aniston, 56, opened up alongside fellow actresses including Cate Blanchett, Regina King, and Emma Stone, when the moderator asked the group: “What’s one thing you still want to do in your career?”

Without hesitation, Aniston leaned forward and said with a smile:

“I’ve never done Broadway. And I really, really want to.”

The table fell silent for a moment — then lit up with encouragement, disbelief, and applause.

A Stage Dream Deferred

Though Aniston has spent over 30 years commanding the screen, from her star-making turn as Rachel Green on Friends to her critically acclaimed work in The Morning Show, she has yet to make her debut on Broadway, the Mecca of live theater.

“People always assume I’ve done it,” Aniston explained. “Because of my background in theater school, because I’m from New York, or just because I’ve been around a long time — but the truth is, I’ve never even had the chance to audition for a Broadway role that felt right.”

She added, “I was always either shooting a show, locked into a film schedule, or just… intimidated. Live performance is terrifying in the most thrilling way. There’s no cut. No do-over. That kind of vulnerability really excites me now.”

Why Now?

Aniston said the desire to do stage work has intensified in recent years as she seeks new creative challenges. After earning accolades — including a SAG Award and multiple Emmy nominations — for her dramatic turn in The Morning Show, she feels more confident stepping outside of what the public expects from her.

“Comedy has been my safety net for a long time,” she said. “But live drama on stage? That would be the ultimate leap of faith.”

She also hinted that there may finally be movement toward that goal.

“There’s something in early talks,” she said cautiously. “A revival. A really, really powerful script. I can’t say more than that — but I’m hopeful.”

Fan and Industry Reaction

News of Aniston’s Broadway aspirations sent shockwaves through social media, with many fans expressing disbelief that the Hollywood veteran has never graced the stage.

“How has she NOT done Broadway?!” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Rachel Green singing in a musical revival would be an instant sellout.”

Others offered casting suggestions — everything from Nora in A Doll’s House to Sally in Follies to a female-led version of Death of a Salesman.

“She’s got the range,” one fan wrote. “And the presence. Imagine her doing something like Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Live? Instant Tony contender.”

Even Broadway insiders joined the chorus. Tony-winning director Susan Stroman tweeted: “Would love to see Jennifer Aniston on stage. It’s about time!”

A Legacy Still in Motion

Aniston, who began her career doing off-Broadway productions in the late ’80s before her breakout TV role, said she never saw her career lasting this long — but she’s grateful it did.

“When I was younger, I thought I’d be lucky to still be working at 40,” she laughed. “Now I’m 56 and I feel more creatively alive than ever.”

Asked what’s still driving her after all these years, Aniston replied:

“Chasing the things that scare me. That’s how I know I’m still growing. And for me, stepping onto a stage in front of a live audience? That’s the Everest.”

Whether or not Jennifer Aniston finally gets her Broadway debut in the next year, one thing is clear: her passion for her craft hasn’t dimmed. If anything, she’s just getting started on a whole new act.