Dylan Mulvaney’s journey to Broadway is, in many ways, a story of resilience. After rising to prominence on TikTok with her “Days of Girlhood” series, documenting her transition, Mulvaney faced a swift and intense backlash following a brand partnership with Bud Light in 2023. Now, she’s stepping into the spotlight again, this time as Anne Boleyn in the hit musical Six, a role she debuted on February 16th. The casting, however, hasn’t been without its own wave of controversy, echoing the challenges she’s faced before, but this time, Mulvaney says, she doesn’t feel quite so alone.
The announcement of Mulvaney’s involvement with Six in December 2025 sparked familiar criticism from conservative circles, with some online commentators falsely claiming the casting “made Anne Boleyn trans.” The volume of negative responses prompted the present’s social media team to briefly make its X (formerly Twitter) account private, prioritizing the safety of the cast and crew. “The protection, safety, and support of the Six cast has always been, and remains, our highest priority,” producers stated, emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy for aggressive or abusive behavior.
For Mulvaney, the reaction felt like a dishearteningly predictable replay of past events. “All of a sudden, the far right started attacking me and the show,” she recounted, acknowledging the irony of the situation. “And I’m like, since when have you ever cared about Broadway? They don’t care. They would have never gone to see this, and if they had, they would hate it even if I wasn’t in it.” But unlike the experience with Bud Light, dubbed “Beergate” by some, Mulvaney found herself surrounded by a supportive network.
“When I think about Beergate, I felt pretty isolated as far as not having a lot of support,” Mulvaney explained, noting she has not collaborated with the beverage brand since the controversy. “But with Six, she feels more supported. “The producers are on my side. My cast is checking in on me. I think that’s where I’m like, Oh my God, I’m not actually alone.” This sense of solidarity, she says, has been crucial in navigating the renewed scrutiny.
A Queen’s Parallel
Beyond the external noise, Mulvaney has found a surprising resonance between her own experiences and those of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of King Henry VIII. In Six, the musical reimagines the six wives as pop stars reclaiming their narratives, and Mulvaney performs the showstopping number “Don’t Lose Ur Head,” a song that chronicles Boleyn’s downfall. The song’s refrain – “Sorry, not sorry about what I said. I’m just trying to have some fun. Don’t worry, don’t worry, don’t lose your head. I didn’t indicate to hurt anyone” – takes on a new layer of meaning in the context of Mulvaney’s own public battles.
“There’s all these extremists in the world who see me as this horrible, problematic woman,” Mulvaney observed. “I think me and Anne just wanted to have a voice. We were so passionate about feeling seen and heard—that we have the right to have an opinion and to celebrate ourselves.” She points out that historical portrayals of Anne Boleyn often focus on negative stereotypes, obscuring her accomplishments. “Even when you hear about Anne Boleyn today, it’s often in a very negative light—that she was this promiscuous woman. If you actually look back at the historical accuracy, she was very unproblematic and did all these great things for the world, but people don’t hold onto that.”
Mulvaney acknowledges the continued presence of negativity, admitting she sees hateful comments daily. However, she finds a degree of protection within the supportive environment of the New York theater community. “I feel protected by ‘the bubbles that I exist in’ as a professional theater performer in New York,” she said. Yet, even everyday interactions can be fraught with anxiety. “It does freak me out when I go into Trader Joe’s, and I’m like, Oh, does my cashier hate me or think that I’m not a woman?”
Navigating Visibility and Finding Strength
The experience with Six, while challenging, represents a significant milestone for Mulvaney. It’s a validation of her talent and a demonstration of her ability to persevere in the face of adversity. Her casting in a leading Broadway role is a powerful statement about inclusivity and representation in the performing arts. The show itself, known for its empowering message and dynamic performances, provides a fitting platform for Mulvaney to share her story and connect with audiences.
The controversy surrounding her casting also highlights the ongoing debate about transgender visibility and acceptance. As reported by Out.com, Mulvaney’s presence in Six sparks conversations about the impact of transgender casting and the importance of challenging societal norms. The show’s producers have consistently affirmed their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all cast members and audience members.
Mulvaney’s story is a reminder that visibility can come at a cost, but also that it can be a catalyst for change. Her willingness to share her experiences, both the triumphs and the challenges, has resonated with millions of people around the world. And now, as she takes the stage as Anne Boleyn, she’s not only embodying a historical figure but also reclaiming her own narrative and inspiring others to do the same.
Six continues its run at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York City, with Mulvaney scheduled to perform select dates through February. The production team has not yet announced further casting plans or extended engagements for Mulvaney. For more information about the show and upcoming performances, visit the official Six website.
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