Donny Osmond: 'You've got to love show business to stay in it for as long as I have'

When it comes to show business, it’s safe to say Donny Osmond has put in a shift.

The entertainer has been in the industry for over six decades and has shown no signs of slowing down as he plays Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

The music legend is set to celebrate Christmas and his 67th birthday in Edinburgh over the festive period.

What’s On Scotland caught up with him to reflect on his incredible career.

“Show business is tough – up, down, and everything in between – so you’ve got to really love it to stay in it for six decades, like I’ve done. I absolutely love it.”

Donny added: “Moments like being here in this theatre validate my desire to stay in the business. All those hours of rehearsal, dancing, and singing – it’s worth it. It’s challenging, but when you’re playing the role of Pharaoh, it’s worth it, baby!”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, first premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival in 1972.

Donny says the famous show has finally come “full circle” in its return to the Capital as he praises the duo for creating “total magic.”

He first played Joseph in 1982 in London’s West End, clocking in over 2,000 stage performances in the role.

“I started doing Joseph over 30 years ago, and I always thought if I ever came back to this show, it would probably be in the role of Pharaoh,” Donny said.

“It’s exceeded my expectations. The audience, the theatre, the cast, and crew – everyone has been great to work with.

“I came out of character in one scene where Joseph comes in and mocks Pharaoh. I said ‘Shall I show him how I used to do it when I was Joseph?’ The place went crazy!

“It’s probably going to remain an element of the show, breaking that fourth wall. It was a party last night.”

He added: “When you analyse this show, every character, principal and otherwise, there are serious moments. in the role of Pharaoh, There’s not a serious bone in Pharaoh’s body, and I take full advantage of that.”

Donny first gained fame as the lead singer of The Osmonds, before launching a solo career in the early 1970s, quickly becoming a teen heartthrob with a devoted legion of adoring fans.

At the height of Osmondmania, the Osmonds were famously banned from flying into Heathrow Airport due to safety concerns in 1972.

“We had to take a secret train from Scotland to London, that was the way we had to get into the country,” he recalled.

He shared his gratitude for his long-time supporters who have followed his career through the decades.

“I have the best fans in the world. Some of these fans have been with me since the ’70s – I’m talking 1870s,” he joked.

“Even through the lean years, they’ve been there, supporting and following me. I give a lot back as well. It’s a very symbiotic relationship.”

He might be an all-American stalwart in entertainment, but behind the scenes, Donny is “just grandpa.”

“When I look back, that’s almost like another person. I wear two different hats. When I go home, I’m a father, husband and grandfather,” he said.

“Before shows, my grandkids just want to wrestle, play, tickle on the floor. Then it’s ‘grandpa’s got to ready.’ I’m just grandpa to them. After the show in the dressing room, they are staring at me. ‘Are you the same guy?’ On stage, you really do have a different persona.

“Being on stage as an entertainer elevates you, but when you step off the stage, you put your pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else. I try to keep that balance.

“When I’m home, I take out the trash and mow the grass.

“It’s going to be quite different without [my family] this Christmas. It gets a little wild – I grew up in a large family and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate.”

This year, Donny will be spending the festive season in Edinburgh with his wife Debbie – where some of his favourite music memories have taken place.

He described his Glasgow Hydro show last year as “probably the wildest concert”, adding: “It was unbelievable. The Scots have always been amazing.”

He also recalled filming a show in front of 10,000 people at Edinburgh Castle in 2004.

“It was pouring rain. I honestly thought, ‘This is a bust; it’s not going to work.’

“But just before the show started, there must have been some divine intervention because not only did the rain stop, but the clouds parted. It turned into a beautiful evening with a stunning sunset.

“And then, after the last song, the rain started again. What a memory.”

He added: “I love it here. The Scots have always been good to me. I can’t thank them enough.”

In an impressive Scottish burr, Donny concluded with “all I can say is… it’s grrrreat!”

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is on at Edinburgh Playhouse until December 29.