Fort Worth, Texas Through The Eyes Of Actress And Singer Betty Buckley

Tony Award-winning actress and singer Betty Buckley has spent her legendary career on Broadway, in film and television, and on stages around the world, but the roots of the artist she is today run deep in Fort Worth, Texas.

Her new live album, Enough , captures the intimacy, emotional honesty and fearless artistry that have made her one of America's treasured interpreters of song. Recorded during her acclaimed 2025 residency at Joe's Pub in New York, the 13-track collection was recently released via Palmetto Records.

As Buckley celebrates Enough , it's a fitting moment to look back at the city that helped shape the person she is. Fort Worth is where she grew up, attended TCU, discovered musical theatre at Casa Mañana and made her professional debut at 15.

Today, she still feels a deep connection to the city and its people. I caught up with Buckley to talk about Fort Worth, the city she calls home.

What is it about Fort Worth that has kept pulling you back and made it feel like home?

I grew up in Ft. Worth. My Dad was in the Air Force, so I started school in Morocco, N. Africa. We moved home for my third-grade year and to Maine my fourth-grade year. Then, my Dad retired from the Air Force when I was in the fifth grade and we settled in Fort Worth. I went to Elementary School, Junior High, High School and college at TCU in Fort Worth.

What does Fort Worth understand about you that New York or Los Angeles never could?

When I was growing up, Texans had a good ole boy sensibility and polite directness that I always really liked. That made me a pretty strong, outspoken kind of girl, I think.

Is there a particular Fort Worth neighborhood that transports you back to another period of your life?

Yes, Ridglea and Camp Bowie Blvd. which leads right into the Cultural Center of Fort Worth. It's a road made of bricks. I really like Camp Bowie Blvd.

How has Fort Worth changed in ways that delight you — and in ways that you miss the old days?

The places that I love haven't changed so much. I love visiting the North Side of Fort Worth which has retained the Cowboy heritage. I especially love Leddy's Western Store where I have purchased all my boots and my two saddles and hats. I love it there.

If you had one day to introduce someone to your Fort Worth — not the tourist version — where would you take them?

I always take everyone that visits to Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant. Best Tex Mex food in the land! I love the Lancarte family that owns and runs it! They are a great Fort Worth family! Legendary! It used to be a one-room place that I've been going to since I was a kid, then all through college and now for every family celebration. I remember in college we'd call from TCU at night when we were studying and ask Paul Lancarte if we could come see them, and he'd always take care of us.

It started as one room, then two, then the whole block and now across the street. I love the Lancartes! And I love the food there!

You've spent your life inhabiting other people's stories on stage and screen. What stories does Fort Worth tell you about yourself?

I was the Rodeo Reporter for the Fort Worth Press when I was in college. I was a journalism major at TCU and worked for the newspaper. And, I'm a cowgirl. It was such a fun job! I also had a teen page once a week with stories about all the high schools in Ft. Worth.

Fort Worth has such a distinctive personality. How has living here influenced you as an actress and singer?

Fort Worth is a city with a small-town vibe. The founders of Fort Worth were oil and cattle barons. We have a beautiful cultural arts center. Casa Manana is our regional theatre. I saw my first musical there when I was 11 years old and had my first epiphany that musical theatre was my calling.

Do you think growing up in Texas gave you something as a performer that you might not have developed elsewhere?

I studied with two wonderful guys Ed Holleman and Larry Howard who danced and choreographed at Casa Manana. They had worked with Bob Fosse for a lot of his shows and then, decided to settle in Fort Worth and open a dance school here. They were my great teachers. I had studied dance with my Aunt Mary Ruth Diltz from age 3. By the time I was 15, I made my professional debut at Casa Manana. I did a lot of shows there. All those folks made me Broadway ready!

What is your perfect Fort Worth day, from morning until bedtime?

Driving into Fort Worth from my ranch - -I'd go have lunch at Neiman Marcus in Clear Fork (or as we called it in High School "Needless Markups") then a facial with Kay Rose on Camp Bowie Blvd and dinner at Emilia's on Camp Bowie Blvd. at The Crescent Hotel, movie at Clear Fork and home to my ranch west of the city. I'd visit the barn to say good night to my horse Wild Man Bill and donkey Rosie, walk my dogs, watch Korean television on Netflix and then go to bed too late.

What Fort Worth food could you never give up?

Joe T. Garcia's Mexican food.

If Fort Worth were a character in one of your plays, how would you describe her?

Fun, sweet and sassy and a really cool character!

This article was originally published on Forbes.com