At the Tony Awards, Doctor Who star Jonathan Groff tearfully thanked his “soulmate” Daniel Radcliffe after winning his first Tony Award for Merrily We Roll Along. Groff won Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, marking a milestone in his 22-year theatre career.
A Night to Remember
On June 16 at New York’s Lincoln Center, Jonathan Groff won the award for his role as Frank in the Broadway adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s 1981 musical. Overcome with emotion, Groff found himself in a bearhug with his co-star and LGBTQ+ ally, Daniel Radcliffe, who dashed across the audience to congratulate him.
We love this duo! Watch the heartfelt video below.
Soulmates on Stage
In his acceptance speech, Groff expressed his deep appreciation for Radcliffe and fellow co-star Lindsay Mendez. “Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez, you are more than old friends, you are soulmates, and I’m looking forward to watching each other change for the rest of our lives,” he said, his voice breaking with emotion.
Radcliffe also won his first Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Musical for Merrily We Roll Along. This show is Radcliffe’s fifth on Broadway, but it’s the first time he has been nominated for a Tony.
Related | Daniel Radcliffe Responds to J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Rhetoric – “It makes me really sad”
Family and Acceptance
Groff’s heartfelt speech continued as he thanked his family for their unwavering support of his queerness. “Thank you for letting me dress up like Mary Poppins when I was three. Thank you for letting me act out scenes from I Love Lucy on my 10th birthday,” he shared, eliciting laughs from the audience. “And thank you for always allowing my freak flag to fly without ever making me feel weird about it.”
Related | Jonathan Groff Reveals He Felt Ashamed of His Sexuality for 6 Years
Coming Out and Community
Groff also took a moment to reflect on his Broadway journey. “Thanks to everyone in Spring Awakening who not only made that dream come true but also inspired me to come out of the closet when I was 23. I am now 39, and musical theatre is still saving my soul.”
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Talent
The night was a celebration of LGBTQ+ talent, with Sarah Paulson also winning her first Tony Award for her role in the play Appropriate. Groff joined an impressive roster of LGBTQ+ stars and creatives who were honored at the ceremony.
Read more winners here.
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