The boy who lived has now become the man who won a Tony. Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his iconic role as Harry Potter, has clinched his first Tony Award. At the 77th annual Tony Awards, Radcliffe was honored with the award for best performance by a featured actor in a musical for his role in “Merrily We Roll Along.” In this production, he portrays Charley Kringas, the lyricist and best friend of Franklin Shepard, played by Jonathan Groff. This win marks Radcliffe’s first Tony nomination and victory.
The timing of this achievement is particularly special for Radcliffe, as he is also celebrating Father’s Day, having welcomed his son with longtime girlfriend Erin Darke in April 2023. During his acceptance speech, Radcliffe expressed his gratitude and love for his family. “My mum and dad are here somewhere — happy Father’s Day, dad, I love you both so much,” he said. He also shared a heartfelt message to Erin and their son, calling them the best thing that has ever happened to him.
Radcliffe didn’t forget to acknowledge his fellow cast members of “Merrily We Roll Along.” He praised the entire cast, stating it was an honor to share the stage with them every night. He specifically mentioned Jonathan Groff and Lindsay Mendez, expressing how much he would miss them and how their presence made his performance effortless.
Speaking to reporters after his win, Radcliffe reflected on his career post-Harry Potter. He admitted that he had no clear vision of his future after the Harry Potter series ended. However, he has since embraced a variety of roles, including his portrayal of Weird Al Yankovic, which earned him his first Emmy nomination in 2023. Radcliffe emphasized his desire to explore diverse roles, a sentiment that has driven his career choices.
Radcliffe’s journey to this Tony win has been marked by a series of significant stage performances. He made his Broadway debut in 2008 with “Equus,” a role that required him to perform nude. He later starred in the 2011 revival of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” where he sang on a Broadway stage for the first time. His other Broadway credits include “The Cripple of Inishmaan” and “The Lifespan of a Fact.”
“Merrily We Roll Along” has been a notable project for Radcliffe. The musical, originally a Broadway flop in 1981, was reworked by director Maria Friedman and featured an all-star cast including Radcliffe, Groff, and Mendez. The story follows three lifelong friends and navigates their journey through success, show business, and unbreakable bonds. The production has been well-received, earning accolades including best revival of a musical and best lead actor in a musical for Groff.
Radcliffe’s win is a testament to his versatility and dedication to his craft. He has successfully transitioned from his role as Harry Potter to a respected stage actor, earning recognition and acclaim along the way. His performance in “Merrily We Roll Along” has not only earned him a Tony but also solidified his place in the theater world.
The Tony Awards 2024, held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York, featured a star-studded lineup and celebrated the best in theater. The event was hosted by Ariana DeBose, with a preshow hosted by Julianne Hough and Utkarsh Ambudkar. The night was filled with memorable moments, including Radcliffe’s emotional acceptance speech and the celebration of his remarkable achievement.
Radcliffe’s journey from the boy who lived to a Tony-winning actor is a story of growth, resilience, and passion. His dedication to his craft and willingness to take on diverse roles have earned him respect and admiration in the theater community. As he continues to explore new opportunities, Radcliffe’s fans and peers alike look forward to seeing what he will achieve next.
