Jonathan Groff was overcome with emotion after receiving a standing ovation during his first performance of “Merrily We Roll Along” since his Tony Award win. The 39-year-old actor, who recently clinched the 2024 Tony Award for best performance by a leading actor in a musical, was visibly moved as the audience and his fellow cast members, including Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez, applauded him.
The heartwarming moment was captured and shared on the show’s official Instagram on June 18. During the performance, Groff’s character, Franklin Shepard, is handed a Tony Award in the middle of a song. As the crowd rose to their feet, Groff attempted to pass the award to his castmates, but they insisted he keep it. The ovation lasted several minutes, leaving Groff emotional before the cast resumed their performance.
Groff’s Tony win on June 16 marked a significant milestone in his career. He had previously been nominated for his roles in “Spring Awakening” in 2007 and as King George III in “Hamilton” in 2015. In his acceptance speech, Groff expressed gratitude to his family for their unwavering support and to his “Merrily” castmates, Radcliffe and Mendez, whom he referred to as “soulmates.”
“Merrily We Roll Along” also had a successful night at the Tony Awards, winning best orchestrations and best revival of a musical. Radcliffe, 34, celebrated his first Tony win for best performance by a featured actor in a musical. The Stephen Sondheim-composed musical, which follows the lives of three friends over two decades, has been performed at the Hudson Theatre on Broadway since September 2023 and will continue its run through July 7.
Critics have praised the revival, particularly Groff’s performance. The New York Times described him as “thrillingly fierce” in their October 2023 review. The emotional standing ovation Groff received is a testament to his talent and the impact of his performance on audiences and peers alike.
