News
One Life to Live Alum Jonathan Groff Wins First Tony Award For ‘Merrily We Roll Along’
Finally, in his third Tony Award nomination, the multi-talented Jonathan Groff, was named the Tony winner in the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his work in the Broadway revival of Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along at the 77th annual Tony Awards broadcast on CBS.
In one of the hotly contested categories of the night, Groff bested Brody Grant for The Outsiders, Dorian Harewood for The Notebook, Brian d’Arcy James for Days of Wine and Roses, and Oscar and Olivier Award winner Eddie Redmayne for Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.
Many thought Groff should have won a Tony back in 2007 for his performance in the original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening, but ‘Merrily’ was the ticket to victory.
Photo: CBS
One Life to Live fans may remember Groff played the teenager Henry Mackler back in 2007, in what was to be a long arc of a storyline involving a school shooting, but his role as cut short after 11 episodes, due to the real-life Virginia Tech school shooting in April of 2007.
Delivering the most emotional and heartfelt acceptance speech Tony night, Jonathan began. “I grew up in a house surrounded by cornfields in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. I was raised by my parents, Jim and Julie Groff, and my brother David, and the three of them were sitting right there. 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. Thank you for always allowing my freak flag to fly without ever making me feel weird about it.”
He added, “Even if they didn’t always understand me “my family knew the lifesaving power of fanning the flame of a young person’s passions without judgment. I walked through life with an open heart because you let me know that I could. Thank you to all of my teachers back in Pennsylvania, especially Sue Fisher, who told me I could do this for a living.”
Speaking to how Broadway has impacted his life, Groff further teared-up and expressed, “I moved to New York exactly 20 years ago this year and I got a job waiting tables and became a volunteer for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. All I wanted was to be a part of this community. A thank you to everyone involved 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’m now 39 and musical theater is still saving my soul.”
“Maria Friedman, thank you for letting me be your Franklin Shepherd in this production of Merrily and allowing me the chance to accept respect and express both the lightest and darkest parts of myself,” Groff continued. “Daniel Radcliffe and Lindsay Mendez, you are more than old friends, you are soul mates, and I’m looking forward to watching each other change for the rest of our lives. Thank you to every member of the extraordinary cast for lifting this Merrily into the spiritual stratosphere.”
Photo: CBS
Groff concluded with, “And finally, I just want to say that when I was a kid in Pennsylvania, I used to record the Tony Awards on a VHS tape and watch the performances over and over again. And to actually be able to be a part of making theater in this city and just as much to be able to watch the work of this incredible, incredible community, has been the greatest gift and pleasure of my life. I thank you and thank you so much for this honor.”
So were you happy to see Jonathan Groff win the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical? What did you think of his acceptance speech? Watch it below, then Let us know in the comment section.
It was a great speech
I’m glad he picked up a Tony award. His acceptance speech was so very touching and personal. Wish I could have seen Merrily We Roll Along with him.
Excellent Tony Awards broadcast. Very entertaining and flawless.
I’m glad the In Memoriam included stage actors Ellen Holly and Nicholas Coster who were also daytime drama favorites.
A well deserved honor.
General Hospital
Jonathan Jackson Addresses Fans on His Return as GH’s Lucky: “Your Persistence and Love Has Certainly Played a Part in All of This”
Earlier on Tuesday, it was revealed that General Hospital’s five-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Jonathan Jackson is making a return to the ABC soap opera for the first time since 2015.
Jackson is now set to reprise his role as Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura’s (Genie Francis) son, Lucky Spencer. Shortly after the soap world was abuzz at the news of his imminent arrival back in Port Charles, Jonathan took to his Instagram with his own personal message to his fans.
Jonathan started, “Hey everyone. I just wanted to let you know that I will be returning to General Hospital this summer as Lucky Spencer. Super excited and can’t wait to dig in and see what’s going on in Port Charles. Excited to see Genie Francis, obviously, and so many others.”
Photo: JPI
“Just wanted to say thank you to all of the fans over the years,” he continued. “Your persistence and love has certainly played a part in all of this. So I just wanted to say thank you. Also, to Frank Valentini (executive producer, General Hospital) and everybody at ABC for welcoming me back. Super excited. So, just sending much love, and I guess, I’ll be seeing you all fairly soon. God bless.”
Photo: JPI
The actor and musician’s video post was accompanied by the words, “excited for the journey” to continue, and so are we! Lucky was last seen in 2015 when Jackson returned to the soap to be a part of Tony Geary’s final storyline as Luke. At the time of Lucky’s exit from the canvas he left things on good terms with Elizabeth and the children.
So, now the question is, h0w does Lucky arrive back in Port Charles this summer? Share your theories via the comment section below.
News
The Bold and the Beautiful 2024 Summer Swimwear Photo Shoot
The cast of The Bold and the Beautiful participated in a photo shoot of summer swimwear as the 4th of July and the hottest days of the season are ahead.
Cast members included: Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy), Tanner Novlan (Finn), Annika Noelle (Hope), Matthew Atkinson (Thomas), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke), Delon de Metz (Zende), Jennifer Gareis (Donna), Heather Tom (Katie), Lisa Yamada (Luna), Heather Tom (Katie), Scott Clifton (Liam), Lawrence Saint-Victor (Carter), and Joshua Hoffman (RJ).
The pairings for the photos could be teasing what’s ahead this summer on-screen on B&B with Annika and Tanner together, and Annika and Matthew together making it anyone’s guess of what will happen as the story continues. Will Hope and Finn get closer? Will Hope and Thomas find their way back to each other? Will Steffy and Liam also end up getting closer as well? Stay tuned.
Photo: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip TV Prods TV
Now below, check out a few of the snaps from the photo shoot.
Photo: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip TV Prods Inc
Photo: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip TV Prods Inc
Photo: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip TV Prods Inc
Photo: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip TV Prods Inc
Photo: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip TV Prods Inc
Photo: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip TV Prods Inc
Photo: Sean Smith/Bell-Phillip TV Prods Inc
So, who do you think will end up with whom this summer on The Bold and the Beautiful? Weigh-in below, and let us know what you thought of the summer swimwear fashion photo shoot images featuring several members of the cast.
Breaking News
Jonathan Jackson Returning to General Hospital as Lucky Spencer
The big return that General Hospital’s executive producer Frank Valentini teased after the show won Outstanding Drama Series at the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards has turned about to be, as promised, a true fan favorite and beloved actor for longtime fans of the ABC daytime drama series.
Five-time Daytime Emmy winner, Jonathan Jackson is on his way back to the ABC soap in his signature role as Lucky Spencer, the son of the iconic supercouple, Luke (Tony Geary) and Laura (Genie Francis).
According to Deadline, Jackson’s on-screen return will happen later this summer and is expected to be for a “long run.” This announcement comes on the heels of yesterday’s GH casting news when they revealed that two-time Daytime Emmy winner Bryan Craig was coming back for a one-day appearance in the role of Morgan Corinthos.
Photo: JPI
As for Jackson, he began his GH career at 11-years-old back in 1993, winning viewers hearts and captivating the audience with his brilliant performances. In fact, his on-screen dad, eight-time Daytime Emmy winner, Tony Geary, has many times said that Jonathan is his all-time favorite scene partner.
Jonathan stayed with GH until 1999. The role was then recast with Jacob Young and later with Greg Vaughan. Eventually, Jackson returned to the role of Lucky for another run in 2009 to 2011.
After his GH departure, Jackson went on to star in ABC’s country music soap opera, Nashville in the role of Avery Barclay for six seasons playing opposite another soap alum, Hayden Panettiere (ex-Lizzie, GL). Jonathan returned once again to GH for a limited run back in 2015. Jackson has won five Daytime Emmys for his work as Lucky in 1995, 1998, 1999, 2011 and again in 2012.
Photo: JPI
When Valentini told ABC7 ‘s On the Red Carpet at the Daytime Emmys, “A former cast member is coming back, and I think that the audience will go crazy for him,” speculation was rampant of just which male actor was coming back to the show. Many fans hoped and many predicted Jackson, and now they will get their wish. Could Lucky finally reunite with Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) when he returns to Port Charles? Stay tuned.
Recently, Jonathan has appeared in the film Unsung Hero about the family back-story of the hit Contemporary Christian/Pop duo For King and Country, plus has appeared in numerous other TV, film and music projects.
Photo: JPI
Jackson continues to perform as a musician around the world with his band Jonathan Jackson + Enation, plus several tours with cast members from Nashville, and is also an accomplished writer penning the theological prose, The Mystery of Art.
So, are you excited for Jonathan Jackson’s long-awaited return as Lucky Spencer? Comment below.
Jonathan Jackson Addresses Fans on His Return as GH’s Lucky: “Your Persistence and Love Has Certainly Played a Part in All of This”
The Bold and the Beautiful 2024 Summer Swimwear Photo Shoot
Jonathan Jackson Returning to General Hospital as Lucky Spencer
B&B’s Matthew Atkinson on Thomas ‘Shocker’ and Impact on Hope: “The Last Thing He Ever Wanted to Do Was Hurt Her”
Bryan Craig Returning to General Hospital as Morgan Corinthos
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Thomas Returns and He’s Engaged, Leaving Hope Stunned
Ryan Paevey Makes Statement on Why He is Stepping Back from Acting While Being ‘Grateful to General Hospital for Giving a Green Actor a Chance’ and ‘Hallmark for Changing My Life’
‘Santa Barbara’ Episodes May See Light of Day Yet; Will the Beloved Soap Opera Come to Streaming?
GENERAL HOSPITAL Preview: After Tracy Takes Incriminating Photos of Finn; It All Points to Him Losing Custody of Violet
Eric Braeden Comes to the Defense of His Y&R Co-Stars Over Racist Attack on Social Media
Jonathan Jackson Addresses Fans on His Return as GH’s Lucky: “Your Persistence and Love Has Certainly Played a Part in All of This”
B&B’s Matthew Atkinson on Thomas ‘Shocker’ and Impact on Hope: “The Last Thing He Ever Wanted to Do Was Hurt Her”
‘General Hospital’s’ Sonny Tells Ava She’s Moving Out, Now Will Her Plan Backfire?
Steve Burton Departs Days of our Lives as Harris Says Goodbye to Ava & Heads Off to Find Megan Hathaway
DAYS OF OUR LIVES Preview: What Will Diana Tell Leo? Is John Really His Father?
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PreviewsJune 21, 2024THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL Preview: Thomas Returns and He’s Engaged, Leaving Hope Stunned
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NewsJune 19, 2024Matthew Atkinson Returns to The Bold and the Beautiful and Previews a Major Change in Thomas’ Life that “Shocks” Everyone
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Breaking NewsJune 17, 2024The Bold and the Beautiful Casts Joshua Morrow’s Son, Crew, as the New Will Spencer
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Breaking NewsJune 18, 2024Trevor St. John Announces His Departure from The Young and the Restless
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Days Of Our LivesJune 16, 2024Jonah Robinson Joins the Cast of Days of our Lives as Dr. Mark Greene
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General HospitalJune 21, 2024Ryan Paevey Makes Statement on Why He is Stepping Back from Acting While Being ‘Grateful to General Hospital for Giving a Green Actor a Chance’ and ‘Hallmark for Changing My Life’