David Alan Grier captured the first Tony Award announced on Sunday night, earning his first-ever Tony trophy for his performance in “A Soldier’s Play.”
Grier, 65, was named best featured actor in a play for his emotive turn as a sergeant in “A Soldier’s Play,” a riveting Pulitzer Prize-winning tale about a platoon of Black soldiers at a World War II-era military base.
“Audra, I finally won one of these, too!” he said in reference to Audra McDonald, the six-time Tony winner who hosted the first two hours of the awards show.
Grier is mostly known for work on TV, but has appeared on Broadway several times over the years, including a 2012 production of “Porgy and Bess.” He’s been nominated for Tonys four times.
Grier, who wore a sharp black tuxedo jacket, colorful plaid pants and a black mask to the awards show, seemed to be having a blast as he accepted his victory. He shouted out the play’s director, Kenny Leon, saying he wasn’t sure if he was the first call for the role, but, “I’m just glad you called.”
“And to the other nominees, tough bananas!” Grier said. “I won!”
