0:00
You know, I always dreamed of being a Tony nominee and a Tony winner
0:05
and to be able to say that I actually am one is a complete surprise and shock
0:10
and we were just talking earlier, I did not expect it, genuinely, and so the fact that I can say that I am one and I'm here talking to you is a real dream come true
0:19
This is very special and rare because you're the first Asian to be nominated as Best Actor
0:27
Is it true? It is true. I learned that a couple of weeks ago that I am the first Asian American actor ever to be nominated in the category of lead actor in a play
0:39
And it made me curious to think of why it took so long
0:44
The Tonys have been around for 78 years. But beyond that, and more importantly, I'm happy and I'm super honored
0:51
What's made this show so special for you? I'm sure it's many things. It is many things
0:56
It people like Francis Chu and David Henry Huang and Lee Silverman who were incredible collaborators along with the rest of our cast and the roundabout But it also the themes and the story that we telling on stage When we talking about the way we look as defining whether we American or not
1:17
is a question that's very topical and relevant literally today. And so even though the play was written in the early 2000s
1:25
the fact that in 2025 it seems more relevant tells you how special this story is
1:31
and how powerful it is. You know, it's powerful and entertaining all at the same time
1:37
That's the great craft that David does, and that's what theater does. It makes people think but entertain at the same time
1:43
I'm so glad you mentioned that because it starts as a comedy, and it's really important to be
1:48
telling these important stories with these themes, but also, above all, entertaining
1:53
and David does that so masterfully, and it's one of the reasons I'm proud of this show
1:58
So when you were pinned today, that's a great pin. And it matches your suit, too
2:03
Thank you very much. You know, I usually don't wear pins with suits, but I'm proud to wear this one
