Keanu Reeves’ reaction to Jonathan Groff at Tony Awards quickly became a highlight of the evening, as the Hollywood actor found himself center stage during Groff’s dynamic musical performance. The incident, which took place in front of an enthusiastic audience, showcased an unexpected and memorable exchange between the two actors.
Jonathan Groff Delivers a Standout Performance—and a Big Surprise
During the 2025 Tony Awards, Jonathan Groff captivated the crowd as he performed “Mack the Knife,” “That’s All,” and “Once in a Lifetime.” The audience’s attention peaked when Groff left the stage and made his way through the audience, heading straight for Keanu Reeves. Groff leaped onto Reeves’ chair, straddling him while singing, instantly drawing all eyes to the startled John Wick star.
Reeves, caught off guard, looked up at Groff in visible mock horror as the moment unfolded. Yet rather than shy away, Reeves embraced the situation wholeheartedly, turning what could have been an awkward encounter into a celebrated highlight of the show.
Reeves Responds in Classic Rock Star Fashion
As the playful scene continued, Groff serenaded Reeves directly with the lyrics,
“and the only heart I own is for you and you alone.”
—Jonathan Groff, Actor/Singer
Groff added another heartfelt line,
“I can only give you country walks in springtime, and a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall,”
—Jonathan Groff, Actor/Singer
all while gently running his hand through Reeves’ hair and over his chest. As the cameras zoomed in, Reeves responded with pure delight, throwing up ‘rock n’ roll’ devil horn hand signs, signaling that he was fully in on the fun. His willingness to become part of Groff’s performance cemented his reputation for being down-to-earth and game for surprises.
Groff, nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his role as Bobby Darin in Just in Time, explained that he wanted to open up the connection with the audience, stating,
“break the fourth wall with the audience to create that connection that Bobby was really famous for.”
—Jonathan Groff, Actor/Singer
That connection was certainly achieved in this memorable Tony Awards moment.
Shared History Adds Depth to the Moment
The Tony Awards straddle wasn’t Groff and Reeves’ first interaction. The two previously starred together in The Matrix Resurrections, where Groff took on the role of Agent Smith, originally portrayed by Hugo Weaving. Their on-set relationship was intense and collaborative, with Groff earning the nickname ‘The Savage’ for his commitment during fight scenes.
Groff once emphasized his motivation, saying he aimed to
“could actually be present with one of the greatest action stars of our generation.”
—Jonathan Groff, Actor/Singer
His respect for Reeves was clear, as he told The Hollywood Reporter the experience was,
“an experience I’ll hold in my heart for the rest of my life.”
—Jonathan Groff, Actor/Singer
and described working with him as both thrilling and educational:
“It was so exciting to be doing such extraordinary fight choreography with the greatest action star of our time and someone that’s so devoted to their craft,”
—Jonathan Groff, Actor/Singer
The Lasting Impact of an Unforgettable Awards Show Moment
The spontaneous interaction between Keanu Reeves and Jonathan Groff at the Tony Awards not only delighted both the audience and viewers at home, but also highlighted the genuine camaraderie shared by the two performers. Their playful energy and willingness to blur the line between audience and stage left a mark on Broadway fans and underscored why live events remain so compelling. As the buzz around this memorable encounter continues, fans and future award shows will no doubt look forward to similar moments that capture this same energy.
