During the 2025 Tony Awards in June, Keanu Reeves thanked Jonathan Groff for including him in a standout moment during the ceremony. While performing a medley from his Broadway show Just in Time, Groff surprised Reeves by straddling his seat, leading to a playful and unforgettable exchange between the two actors.
Behind the Scenes: Backstage Reunion After the Performance
Groff told GQ that Reeves’ reaction was
“so priceless, the best reaction ever,”
which sparked a private backstage visit later that evening. Preparing for the Hamilton performance, Groff was informed by the stage manager that Reeves was looking for him. Reeves came backstage to personally thank Groff, saying, “Thank you for doing that,” and sharing how much he enjoyed being part of the act.
Groff described the encounter by saying,
“We had such a great moment after!”
Jonathan Groff’s Tony Recognition and the Award Outcome
This year, Groff was again nominated for a Tony Award for his role in Just in Time, although Darren Criss won the award for his work in Maybe Happy Ending. Groff previously earned a Tony for his performance in the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along.
The Lasting Impact of Their Shared Tony Awards Experience
The playful interaction between Groff and Reeves added a memorable highlight to the 2025 Tony Awards, demonstrating the joyful spontaneity that live performances can bring. Reeves’ gratitude toward Groff highlights a camaraderie between stage and screen actors, while Groff’s continued success on Broadway underlines his rising influence in theater circles.
