Actor and comedian David Alan Grier is celebrating his first win for the prestigious Tony Award. Grier won the Tony for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play for his work in A Soldier’s Play.
Grier also starred in the film version of A Soldier’s Play called A Soldier’s Story in 1984 with Denzel Washington and Howard Rollins. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards and won a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture. The play by Charles Fuller won a Pulitzer Prize in 1982.
Grier plays Sergeant Vernon C. Waters in a story that takes place during World War II. His character is murdered at a Louisiana Army base, prompting an investigation that touches on race, resentment and anger.
The Yale School of Drama alum has been nominated for a Tony three times before his win on Sept. 26. He began his acceptance speech by telling actress and six-time Tony award winner Audra McDonald that he now had a Tony as well.
“Where’s Audra,” he said. “I finally won one of these too!”
I can’t believe this shit! I fucking won a Tony! pic.twitter.com/yVsORf1Z2D
— David Alan Grier AKA #LeonMusk (@davidalangrier) September 26, 2021
Yes indeed, yes indeed!!!
A Soldier’s Play Is Being Adapted Into a Limited TV Series | Playbill https://t.co/Sgg4ORUAYF— David Alan Grier AKA #LeonMusk (@davidalangrier) September 23, 2021
The In Living Color alum got choked up when he thanked playwright Douglas Turner Ward, whom co-founded the New York theater group Negro Ensemble Company, for coming to see him perform in the play just before Ward passed away. He also thanked the play’s director, Kenny Leon.
“I don’t know if I was the first call or the last call, but I’m just glad you called, baby!” said Grier.
The Tony Award winner showed some humor when he ended his speech.
“To the other nominees, tough bananas. I won,” he joked.
Congratulations poured in for the beloved actor and comedian on Twitter. His castmate Jerry O’Connell, who had predicted Grier’s win, congratulated him on social media. So did Loni Love and Kerry Washington.
I am so sorry, in my excitement for @davidalangrier winning @thetonyawards I accidentaly posted his phone number. Please don't bug him. I am so sorry DAG and congrats! pic.twitter.com/b0ZODzwDVg
— Jerry O'Connell (@MrJerryOC) September 27, 2021
Yes!!!! @davidalangrier We love you David!!!! Congratulations. From both of your favorite Broadway cast mates EVER
. XO Kerry & Nnam https://t.co/MQ0RtnNHXb
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 27, 2021
Congratulations @davidalangrier on your Tony and the whole cast for best revival of a play for “A Soldier’s Play”!!!!! Omg!!!! pic.twitter.com/4lmnwRC0dU
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) September 27, 2021
A Soldier’s Play also won a Tony Award for the Best Play Revival and also starred Blair Underwood and Billy Eugene Jones. The play is also being made into a limited television series by Sony Pictures Television. Grier will star in the series as well as produce.
Congratulations, Mr. Grier!
