Jonathan Drew Groff is an accomplished American actor and singer widely recognized for his work on Broadway. He gained prominence for his Tony-nominated performance as Melchior Gabor in "Spring Awakening" and received further acclaim for his role as King George III in "Hamilton," also earning a Tony nomination. His stage credits include the Off-Broadway revival of "Little Shop of Horrors" and the Broadway revival of "Merrily We Roll Along," the latter garnering him another Tony nomination. Groff's impressive career highlights his versatility and success in musical theatre.
1969: The Woodstock Festival takes place
The Woodstock Festival, a pivotal event in music history and counterculture, took place in 1969.
March 26, 1985: Jonathan Drew Groff is born
On March 26, 1985, Jonathan Drew Groff was born. He would go on to become a celebrated actor and singer.
2003: Groff graduates high school and tours in "The Sound of Music"
Jonathan Groff graduated from Conestoga Valley High School in 2003. He was then cast as Rolf in a national tour of "The Sound of Music", leading him to defer his admission to Carnegie Mellon University.
December 11, 2005: Groff makes Broadway debut in "In My Life"
Jonathan Groff made his first appearance on Broadway as an understudy, swing, and dance captain in the musical "In My Life" which closed on December 11, 2005 after a short run.
August 5, 2006: "Spring Awakening" concludes successful Off-Broadway run
The original Off-Broadway run of "Spring Awakening", in which Jonathan Groff played the lead role of Melchior Gabor, concluded on August 5, 2006.
December 10, 2006: "Spring Awakening" premieres on Broadway
The rock musical "Spring Awakening" debuted on Broadway on December 10, 2006, with Jonathan Groff originating the role of Melchior Gabor.
2006: Jonathan Groff rises to prominence for his role in "Spring Awakening"
In 2006, Jonathan Groff gained recognition for his portrayal of Melchior Gabor in the original Broadway production of "Spring Awakening".
April 2007: Groff's storyline on "One Life to Live" is cut short
Jonathan Groff had a recurring role on the soap opera "One Life to Live" in 2007, but his character's storyline, which involved a school shooting, was cut short due to the tragic Virginia Tech shooting in April of that year.
November 2007: Groff is cast in the pilot episode of "Pretty/Handsome"
Jonathan Groff was cast in the pilot episode of the FX series "Pretty/Handsome" in November 2007, but the show was not picked up for a full season.
May 18, 2008: Groff departs from "Spring Awakening"
Jonathan Groff concluded his run as Melchior Gabor in the Broadway production of "Spring Awakening" on May 18, 2008.
August 31, 2008: Groff concludes run in Shakespeare in the Park production of "Hair"
Jonathan Groff finished performing the lead role of Claude in the Shakespeare in the Park production of "Hair", directed by Diane Paulus, on August 31, 2008.
December 21, 2008: Groff's run in "Prayer for My Enemy" concludes
Jonathan Groff concluded his run as Billy Noone in the Off-Broadway production of "Prayer for My Enemy" on December 21, 2008.
May 17, 2009: Groff concludes run in "The Singing Forest"
Jonathan Groff's performance in the Off-Broadway production of "The Singing Forest" concluded on May 17, 2009.
October 2009: Jonathan Groff Publicly Comes Out as Gay
Jonathan Groff publicly came out as gay in October 2009 during the National Equality March.
2009: Groff portrays Dionysus in "The Bacchae"
In 2009, Jonathan Groff played the role of Dionysus in a production of "The Bacchae" for Shakespeare in the Park.
2009: Romantically linked to Gavin Creel
In 2009, Jonathan Groff was romantically linked to actor Gavin Creel.
2009: Groff appears in "Taking Woodstock"
Jonathan Groff appeared as Michael Lang in Ang Lee's comedy-drama "Taking Woodstock", released in 2009.
2009: Jonathan Groff makes film debut in "Taking Woodstock"
Jonathan Groff made his first film appearance as Michael Lang in Ang Lee's "Taking Woodstock" in 2009.
August 21, 2010: West End Debut in Deathtrap
Jonathan Groff made his West End debut in the London revival of Ira Levin's "Deathtrap" on August 21, 2010. He played the role of Clifford Anderson, a young and brilliant playwright, alongside Simon Russell Beale as his professor, Sidney Bruhl.
2010: Relationship with Zachary Quinto begins
Jonathan Groff began a relationship with actor Zachary Quinto in 2010.
2010: Recurring Guest Star on Glee
In 2010, Jonathan Groff began his recurring role as Jesse St. James on the Fox musical comedy-drama, Glee. He played the role of the lead performer in the rival glee club, Vocal Adrenaline, and love interest of Rachel Berry (Lea Michele), for a total of fifteen episodes across the first, second, third, and sixth seasons.
January 15, 2011: Final Performance in Deathtrap
Jonathan Groff concluded his run in the London revival of "Deathtrap" on January 15, 2011.
October 22, 2011: Off-Broadway in "The Submission"
Jonathan Groff starred in the off-Broadway world premiere of Jeff Talbott's play, "The Submission", which ran until October 22, 2011 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. He played the role of Danny Larsen, a white playwright who uses an African-American woman's name to submit his play.
September 9, 2012: Final Performance in "Red"
Jonathan Groff concluded his run in the Center Theatre Group's production of John Logan's "Red" on September 9, 2012, in which he played the role of Ken, an artist's assistant.
October 2012: Final Appearance in "Boss"
Jonathan Groff's time on the Starz political drama, "Boss", ended with the conclusion of its second and final season in October 2012. He played the role of Ian Todd, a ruthless political aide.
January 20, 2013: Premiere of C.O.G. at Sundance Film Festival
The film adaptation of David Sedaris's book of essays, "Naked," titled "C.O.G." and starring Jonathan Groff as David, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2013.
June 11, 2013: One-Night Performance of The Pirates of Penzance
On June 11, 2013, Jonathan Groff played the role of Frederic in a one-night-only gala performance of the comic opera, "The Pirates of Penzance," at the Delacorte Theater.
September 20, 2013: Theatrical Release of C.O.G.
"C.O.G.", the film adaptation of David Sedaris's "Naked," was released in theaters on September 20, 2013. Jonathan Groff stars as David in the film.
November 19, 2013: Premiere of Disney's Frozen
Jonathan Groff voiced the character of Kristoff in Disney's animated feature, "Frozen," which premiered on November 19, 2013.
2013: Groff voices Kristoff in Disney's "Frozen"
Jonathan Groff lent his voice to the character of Kristoff in Disney's animated film "Frozen", released in 2013.
2013: Relationship with Zachary Quinto ends
In 2013, Jonathan Groff and actor Zachary Quinto ended their relationship.
2013: Reprising Role in "Red"
In 2013, Jonathan Groff and Alfred Molina reprised their roles in "Red" for six performances with L.A. Theatre Works.
May 25, 2014: Release of "The Normal Heart"
"The Normal Heart," a film adaptation of Larry Kramer's autobiographical play of the same name in which Jonathan Groff plays the role of Craig Donner, was released on May 25, 2014.
June 29, 2014: Grand Marshal at New York City Gay Pride Parade
On June 29, 2014, Jonathan Groff was a Grand Marshal at the New York City Gay Pride parade. This followed his decision to take on a leading role in the gay television series "Looking", a decision that he initially hesitated on.
2014: Groff stars in HBO's "Looking"
Jonathan Groff played Patrick Murray in the HBO comedy-drama series "Looking", which premiered in 2014.
2014: Premiere of HBO's "Looking"
Jonathan Groff starred as Patrick Murray, a gay video game developer, in the HBO comedy-drama "Looking," which premiered in 2014.
2014: Guest Narrator at Disney's Candlelight Processional
Jonathan Groff was a guest narrator at Disney's Candlelight Processional in 2014.
March 3, 2015: Jonathan Groff Joins "Hamilton" Cast
On March 3, 2015, Jonathan Groff joined the cast of the musical "Hamilton", replacing Brian d'Arcy James as King George III.
March 13, 2015: Premiere of Frozen Fever
Jonathan Groff reprised his role as Kristoff in "Frozen Fever," a short film sequel to "Frozen," which premiered on March 13, 2015.
March 23, 2015: HBO's "Looking" Cancelled
HBO's "Looking," in which Jonathan Groff starred as Patrick Murray, was cancelled after two seasons on March 23, 2015.
April 2015: Awarded the Point Horizon Award
In April 2015, Jonathan Groff was honored by the Point Foundation with the Point Horizon Award. The award recognizes trailblazers who have taken leadership roles advocating for the LGBTQIA communities.
May 3, 2015: "Hamilton" Off-Broadway Run Concludes
May 3, 2015, marked the end of "Hamilton's" off-Broadway production at the Public Theater, with Jonathan Groff in the role of King George III.
May 19, 2015: One-Night Concert Performance of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"
On May 19, 2015, Jonathan Groff starred as J. Pierrepont Finch in a one-night-only concert performance of the musical, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," at the Royal Festival Hall.
July 13, 2015: "Hamilton" Premieres on Broadway
Jonathan Groff reprised his role as King George III in the Broadway premiere of "Hamilton" on July 13, 2015, at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
December 2015: Honored with the Bayard Rustin Award
In December 2015, Jonathan Groff received the Bayard Rustin Award from Equality Pennsylvania. This award recognizes Pennsylvanians who work to ensure the visibility, acceptance, and celebration of the LGBT community.
2015: Groff earns Tony Award nomination for "Hamilton"
Jonathan Groff was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of King George III in the original Broadway production of "Hamilton" in 2015.
2015: Event Chair for Elton John AIDS Foundation Benefit Gala
In 2015, Jonathan Groff served as an Event Chair for the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 14th Annual New York Benefit Gala, demonstrating his longtime support for the organization.
2015: Starring in "A New Brain"
Jonathan Groff played the role of Gordon Schwinn in an Encores! production of the musical, "A New Brain", in 2015.
April 9, 2016: Jonathan Groff's Final "Hamilton" Performance
Jonathan Groff gave his final performance as King George III in "Hamilton" on Broadway on April 9, 2016.
July 23, 2016: Premiere of "Looking" Television Film
The television film that concludes the story of HBO's "Looking" premiered on July 23, 2016. Jonathan Groff reprised his role as Patrick Murray for the film.
2016: Groff reprises role in "Looking: The Movie"
Jonathan Groff reprised his role as Patrick Murray in the television film "Looking: The Movie", which continued the story from the HBO series, in 2016.
July 2017: Jonathan Groff Stars in First Podcast Musical, "36 Questions"
Jonathan Groff played the role of Jase in the groundbreaking podcast musical "36 Questions", released in July 2017.
July 23, 2017: Jonathan Groff Performs in "Sondheim on Sondheim" Concert
On July 23, 2017, Jonathan Groff participated in a one-night concert production of "Sondheim on Sondheim" at the Hollywood Bowl.
October 2017: "Mindhunter" Debuts on Netflix
Jonathan Groff starred as FBI agent Holden Ford in the Netflix crime thriller series "Mindhunter", which premiered in October 2017.
2017: Named Out100's Entertainer of the Year
In 2017, Jonathan Groff was named Out100's Entertainer of the Year, an award that celebrates the impact of LGBTQ+ public figures.
2017: "Olaf's Frozen Adventure" Released
Jonathan Groff reprised his role as Kristoff in the short film "Olaf's Frozen Adventure", released in 2017.
2017: Groff portrays Holden Ford in "Mindhunter"
Jonathan Groff took on the role of FBI Special Agent Holden Ford in the Netflix crime drama series "Mindhunter", which premiered in 2017.
2018: Relationship with Corey Baker begins
Jonathan Groff started dating New Zealand choreographer Corey Baker in 2018.
August 16, 2019: Season Two of "Mindhunter" Premieres
The second season of the Netflix crime thriller series "Mindhunter", starring Jonathan Groff as FBI agent Holden Ford, premiered on August 16, 2019.
September 17, 2019: "Little Shop of Horrors" Revival Opens Off-Broadway
Jonathan Groff starred as Seymour Krelborn in the off-Broadway revival of "Little Shop of Horrors", which opened at the Westside Theatre on September 17, 2019.
November 2019: "Frozen II" Released in Theaters
Jonathan Groff reprised his voice role as Kristoff in "Frozen II", which hit theaters in November 2019.
December 2019: Jonathan Groff Cast in "The Matrix Resurrections"
It was announced in December 2019 that Jonathan Groff had joined the cast of "The Matrix Resurrections", the fourth installment in the franchise.
2019: Groff stars in Off-Broadway revival of "Little Shop of Horrors"
Jonathan Groff took on the role of Seymour Krelborn in the Off-Broadway revival of "Little Shop of Horrors" in 2019.
2019: Jonathan Groff Purchases Home in Pennsylvania
In 2019, Jonathan Groff bought a house near his family in Christiana, Pennsylvania.
January 2020: "Frozen II" Becomes Highest-Grossing Animated Film
In January 2020, "Frozen II", featuring Jonathan Groff as the voice of Kristoff, surpassed its predecessor to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time.
January 19, 2020: "Little Shop of Horrors" Revival Ends Off-Broadway Run
The off-Broadway revival of "Little Shop of Horrors", featuring Jonathan Groff as Seymour Krelborn, concluded its run at the Westside Theatre on January 19, 2020.
July 3, 2020: "Hamilton" Film Released on Disney+
The filmed version of the Broadway musical "Hamilton", featuring Jonathan Groff as King George III, was released on Disney+ on July 3, 2020.
August 2020: Participated in "Ham4Change" fundraiser
In August 2020, Jonathan Groff and the cast of Hamilton organized "Ham4Change," a virtual fundraiser dedicated to supporting organizations fighting systemic racism. The event raised over $1 million.
October 3, 2020: Participated in Pennsylvania Democratic Party Virtual Event
On October 3, 2020, Jonathan Groff showed his support for the Democratic party by participating in a virtual event for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
October 16, 2020: Participated in Biden Victory Fund Fundraiser
Jonathan Groff, along with the original Hamilton cast, took part in a virtual fundraiser for the Biden Victory Fund on October 16, 2020, to support Joe Biden's presidential campaign.
November 2020: Jonathan Groff Cast in "Molly and the Moon"
It was revealed in November 2020 that Jonathan Groff had been cast in the musical film "Molly and the Moon", co-starring with Kristen Bell.
December 13, 2020: Hosted Georgia Senate Runoff Election Fundraiser Concert
On December 13, 2020, Jonathan Groff and fellow Hamilton cast member Sasha Hutchings hosted a virtual holiday concert fundraiser. The event aimed to support the campaigns of Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in the Georgia Senate Runoff elections.
December 2020: Jonathan Groff Joins "Invincible" Cast
It was announced in December 2020 that Jonathan Groff had joined the cast of the animated superhero series "Invincible" as the character Rick Sheridan.
2020: Relationship with Corey Baker ends
In 2020, Jonathan Groff and Corey Baker ended their relationship.
March 2021: Netflix Announces Jonathan Groff in "Lost Ollie"
In March 2021, Netflix announced Jonathan Groff would star in the series "Lost Ollie".
December 22, 2021: "The Matrix Resurrections" Premieres
"The Matrix Resurrections", featuring Jonathan Groff as a character based on Agent Smith, premiered in theaters and on HBO Max on December 22, 2021.
2021: Groff stars as Smith in "The Matrix Resurrections"
Jonathan Groff joined the Matrix franchise as Smith in the fourth installment, "The Matrix Resurrections", released in 2021.
2021: Groff receives Primetime Emmy Award nomination for "Hamilton"
Jonathan Groff received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Anthology Series or Movie for his performance in the Disney+ live stage recording of "Hamilton" in 2021.
May 3, 2022: "Spring Awakening: Those You've Known" Premieres on HBO
"Spring Awakening: Those You've Known", a documentary about the 15-year reunion of the original Broadway cast of "Spring Awakening", executive produced by Jonathan Groff, premiered on HBO on May 3, 2022.
August 24, 2022: "Lost Ollie" Premieres on Netflix
The live-action/animation hybrid series "Lost Ollie", featuring Jonathan Groff as the voice of Ollie, debuted on Netflix on August 24, 2022.
December 2022: Jonathan Groff to Star in Broadway Revival of "Merrily We Roll Along"
Jonathan Groff was confirmed to reprise his role in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along" in December 2022.
2022: Groff executive produces "Spring Awakening: Those You've Known"
Jonathan Groff served as executive producer for the HBO documentary film "Spring Awakening: Those You've Known", which revisited the original cast of the musical 15 years later, in 2022.
2023: Jonathan Groff to Guest Star in "Doctor Who"
Jonathan Groff is set to make a guest appearance in the fourteenth series of "Doctor Who" in 2023.
2024: Groff receives Tony Award nomination for "Merrily We Roll Along"
Jonathan Groff received a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role in the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along" in 2024.