Congratulations are in order!
Bowie State University student Myles Frost has made history as the youngest solo Tony Award winner for best lead actor in a musical, The Baltimore Sun reports.
Last month we reported on Myles Frost’s Tony nomination, electrifying audiences with his performance in “MJ” The Musical.” The 22-year-old spoke about his journey and how grateful he was to play such an iconic person and receive a prestigious Tony nomination for his first-ever Broadway run. Frost credited the entire Broadway community with really helping him navigate this new journey.
“It’s so humbling. I’m so humbled. And I’m blessed to have this opportunity and just thanking the Broadway community for being so supportive of me and taking me under their wing. This is my Broadway debut and I’m new to Broadway so it’s a lot that I have to learn. I’m just so blessed,” Frost previously told reporters.
At the 75th annual Tony Awards ceremony this past weekend, Frost won his category, making history as the youngest person ever to win a Tony Award for best lead actor in a musical solo. The Maryland native won against Billy Crystal (“Mr. Saturday Night”), Hugh Jackman (“The Music Man”), Rob McClure (“Mrs. Doubtfire”), and Jaquel Spivey (“A Strange Loop”) in his category, also replacing Ben Platt as the youngest performer ever to win, Platt winning for his role in “Dear Evan Hansen” back in 2017.
Congrats to @MJtheMusical’s @mylesfrost5, #TonyAwards-winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical. Bravo! #75YearsofTonys pic.twitter.com/Y0h8ozyj53
— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) June 13, 2022
“Mama I made it,” Frost said as he began his acceptance speech. “Mom I love you so, so much, without you there would be no me. You’ve taught me and showed me what a strong Black woman is, and what it means to raise a strong Black man and I just pray I made you proud,” he continued.
Not only has he made his mother proud, but his university and county are also proud, with more than 100 members of the Bowie State community and supporters of the Prince George’s County Arts and Humanities Council showing up on Broadway to support Frost in his debut this past March. BSU president, Dr. Aminta Breaux, issued a statement after Frost’s historic win this weekend, saying the entire BSU community was “thrilled.”
“We are absolutely thrilled. Myles is the youngest HBCU student to win a Tony. I believe the best is yet to come,” said Breaux.
Rhonda Dallas, executive director of the Prince George’s County arts council, said Frost deserved the award for his performance.
“He is absolutely electrifying to watch perform and if you close your eyes, you’ll think you’re listening to Michael Jackson sing. He’s an absolute phenomenal talent,” Dallas explained.
During the award show broadcast, Frost brought a bit of his stage show to the big screen, exciting audiences in his rendition as the pop icon. Draped in a Michael Jackson-inspired getup, complete with sunglasses and shoulder pads, Frost ended his speech with a little bit of MJ magic.
“I love you all. And as Michael would say, ‘with love, heal the world,” he said.
Congratulations, Myles! Keep achieving your biggest dreams!
Photo Courtesy of Charles Sykes/Invision/Associated Press