The Tony Awards announced today that Tony and Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey will host the 71st Annual Tony Awards live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Sunday, June 11 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.
This will be Spacey’s first time hosting the Tony Awards. He won a Tony Award in 1991 for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in “Lost in Yonkers.” (The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.)
“I was their 2nd choice for Usual Suspects, 4th choice for America Beauty and 15th choice to host this year’s Tony Awards. I think my career is definitely going in the right direction,” said Spacey. “Maybe I can get shortlisted to host the Oscars if everyone else turns it down.”
From the press release, said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, President of the American Theatre Wing: “We are thrilled to have Kevin, who has mastered the Broadway stage, the big and small screens and the West End, host this year’s Tony Awards! His spirit and passion for live theatre makes him the perfect host, and we can’t wait to see the energy he brings to Radio City on Tony night!”
“We’re excited to be working with a witty and charming host who is not only a Tony-winning actor and fan of live theatre, he’s also a president who is a true champion of the arts,” said Executive Producers Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner.
Several years ago when Kevin Spacey was honored by the Museum of the American Moving Image, he delivered a hilarious X-rated speech. He will have to tone it down for the Tony Awards but he’s a terrific selection for host, debonair, talented and funny. He’s also a terrific mimic, which I hope he gets a chance to showcase.
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