Caissie Levy is a theater veteran. Even after two decades in the industry, the actress is still accomplishing career milestones. On June 7, that came by way of her very first Tony Award win.
At the 2026 Tony Awards, the Ragtime star beat out some stiff competition for the Lead Actress in a Musical trophy. During her speech for the role of Mother, Levy took the glorious moment to discuss her own journey as a working mom.
After thanking her parents, husband David Reiser, the Ragtime crew, and production team, Levy thanked “every babysitter who’s made it possible for me to be both a Broadway actor and a mother.”
“Thank you to my Ragtime family; Lear deBessonet; our producers, cast, crew, and orchestra; Fran [Drescher] and Danny [Percefull]; Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and the late, great Terrence McNally,” said Levy. “Thank you for your masterpiece. Playing mother has been one of the greatest gifts of my artistic life. And being mother to my kids has been the greatest joy of my life.”
Levy closed with a moving message to her children.
“Isaiah and Tula, I love you,” said Levy. “And although I’m not there to tuck you in each night, you have to know that a part of my heart stays home with you.”
Watch Caissie Levy’s entire acceptance speech for Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the 2026 Tony Awards below courtesy of CBS.
The 79th Tony Awards (2026 Tonys) were broadcast live on CBS. But the ceremony can be rewatched exclusively on Paramount+. Click here for more information.